Natural Air Conditioning – Discover it

Have you ever wondered how the ancient people managed the scorching heat with no air conditioners?

But they were the ones to start the idea. Decades past, the Romans invented a unique technique which led to the many innovative air conditioning structures we have nowadays. The system is called natural air conditioning.

From the word natural, the system makes use of nature. In simpler words, it is the technique of maintaining a comfortable temperature within a building with no help from any energy source. It is a type of passive cooling.

A Natural air conditioning system has three main components: a.) heat blocking with the use of insulation, shading through verandas, and reflective barriers, b.) interior heat removal with vents, chimneys, and ceiling fans, and c.) heat source reduction (example, turning off unnecessary bulbs). If we look closely, the name of the game sounds like energy and money conservation.

Now, if you want to go for natural air conditioning, you might need these tips:

1. Blocking the heat
Insulating the top floor or attic is the finest way to minimize heat flow. Caulking weather-stripping doorways and windows prevent warmer air from the outside from coming into the house.

Another way to block the heat is with the use of reflective barriers. Under this is house colour. As we all know, light-coloured home exteriors are effective in reflecting heat away unlike dark-coloured surfaces that absorb 70-90% of the sun’s radiant energy. Installing radiant barrier (foil-faced paper stapled to roof rafters) is also a good option. The film reduces glare, keeps the room cooler, and decreases ultraviolet rays that are damaging to furniture and floors.

The simplest, most effective way to cool the house is shading. It greatly reduces energy consumption. Trees, shrubs, and vines shade our home; it is called landscaping. Letting vines climb exterior walls gives natural greenery especially on the sun-facing side. Light-coloured blinds, drapes, shade screens, and curtains prevent sunlight from directly streaming in through west- and south- facing windows, pulling shades or drapes, and putting overhangs, latticework, patio overheads, and awnings.

2. Removing Interior Heat
We have what we call the thermal chimney. Windows on the side where breeze comes from are opened to the lowest while interior doors and upstairs windows (on the opposite side) are left open.

Roof vents are installed to cool the house and to help remove moisture especially from the attic. Ceiling fans mounted on high parts work efficiently and use little electricity.

3. Reducing Heat Sources
We are told to get away from using incandescent bulbs because of its energy consuming effects. Better use compact fluorescents.

TVs or lamps should not be placed near air conditioners because these cause the latter to work longer.

Use microwave or pressure cooker when cooking because these generate relatively low to almost no heat.

To reduce humidity, cover pots when cooking, dry clothes outside, and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

4. Managing summer blues.
Leave the windows open especially at night for the draft to blow in. Put a fan near the window to draw the cool morning air inside and close the window to trap the cool air inside the room.