If you’re building a house in a hot climate you have a specific set of challenges to address. How do you build your home to stay comfortable and efficient in hot weather? The two basic concerns when building in high-temperature regions to reflect heat rather than absorb it, as well as keep your energy costs down. Here are some basic tips for withstanding the heat:
Insulation
Proper insulation is crucial in maintaining livable temperatures in the home and keeping your energy costs down. In dry desert climates, the heat increases throughout the day before dropping severely at night. This means you need to keep your home cool and warm at the right times. However, insulating for dry heat differs from for humid heat. Dry heat will make it more difficult for air conditioners and evaporative coolers to function because of the lack of extra moisture in the air. This also means that insulation meant to reduce moisture will not work as efficiently. Picking the correct insulation for a hot climate will keep your energy costs lower in the heat and also prevent the home from getting too cold at night.
Insulation is also particularly important in hot dry climates due to increased risk of fire. Extremely hot, dry air will allow a fire to catch and spread much more quickly than in climates with more moisture. Insulation is not only essential to daily comfort but also to safety in case of more extreme conditions.
Paint
The type of paint you use on the exterior of your desert home can make a big difference in the heat. Special sun reflective paints in light colors will reflect visible light back away from the home and prevent some of the sun’s heat transfer. Painting your desert home white or another very light color can keep some of the heat outside rather than absorb it. You’ll also get a better long-term performance out of white or light paints compared to darker colors. Over time, the powerful UV rays will gradually cause fading in other colors which may require repainting. White reflective paint will last much longer without a fresh coat because it’s not as susceptible to the UV damage.
For the inside of the home, paint color serves as more of a psychological relief from the heat. While light colored fabrics and furnishings feel noticeably cooler than their darker counterparts, it doesn’t mean you need to paint everything white in order to benefit. Light colors on the walls can make a room feel larger and more open which, with increased airflow, can be a huge quality of life improvement on the hottest days.
Save With Solar Panels
Solar power is the obvious choice for keeping your home efficient in the desert. In combination with proper insulation, it can reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your air conditioning going. This means a smaller carbon footprint for your home and a lower utility bill. Homeowners in high desert regions can benefit from solar energy capture, especially because of the stronger UV radiation at higher altitudes. Install solar paneling on roofs or standalone structures to help augment—or completely supply—your home’s energy needs.
These are just the basics of building a home in a hot climate. There are many other ways to stay safe and comfortable while getting everything you want from your home. It’s always a good idea to work with an experienced builder who knows the area as well as all the best ways to build for hot temperatures.
