Beatrice Lang
With the surge in popularity of eco-conscious home features, many homeowners are transitioning to all-electric houses to reduce their carbon footprint. An all-electric house relies entirely on electricity, eliminating the need for non-renewable energy sources like natural gas and propane. While this shift can be environmentally beneficial, it is important to consider how to cool an all-electric home, especially during power outages. Here are some strategies to maintain a comfortable temperature and ensure energy efficiency in your all-electric home.
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What You'll Learn
Insulation and solar panels
Insulation is key to keeping your all-electric home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, thus reducing your energy bills. Spray foam insulation is one of the best ways to insulate your home and protect against moisture and insects. It is made from polyurethane foam that expands and hardens to fill gaps. For large insulating jobs, professionals spray this insulation into place with special equipment, but for small sealing jobs, spray foam is available in spray cans. Closed-cell foam is denser and thus has a higher R-value, but it is usually more expensive than open-cell foam.
Another type of insulation is a radiant barrier, which reflects heat away from your home. It is made from a reflective material such as aluminum foil over a substrate like kraft paper or foam board. It is most often used in attics, as most heat enters through the attic. Vapor barriers are another type of insulation that prevents water vapour from passing into your walls and ceilings during cold weather.
In addition to insulation, solar panels can also help to cool your all-electric home. Solar panels can generate the power to run your air conditioner and all of the electric appliances and systems in your home. Solar thermal air conditioners utilize built-in solar heat collectors and refrigeration systems to cool a space. While solar thermal air conditioners are not very common for residential use, they can be an effective way to cool your home while reducing your utility costs and carbon emissions.
To power your entire home and air conditioning system, you would need to install approximately 21 400W solar panels in areas with 6 hours of peak sunlight. This would allow you to generate approximately 8,340 watt-hours daily. Solar panels can reduce the amount of electricity you consume from the utility grid, lowering your monthly bills and helping you avoid time-of-use and higher-tiered electricity rates.
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Battery-operated fans
When it comes to cooling an all-electric home, there are several methods you can employ. One effective way is to use battery-operated fans, which can help circulate the air and create a breeze, making the space feel cooler. These fans can be particularly useful if you want to cool a specific area or if you need a portable cooling solution.
The Amacool Battery Operated Fan, for instance, is a popular choice for those seeking a personal cooling solution. It is small enough to fit in your bag, and its flexible base can attach to almost any surface. Despite its compact size, the Amacool fan delivers impressive airflow, ranging from nearly 4 mph to about 7.5 mph. This makes it a perfect choice for a single person seeking a cool breeze.
Another advantage of battery-operated fans is their ability to function during power outages or in areas without access to electricity. This can be particularly useful in regions prone to power disruptions or in outdoor settings. Additionally, some battery-operated fans come with additional features, such as built-in LED lights, enhancing their functionality in various situations, such as camping or during power outages at night.
To further enhance the cooling effect of battery-operated fans, you can place a shallow pan of ice in front of the fan. This simple setup creates a rudimentary air-conditioning system, providing a more pronounced cooling effect without the need for electricity. This combination of battery-operated fans and ice can be a lifesaver during hot days or nights when the power is out.
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Natural cooling methods
Windows and Curtains
Keep your windows closed during the day to prevent hot air from entering your home, and open them at night to let in cooler air. Close the curtains during the day, especially on south and west-facing windows, to avoid the greenhouse effect caused by the sun. The tighter the curtain is to the wall, the better it will reduce heat gain. Two-layered drapes are most effective for both summer cooling and winter heating. Light-colored curtains are preferable as they reflect the sun's rays, whereas dark-colored curtains absorb them.
Insulation
Insulation is key to keeping your home cool. Ensure your house is well-insulated to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. Seal any leaks in ducts that run through attics and crawl spaces, as these can draw in hot summer air. Ducts in unconditioned spaces should be sealed and insulated by professionals.
Landscaping
Planting trees is a long-term option for cooling your home. Rock walls, paved areas, and rock features should be kept to a minimum on the south and west sides of your home, as they increase temperatures by radiating heat.
Clothing and Bedding
Dress in loose, light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton. Wear breathable clothing and bedding to help keep yourself cool.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is the first step to cooling down and resisting heat. Drink lots of water or sports drinks throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Fans
If it is too hot to open your windows, try using fans to circulate the air. Ceiling fans are efficient and use very little electricity, far less wattage than air conditioners.
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Clothing and bedding choices
When it comes to clothing and bedding choices, there are several ways to stay cool in an all-electric home. Firstly, it's important to wear loose, lightweight, and breathable clothing. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton, which is comfortable and allows air to circulate. However, cotton may not be ideal in humid climates as it absorbs moisture and can be slow to dry. In such cases, Supima cotton is a good alternative as it has excellent moisture-wicking properties and dries quickly. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of cotton, linen is a more sustainable option that also provides excellent breathability and moisture absorption. Linen bedding is ideal for staying cool due to its heat conductivity and moisture-wicking abilities.
Another factor to consider is the colour of your clothing. Choose light-coloured garments that reflect the sun's rays instead of absorbing them. White, tan, or khaki colours are good choices. Additionally, look for clothing with a UPF rating, which ensures a certain level of sun protection. Wearing a hat with a brim can also provide shade and protection from the sun. If you need to cool down quickly, consider using a lightweight cloth dunked in water and placed around your neck or forehead.
For bedding, it's crucial to select lightweight and breathable options. Avoid polyester and synthetic-natural blends, as they tend to trap heat. Instead, opt for natural fibres like linen, which has superior heat conductivity compared to wool or silk. Linen bedding is also ethical and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable choice. Additionally, ensure your bedroom curtains are closed during the day to block out direct sunlight and help maintain a cooler temperature in your sleeping space.
During hot weather, it's essential to stay hydrated, as this is the first step to cooling down and resisting heat. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks that can make you feel hotter. If you're spending time outdoors, plan your activities during the coolest times of the day, and if possible, take advantage of pools or bodies of water to help lower your body temperature.
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Efficient heating and cooling systems
Air-Source Heat Pumps:
Air-source heat pumps are highly efficient heating and cooling systems. They work by extracting heat from the air and moving it through a small pipe to indoor units that deliver hot or cold air inside your home, depending on the season. These systems are effective even in extremely cold or hot temperatures and are ductless, making them a good choice for zero-energy homes.
Mini-Splits:
Mini-splits are highly efficient, especially in small- to medium-sized homes. They offer variable speed operation, running slowly when the heating need is low and speeding up when demand is high, resulting in stable room temperatures. Multi-zone mini-splits are ideal for two-story homes, ensuring effective heating and cooling on both floors.
Furnaces:
Furnaces are another efficient option, especially those that use natural gas. They heat air using a heat exchanger and distribute it through a duct system with a fan. Furnaces are relatively affordable, but they can be loud due to the fan.
Natural Gas Boilers:
Natural gas boilers are highly efficient, with some boasting AFUE ratings of up to 100. They heat water in a tank and distribute the hot water through pipes to individual radiators, which then warm up different rooms in your home.
Insulation and Solar Panels:
Proper insulation is key to keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It helps trap cool air inside and prevents hot air from entering. Additionally, consider investing in solar panels to generate electricity for your cooling systems, reducing your reliance on the power grid.
Other Considerations:
When choosing a heating and cooling system, consider factors such as ceiling height, local climate, temperature extremes, and humidity levels. Ensure proper air circulation by keeping vents unobstructed, and consider using fans to distribute warm or cool air effectively throughout your home.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to cool your home down without electricity. You can use battery-operated fans, or place a shallow pan of ice in front of them to create a rudimentary air-conditioning system. You can also hang wet sheets in your home or near your bed, or in front of an open window to create a DIY evaporative cooling system. Keep your windows closed during the day to prevent hot air from entering your home, and open them at night to let in cooler air.
Most all-electric homes use heat pumps (sometimes called mini-splits) to cool a home. These are more energy-efficient than traditional gas furnaces because they transfer heat from the air or ground, rather than creating it.
All-electric homes are more environmentally friendly than homes powered by non-renewable energy sources. They also tend to be more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
First, make a transition plan: what are your energy goals and budget? What incentives or rebates are available in your area? Next, evaluate your home energy systems and replace your heating and cooling system with an electric alternative. Then, switch to energy-efficient electric appliances, gradually replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives.
If you know a power outage is coming, make sure your house is well-insulated to keep the cool air in and hot air out. You can also get solar panels installed so you can still have power during a power outage. During the outage, avoid taking hot showers, wear loose, light clothing, and drink lots of water.
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