Alternative cooling, contd.

Awnings, window or roof overhang shades can lower inside temperature and reduce glare.

19th century Filipino builders knew what they where doing when they placed sliding doors and grills below windows. This can be done today, adding sliding or open-out insect screens. Can your generator run an airconditioner on power-failure days?

Outside walls or wall trelises on the east and west sides may be covered with climbing plants (sample above) that take the heat. The leaves give off oxygen to counter pollutants, too.

If your housebuilding or remodeling budget can stand it, a courtyard, small terraces outside bedroom doors that open out, an indoor water feature (photo above left from www.backyardcity.com) or good-sized aquarium will fight the heat specially when fans are positioned near the water.

Use heatblocking roof paint on the next repaint session. This type paint costs a little more but will save on coooling costs for the long term. This is better than fire-hazard roof insulation used in fully airconditioned buildings.

This wraps it up for Josh's room problems, so anyone else have house budget problems, solutions or decor ideas to share ?