Topic outline

  • Natural Cooling Concepts for Residential Design

    Credits: 1 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This 8 page course introduces the student to basic concepts for incorporating natural cooling aspects into the design of residential or commercial structures. There are alternatives to energy-consuming air conditioning. This publication provides some common sense suggestions and low-cost retrofit options to help you design for natural cooling and save electricity.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Natural Cooling Methods
    • Using Reflection to deflect heat
    • Installing Radiant Barriers
    • Changes to Roofs, Walls and Windows
    • Blocking heat using natural shading (landscaping)
    • Blocking heat using insulation
    • Blocking heat using blinds and awnings
    • Removing built-up heat
    • Reducing heat generating sources
    • Creating a cooling strategy

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

    For a quick overview of our site's policies, please click here: (FAQs)

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: Architectural, Construction, Environmental, Civil, Mechanical Engineers.
    Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1