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Summer in Hawaii is hot, but running the air conditioner 24/7 isn’t always an option. If you’re looking for a greener, more affordable way to keep cool, consider the benefits of a passive cooling home design. It takes into account specific climates, floor plans, and key property features to keep your house cool without relying on an air conditioner. Here’s a simple guide to how it works.

3 Elements of Passive Cooling Home Designs

1. Floor Plan

In general, the purpose of passive cooling is to take advantage of the trade winds to keep air moving through the house. One of the best ways to do this is to design the floor plan with the “envelope” home design in mind. This refers to the home’s roof, walls, windows, and floor as the building’s envelope. The internal layout, including the walls, doors, and room arrangements, is positioned to allow paths for the heat to enter and leave the home through the “envelope.”

2. Window Placement

home designIf you don’t have an air conditioner, your windows are the most critical components to keeping your house cool. The glass panes collect heat via radiation and conduction, and open windows allow for ventilation. In Hawaii, south-facing windows are best to keep things cool. With the right home design, you can determine exactly where to place your windows to maximize ventilation and shade.

3. Types of Windows

Window design will also help direct breezes into the home. The three main options include sliding windows, louvres, and casement windows. Sliding windows are, at maximum, only 50% open at any given time. This restricts the amount of air flow. Louvre windows, on the other hand, have thin, horizontal panels that tilt open and closed. When fully open, they let in a healthy breeze. Casement windows, which open wide like a door, are best used when a breeze needs to be redirected toward a specific airflow path within the house.

 

The science behind passive cooling is both proven and effective, but it takes a complete understanding of the area’s climate to take full advantage of it. If you’re ready to save money on your energy bills without sacrificing your comfort, contact Homeworks Construction in Honolulu, HI. Call them at (808) 955-2777 to learn more about passive cooling home designs, or visit their website.

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