An eco-friendly inexpensive dry climate cooling alternative

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.