Stopping the heat from entering a home through passive solar cooling is not the same as using solar energy to power an air conditioning system. Passive cooling or “natural cooling” is used as an alternative to regular home cooling systems and to reduce energy usage of central air conditioning systems in areas where cooling is required.

The idea is to stop the summer heat before it enters your home. To do this you need pay some extra attentions to various parts of your house, like windows and other glazing, roofing and possible cracks in your building and to take extra preventive measures that will block the heat, keeping it outside. The main four sources that generate a lot of of unwanted heat are:

Sunlight, Direct & Indirect

When sunlight hit your home and especially direct sunlight coming through your windows is one of the main problems. You should try to keep out as much of the sun’s light keeping your indoor temperature as comfortable as possible. The best way is to block direct sunlight from the outside using is sun blind. The next best thing is blocking the heat from inside using curtains.

Heat infiltration

Hot air from outside can seep through air leaks in your home’s exterior walls and through faulty windows. To stop the hot air from entering you can use various kinds caulking, weather-strips and other insulating materials depending on what part of your house your are trying to seal.

Heat transfer

Heat can be transferred through walls and roofs, to avoid the heat from transferring into your home, you have to install sufficient insulation. Installing insulation is one of the easiest and most cost effective methods of improving the energy efficiency of a home and is a good way to save a lot of money on your utility bill.

Internal heat sources

There are a lot of electrical devices in a home today, and most of them will generate heat, think of your computer and the TV. But you should also think about activities as cooking and bathing and cooking. Try to avoid using these appliances and devices as much as possible to keep the temperature down. Also make sure to insulate your plumbing to avoid any unwanted heat spreading from hot water pipes.