Staying Cool with the Right Technology: Energy Products Articles: Eco20/20

Staying Cool with the Right Technology

Often with the advent of summer we find ourselves placing our comfort above and beyond our needs or wants for maintaining a green lifestyle. We take comfort in the central AC system at work, think nothing of turning on the air at home when we walk in the door and maintain a daily focus typically more intent on living comfortably than anything else. Unfortunately, as usually happens, our selfishness can have serious environmental impacts that last far beyond a miserable 30 minutes of being warmer than we'd like. So, with summer calling us and coming full speed whether we're ready or not, now might be a good time to re-evaluate how you're currently meeting your cooling needs and whether or not you're on par with where you'd like to be from a green standpoint or if there's some changes that can be made.

Best AC Style Additions

There are some instances in which heat and humidity nearly necessitates some style of electric cooling. When this is the case, you can choose from a variety of options. The most eco-friendly and most cost-effective option of all the AC style products is an evaporative swamp cooler. These do just what their name states: they evaporate water to provide you with cool air. A swamp cooler pulls in hot air, pushes it through water-cooled pads, and drops the temperature of the hot air by around 20 degrees. Because they use evaporation, they use approximately 75% less electricity than an air conditioner does. However, since they are putting moisture into the air, they are much more suitable for low humidity level areas than high humidity.

The next best option would be a portable air conditioner. It can also dehumidify, which can make high temperatures that much more tolerable. And, it's still up to 50% more efficient than a central air system since you are only cooling the room you are in, as opposed to the entire house, which also means less cost as well. There's also no installation cost associated with either an evaporative swamp cooler or a portable AC like there is with a central air system.

Natural Household Additions

If you're really dedicated to avoiding using electricity to cool, then this section is for you. Try some/all of these ideas to keep the heat out of your house and the cool air in.

1) Windows. Windows are the easiest method you have of making a big difference. Open them nightly and close them in the earliest morning hours to ensure that your house gets cooled off on a daily basis. Try to achieve cross-ventilation as often as possible. During the day, you can consider covering them; old blankets and towels will work, but you can do even more with blackout curtains or mylar sheets also.

2) Trees/Shrubs. Another method of protecting those windows (and one more eye-appealing than hanging blankets) is to plant shade trees and shrubbery around your windows. You'll be amazed at the variety of options available that can grow at least six feet within just one growing season. They'll keep sun out and you can allow them to grow over your windows during the summer months and then trim them back in the winter.

3) Awnings & Shades. Also more appealing ways to protect your home from the intensity of the sun is to invest in awnings and shades. You'll be at risk for losing some of your view, but the offset in heat often makes this entirely worth the view for those most intense summer days.

4) Appliances. Appliances in general have a huge impact on the heat that builds up in a home. Keep lights dim or off whenever possible. Investing in florescent and compact fluorescent lights can also have a big difference in the heat created in your home. Other big ticket appliances like dryers, dishwashers and water heaters can have drastic impact on the heat within a home. If possible, try to seal off the rooms where your laundry appliances and hot water heater are located. Cook outside on the grill when possible and when the time comes to buy new appliances, take it as an opportunity to find more efficient options.

Author Tara Alley is a freelance writer currently researching portable air conditioners and the best options for environmentally conscious cooling.