DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Best way to cool down a house

Got a question about cooling down a house... I live in a condo that is surrounded on 3 sides. During the day the condo just takes a beating when it's sunny out and it's normally 10-15 degrees warmer inside than outside. I can run the a/c but it will run all day just trying to keep up.

So, what's the best way to cool the condo down? At this point it looks like I can replace the windows with the argon gas kind that reflect the rays back or install a new attic exhaust fan to push the hot air out. The problem with the new exhaust fan is that it would need approved from the condo board. The windows are originals (1979) when the unit was built and are considered 'contractor' windows, aka cheap things that basically act like a magnifying glass.

Are the windows going to make that much of a difference for those that have gotten new windows before? I think in the end the windows make the most sense, but if it does not help the temperature situation, I am back to square one.

Any ideas?
Thanks!

Hold a certs in front of a fan.

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Good thread.. this got me curious so I did some looking around online.. I liked this place for some readable info..

http://www.mge.com/business/saving/madison/BS_03.html

the response from xxDoDxx seems like a low cost solution.. possibly coupled with an attic fan might be a cost effective way to accomplish this.

Retrofittable Window Films

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For retrofit applications, many of the benefits of solar control glazings are available through the application of after-market window films to existing glazing areas.

• Typical films have a total thickness of 0.001 to 0.004 inches.

• The films are made with a variety of adhesives and can be applied on-site to single- or double-glazed windows, usually to the inner surface facing the room.

• Besides reducing cooling loads, adding solar control films to windows also improves shatter resistance and blocks up to 99 percent of incoming ultraviolet radiation.

• Reducing daylight transmittance as well as solar heat gain reduces glare as well.

• Because of reduced solar radiation, local temperatures are reduced and comfort is improved near the windows. Anecdotal evidence indicates that air temperatures near windows can drop by 6° to 8° Fahrenheit with the addition of window films.

Retrofittable window films have been a relatively low-cost energy-saving method for many years, and their performance is well documented by utilities and facilities managers. Historically, problems have included film fading and color shift, installation difficulties, and poor adhesive performance. Most of these problems have been solved through advances in film and adhesive technology and through the use of better application techniques.

You say that your blocked in on 3 sides, on the side thats not blocked in do you have more than 1 room with windows? If so get a window fan and put it in 1 window with the fan blowing out then open a window in another room, this will help bring in the cooler outside air. Also any other windows get blinds or heavy curtains for so that you can keep shut when your not in those rooms or don't need the light, helps keep those rooms from getting warm.

Thanks for the posts everyone, giving me some great info here.

The side that is not blocked has a total of 4 windows, 3 of which are on the 2nd floor.

After clicking around, I also found some info on radiant barriers that I might be able to easily put in the attic vs. an exhaust fan. http://www.radiantbarrier.net/index.html

I would say get some insulation blown into the walls on that side of the house. The windows might help a little, but usually the walls take up more of the wall space.

Also found these while clicking around - http://www.airscapefans.com/

Whole house fans. Have to look into these more as well b/c I could get one installed easily since it would not require condo board approval.

You say that 3 of the 4 windows are on the 2nd floor.. so I'm guessing that you have a large window on the lower level and bedrooms upstairs, one with one window, one with two.... Is that correct?

What is the temperature difference between the first level of the house and the second?

1. Is the exposed side facing south and gets direct sun?

2. you mentioned an attic. Is it insulated? Is the roof vented? If 3 sides are surrounded by other units. Then a good portion of your heat may be coming from the roof. Adding some vents (Professionally unless your skilled) will lower attic temperatures by 10-15 degrees and that will help alot on the second floor.

3. Getting blinds that block the sunlight from directly entering the room, but not totally blocking all light from entering will help as well. And good window tint can help drop it a few degrees.
The more expensive option there is going with a Low-E insulated glass window replacement.

4. Ceiling fans. They help circulated the air, and keep the rooms more evenly temperatured.

I live in Florida, so it's a little worse, but I have 2 rooms in the front of our house, that have windows facing south. They are about the same size and everything.
One only gets direct sun for only a couple do to location to the garage and front entry overhangs.
The other gets direct sun all day. This room will easily be 10-15 degrees warmer on any given day. I had tinted them a couple years ago and it helped maybe 5 degrees, but it's still too warm midday to be in there(my den)
Thursday I have guys coming to replace the single pain windows with Insulated Low-E in both rooms, and the master bedroom and bathroom. I expect this to help alot all around, as the ,aster bedroom tends to be a little warm during the summer, and chilly during the winter.

The tint actually changes the way heat transfers through the glass....helps your heating bill in the winter as well...

Depending on the size of the home, most recoup the cost of the film within a year on energy savings.

1. Is the exposed side facing south and gets direct sun?

Yes.

2. you mentioned an attic. Is it insulated? Is the roof vented? If 3 sides are surrounded by other units. Then a good portion of your heat may be coming from the roof. Adding some vents (Professionally unless your skilled) will lower attic temperatures by 10-15 degrees and that will help alot on the second floor.

The attic is insulated and a good part of it is fairly new actually. It looks like there is one small exhaust fan, but I need to check it closer to see if it's even working!

3. Getting blinds that block the sunlight from directly entering the room, but not totally blocking all light from entering will help as well. And good window tint can help drop it a few degrees.
The more expensive option there is going with a Low-E insulated glass window replacement.

I may look at the tint option since I'm hoping to not drop a ton of cash on this place since I don't plan to live here for more than a couple more years.

4. Ceiling fans. They help circulated the air, and keep the rooms more evenly temperature.

I wish our unit already had them. Some units we looked at buying had them already installed and I am seeing why some previous owners did this. I would have to get the electrical hookups in place as there is nothing there now that we could use.