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.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

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

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1