BEAT THE HEAT

In this time of weather extremes and power disruptions, it's important to learn from the past as we think about the future.

- MARY ELLEN POLSON

Many of us live in houses that were designed to be comfortable year-round - owing to the height of the ceilings, the thickness of the walls, and the size of the windows. With volatile weather expected, we and our houses must continue to adapt.

As the northern hemisphere gets hotter, even technocrats promoting EVs and green energy are looking to historical precedent for ways to cool down buildings of every scale, from large apartment complexes to the average house. It's as if we are rediscovering the smart building conventions that were a standard. For example, dwellings in warm, muggy climates tend to have high ceilings for a simple, fundamental reason: warm air rises and cool air sinks. Transom windows were invented for a similar reason: they permit the circulation of air between rooms. In colder climes, the oldest houses have smaller windows to keep out drafts, with working shutters that can be closed against winter storms.

Quick-ship shutters from Aeratis are not only based on historical models, but also can be closed against bright sunlight or harsh winds, helping to moderate indoor temperatures.

In the decades since air conditioning became ubiquitous, many windows were permanently shut, transoms painted over, and the operable shutters common on many styles of older houses seldom used.

It's time to rethink those decisions, because the best method for keeping a building cool is to prevent heat from entering in the first place.

Studies show that external methods of heat prevention are more effective at reducing indoor temperatures than indoor treatments such as blinds or drapery. In Europe, for example, shutters are routinely used to regulate the amount of sunlight that gets into a house or apartment while permitting fresh air to flow in.

If you have operable shutters already, try closing those on the west and south sides of the house on a hot day. Consider adding awnings on the sunniest exposures.