An eco-friendly inexpensive dry climate cooling alternative @ PODS

An eco-friendly inexpensive dry climate cooling alternative

Posted on November 19th, 2009 by bwarner 8 comments

Depending on what part of the United States you live in, the availability of central air conditioning may differ. Climates that have fewer hot days annually generally make the cost of installing central air unnecessary while those living in states such as Arizona see central air conditioning as a necessity. Because of this, homes may not support the duct work required to facilitate central air conditioning if you’re moving or have recently moved to a climate that doesn’t see central air as a necessity.

When faced with the restrictive cost of installing the duct work necessary to install a central air conditioning system, take into consideration the fact that central air conditioning has it’s share of ups and downs, such as:
- Reduced humidity – A plumber once told me that central air can reduce the humidity in your home. If you live in an already dry state, you might not consider this a plus.
- Energy consumption – Most central air conditioning systems aren’t energy efficient as new models, most times energy inefficiency is based on user habits. Most people rarely set their thermostat to a constant setting, instead choosing to cycle between temperatures in your home to cool it down depending on daily preference.
- Pricey – Central air conditioning can quickly become expensive to purchase and install depending on if you have forced air heating. While you can take advantage of seasonality and buy your unit in the winter time, often times there are hidden fees based on unforeseen installation hurdles or inadequate duct work already existing in your home.
However, if you’re looking for an alternative to central air, there are eco-friendly, green solutions called whole house fans or WHF’s for short. While this is only one such alternative, WHF’s have a few advantages over other alternatives:
- Inexpensive installation
- Very energy efficient
- Eco-friendly
Basically, these fans are installed in your roof at the central high point of your home. You then open your windows to let cool air in from outside and then you crank up the WHF. The air in your home is then sucked out and the cool air from the outside rushes in to fill the space. Probably has your mind wondering about all the other benefits, doesn’t it?
1. In addition to central air, this could be wonderful at getting things going so your AC doesn’t have to work so hard or you don’t have to wait so long before it cools down in your home.
2. WHFs work much faster than other alternatives because you’re sucking the hot air that’s trapped inside out, immediately. You can literally feel the air moving past you.
3. Since hot air rises, if you have 2 stories, the upper story will experience immediate relief and get some of that cool air that’s downstairs or outside…inside.
4. You’re not using a lot of electricity and the only thing you’re putting into the environment is warm air that’s trapped inside your home. You’re just trading that air for the nice, cool air that’s outside.
Of course, the advantages of WHF’s are based on the presence of cool air outside, making it less attractive for residents of hotter or more humid regions of the country making central air systems or even traditional swamp coolers more appealing. However if you’re a resident of a traditionally calmer climate and the environment is a key concern to you, a WHF may be exactly what you’re looking for. Check out a major hardware stores or big box stores in your area to find out pricing and installation but traditionally, you’re most likely looking at $300-$600 depending on your area and market.

Have your own ways of keeping your house cool in the summer? Feel free to share them here.

Posted in House Tips
8 responses to “An eco-friendly inexpensive dry climate cooling alternative”
1. Timothy Mcallister December 14th, 2009 at 13:33
  
  Awesome post this will really help me!
2. Herb Feld March 31st, 2010 at 09:49
  
  I love your take on this, could not agree more.
3. ms tina April 5th, 2010 at 13:25
  
  HAD THE PLEASURE OF USING PODS IN HUNT VALLEY MD. (WONDERFUL OWNER/MGRS)FOR PERSONNAL AND CHURCH STORAGE.THE FACILITY IS VERY SECURE, CONTAINERS ARE A-1 CONDITION, AND THE FLEXABILITY OF SITES OF STORAGE MADE IT SO MUCH EASIER. THEY GAVE ME LOTS OF SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO STORE AND PACK MY CONTAINERS AND LENDED A HAND TO ACTUALLY SHOW ME, AS I HAD NEVER DONE IT BEFORE.
  KUDOS TO SEAN,SUSAN, AND LARRY!!
4. dee dee April 7th, 2010 at 10:09
  
  when moving, I had achoice between hiring movers or the pod container. I found the pod more economic and had it for 28 days for one mthly rate I packed it at my leasure then had pods transport to my new location and unpacked at my leasure. No better way to move, no stress of 1-2 day move. Hunt Valley, MD PODS gave me several suggestions and tips on moving, storage, and wrapping along with a supply list of items I would need. Will use again for winter and summer storage.
  LOVE YOU SUSAN
5. dee dee April 9th, 2010 at 11:59
  
  Used PODS for seasonal storage and remodeling 2 rooms to avoid breakage and clutter. also held a garage sale out of a POD and was able to lock it up and not haul everything back into house. Was also given excellent ideas from owners SEAN and SUSAN OF HUNT VALLEY PODS. THANKS A MILLION !!! You saved me money while I earned money from the garage sale.
6. dee dee April 9th, 2010 at 12:01
  
  Used PODS for seasonal storage and remodeling 2 rooms to avoid breakage and clutter. also held a garage sale out of a POD and was able to lock it up and not haul everything back into house. THANKS A MILLION !!! You saved me money while I earned money from the garage sale.
7. dee dee April 9th, 2010 at 12:04
  
  THANKS A MILLION !!! You saved me money while I earned money from the garage sale.
8. Empowerment temple AME May 10th, 2010 at 11:47
  
  Thanks again and again PODS(Hunt Valley) for your help in delivering containers that store everything from food to shoes in all kinds of weather year round without damage. Management and staff were wonderful to work with. Thank you for being a blessing to us.
  The ETC Family!
Leave a reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website