All of the measures that help keep our homes warm in the winter also keep them cool in the summer. That means proper insulation and air sealing techniques around windows and doors are important when it comes to successfully keeping the heat outside in the summer and inside during the winter.

Much of the heat we feel in our home comes from solar energy absorbed by the roof which radiates heat into the attic. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are fortunate to have cooler evenings that allow for some natural ventilation. Natural ventilation that helps push cool air through your house is the least expensive and most energy efficient way to cool your home.

For some homes though, natural ventilation may need to be accompanied by another cooling option to maximize comfort. In that case, you might want to consider a whole house fan. To avoid the heat build up that comes through the roof, walls and windows from long hot summer days, a whole house fan helps pull air in from open windows and exhausts it through the attic or roof, flushing out the built up heat and cooling your home in the process.

Want to lower your home’s cooling costs immediately? Install attic ventilation. Poor attic ventilation can cause your air conditioner to work harder and longer resulting in higher cooling costs. There are numerous continuous ventilation options available to help you get that necessary flow-through ventilation needed to keep your home cool in summer.

Another option to reduce air-conditioning cooling loads and energy costs is an attic radiant barrier which is typically placed on top of your attic insulation. These barriers are made up of highly reflective material that reflects the heat back instead of absorbing it. These barriers can also reduce indoor heat loss through the ceiling in the winter.

Let’s not forget an old standby that kept us cool long before the days of air conditioning - the fan. Among the varieties available, the ceiling fan is the most effective because it creates a wind-chill factor on your skin, making you feel cooler. Another option is to run your furnace fan which pulls cool air from your basement and circulates it throughout your home. Both options may be all you need to cool your home down for the evening and keep you from reaching for the air conditioner.

So, to make the summer heat more bearable on you and your pocket book, visit your local utility’s web site for more information about low-cost ways to stay cool.

Some electric and natural gas utilities offer rebates and incentives for customers making energy efficiency upgrades to their home or business. Also, find out how the new stimulus packet has affected Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency at www.energystar.gov

Tom Lienhard is an engineer at Avista. You can reach him with questions and comments at askavista@avistautilities.com