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Insulate your attic. If you live in a climate where summers
are hot and winters are mild, also consider installing a radiant
barrier -- a layer of foil to deflect radiant heat. Radiant barriers,
however, do not replace the need for other insulation.
Attach awnings. Buy ready-made fabric or aluminum awnings,
or build wood awnings that complement your house. Install awnings
on east-, south-, and west-facing windows.
Mount outside sunscreens. Block the sun by covering windows
that receive direct sunlight with screenings of bamboo, wood,
fiberglass, or polypropylene.
Hang light-color interior
shades. Reflect the sun
with shades made with a shiny outer surface. Some fabric shades
are backed by light-reflective materials.
Install a whole-house fan. If the humidity in your area isn't too
uncomfortable, mount a whole-house fan in the ceiling just below
the attic. These fans draw in cool air through open windows at
night and push out hot air through attic vents.
Cross-ventilate. Exhaust air any time the temperature
outside is cooler than it is inside. Make sure air can come in
one open window and leave freely through another.
Add operative skylights. Hot air rises, so let it out at the
top of the room through a new skylight. You can buy skylights
with tinted glass to cut down on solar heat gain.
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