关于冷却考虑生活没有空调几千年来,人们一直住在炎热的气候没有空调。因为空调使用大量的能源,绿色建筑应考虑其他冷却选项的结论之前房子需要空调。据美国能源部,三分之二的美国家庭有空调系统,共同消耗5%的所有电力和房主每年约110亿美元的成本。在地区的高温、高湿度或都是现实存在的,空调被认为是必需的。然而,有很多方法来降低室内空气温度低于安装大型能源密集型的空调系统。在从美国节能经济委员会的建议:隔离和收紧。绝缘良好的房子不需要尽可能多的机械空调绝缘不好的房子。达到或超出推荐的能源部绝缘水平是一个很好的第一步。这是最容易做的新建筑,但仍然可行的改造,特别是当涉及到阁楼绝缘。选择low-solar-gain玻璃窗。 Windows with low solar heat gain coefficients will help lower indoor temperatures and significantly reduce cooling loads. Replace inefficient appliances and products. Replacing old refrigerators with energy-efficient models, exchanging incandescent light bulbs with fluorescents and unplugging electronic equipment when not in use to reduce phantom energy loads all contribute to a cooler interior. Use cool exterior finishes. Light colored roofing and siding can reduce cooling demands by as much as 15%. Keep it shady. Planting deciduous trees and shrubs near south- and west-facing walls can help block intense summer sun. Window shades and horizontal trellises are an option where outdoor plantings are not practical or ineffective. Update existing cooling equipment. If the house already has an…