Shade these, as well as southern exposures. Ceiling fans have come back in popularity. Moving air makes you feel cooler because it evaporates perspiration. Glass is getting better all the time. Otherwise, heat will be trapped there and bake the ceiling of the living area.
Place patios away from direct sun because patios can reflect heat into a building.
Use stoves and clothes dryers during the coolest parts of the day. Choose fluorescent light fixtures in the kitchen or study. Though the light isn't as flattering as those of incandescent bulbs, it produces half the heat of an incandescent bulb. David Lee Smith, UC professor of architecture, predicts a lifestyle trend that will see greater demand for buildings where users can open the windows and interact with the outside environment. There is pleasure is smelling the breeze, wearing white linen, sitting on the porch.