关于制冷考虑没有空调的生活几千年来，人们一直生活在炎热的气候中，没有空调。因为空调会消耗大量能源，所以绿色建筑商在得出房子需要空调的结论之前，应该考虑其他制冷方案。根据美国能源部(U.S. Department of Energy)的数据，三分之二的美国家庭都安装了空调系统，空调系统总共消耗了美国总发电量的5%，每年给房主造成的损失约为110亿美元。在美国的一些地区，高温、高湿度或两者都是生活的现实，空调被认为是必要的。然而，除了安装大型、高能耗的空调系统，还有许多方法可以降低室内空气温度。美国节能经济委员会的建议包括:隔热和收紧。隔热效果好的房子不像隔热效果差的房子需要那么多的机械空调。达到或超过美国能源部(Department of Energy)推荐的绝缘水平是良好的第一步。这在新建筑中是最容易做到的，但作为翻新也是可行的，尤其是在阁楼隔热方面。选择low-solar-gain玻璃窗。 Windows with low solar heat gain coefficients will help lower indoor temperatures and significantly reduce cooling loads. Replace inefficient appliances and products. Replacing old refrigerators with energy-efficient models, exchanging incandescent light bulbs with fluorescents and unplugging electronic equipment when not in use to reduce phantom energy loads all contribute to a cooler interior. Use cool exterior finishes. Light colored roofing and siding can reduce cooling demands by as much as 15%. Keep it shady. Planting deciduous trees and shrubs near south- and west-facing walls can help block intense summer sun. Window shades and horizontal trellises are an option where outdoor plantings are not practical or ineffective. Update existing cooling equipment. If the house already has an…