Heating and Cooling Issues

As warmer weather approaches, many of us are getting our cooling systems geared up for the summer. Here in the southwest evaporative cooling is still installed on many homes and most older homes have evaporative systems rather than refrigerated air. This serves a puropse other than cooling--since there is literally next to no humidity in our air, evaporative cooling tends to be very effective and helps us have some needed moisture in the air we breathe.
The least impactful system is a passive location that allows breezes to circulate. Unfortunately, we often have windstorms that cover every surface with sand and tumbleweed rather than cooling breezes. Strategically placed ceiling fans can work wonders and many people prefer them. They use less energy than even evaporative coolers and are certainly healthier the refrigerated air.
In older homes, windows and fans are often the most effective, especially if you have good insulation.