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Passive cooling and heating are energy-saving — and eco-conscious — ways to reduce the climate impact of our digs.
We spoke with Ryan Cullinen, a principal at Santa Barbara-based Allen Construction, known for its sustainable building practices for more than 40 years, to get some tips for how to keep cool in summer and warm in winter.
Building or Renovating?
Location and orientation are key in creating passive heating and cooling for comfortable indoor temperatures all year. “The original passive strategy for new homes has focused on siting the structure,” Ryan says. “Eaves and overhangs are designed so that in the cool months you have sun shining in, often hitting thermal mass like concrete floors or walls in the house that absorb the heat during the day and radiate it during the evening. In the hotter months, shading keeps the sun out and the indoor thermal mass stays cool, keeping the home comfortable throughout the day.”
3 Tips for Existing Homes
New technologies and materials for insulating and air-sealing can combine to increase a home’s “thermal envelope.” Ryan offers these tips for upgrading:
- Consider replacing doors and windows first. “There’s a lot of heating and cooling leakage through very old windows,” he says.
- Insulate your attic and crawlspace areas, which are fairly easy to access. “The attic has the most heating and cooling effect,” Ryan says. He also recommends insulating walls if there is access.
- The final element to consider is a solar photovoltaic strategy. “We’re seeing more battery storage as a component alongside solar,” he says. “And this goes hand-in-hand with trying to convert your heating and cooling systems to electric when possible.”
Whether you’re taking small steps or making larger investments, it all makes a difference in reducing energy bills, increasing energy independence, and contributing to a more sustainable and lower-carbon future.
