Cooling Systems
There are many alternatives to cooling your home other than the traditional air conditioner. Combined with proper insulation, shading, and energy- efficient windows and doors will save energy and keep your home cooler.
Ventilation systems are the most energy-efficient and cheapest way to cool your home. Although ventilation is ineffective in hot and humid areas you can greatly reduce the accumulated heat in your home by installing an attic fan. Whether using natural ventilation, ceiling fans, window fans, circulating fans, or whole house fans, these are all great alternatives to keep your home cooler inside.
Evaporative cooling systems are usually used in dry, low humidity areas. This cooling system acts like an air conditioner, but with lower energy use. Evaporative cooling systems cost half the money to install than an air conditioner and uses about one-quarter of the energy that an air conditioner does. These cooling systems require more frequent maintenance compared to an air conditioner. If you live in an area that has limited water supply this could be a concern that you need to consider before deciding on an evaporative cooling system.
Air conditioners are the most used cooling system here in America. The most common type of air conditioners are central air units, room air units, and ductless mini-split air conditioners.
Other cooling technologies include; absorption cooling and radiant cooling. Absorption cooling is an air conditioner powered by a heat source such as solar-heated water or geothermal water, natural gas, and/or propane. Natural gas is the most used heat source to power absorption cooling. Radiant cooling cools the ceiling or floor for a cooling effect by absorbing the heat from the room. Radiant cooling works better in arid areas.
With all of the cooling systems that are available there are several options that suit everyones lifestyle and budget. Now it is easier than ever to cut energy cost and still be efficient while cooling the home.