Cross Ventilation
Posted: Thursday, December 04, 2008
by Ashley Steyaert
http://www.sustainablecommunities.com
After shade, ventilation is the second most important factor when considering the design of an eco-house in the tropics. A good way to obtain good air circulation is to place windows on as many walls as possible, so breezes can blow through from any direction. There are inexpensive windows available that have both sliding glass and screen panels, to maximize air flow when fully open, or to prevent insects from entering using the screens during times of increased insect activity, such as at dusk or right after the first rains. Houses should also include ceiling fans for additional cooling and air circulation. Fans not only cool, but also keep rooms dry by helping to evaporate moisture, reducing fungus and maintenance. We recommend a $50 Panasonic fan that can be purchased and repaired locally. In more temperate climates, houses can be more effectively cooled using good ventilation than using "thermal mass" techniques by installing heavy walls that absorb heat and radiate it back out at night. The reason being that at night, the temperature in the tropics doesn't drop significantly.
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