Cooling Basics

1. Heat gains

Cooling needs depend on solar gains, internal loads (appliances, lighting, people), and warm air infiltration. Minimizing these is the first step.

2. Passive cooling design

• Orient and shade windows to block direct sun.
• Use reflective roofing or light-colored exteriors.
• Design with overhangs, pergolas, and vegetation.
• Employ thermal mass (adobe, concrete) to slow down heat transfer.

3. Ventilation & night flush

Cross-ventilation and stack effect can remove hot air. In hot-dry climates, night flush (opening windows at night) cools the structure.

4. Efficient equipment

• Ceiling and portable fans: very low power draw.
• Swamp coolers (evaporative): great in dry climates.
• Heat pumps / mini-splits: COP 3–5, efficient if solar PV covers demand.

5. Humidity & comfort

High humidity reduces evaporative cooling and comfort. Use dehumidifiers or ventilation strategies if off-grid power allows.

6. Climate-specific strategies

• Hot-dry: focus on shading, thermal mass, evaporative cooling.
• Hot-humid: prioritize ventilation, dehumidification, reflective roofs.
• Temperate: mixed approach — shading + occasional active cooling.