The Best Way to Cool a 2-Story Home Without Air Ducts

Install a "minisplit" air-conditioning system, which does not require ducts to work. It has an outdoor unit that pumps cool air to indoor units throughout the house through piping. The system is more efficient than central air conditioning because you can better control the temperature in individual rooms.

Install window air conditioning units in all of the rooms in your home. The units can be purchased from your local home-improvement store. Essentially, after they are installed, you can set a temperature on each unit and let it cool the room. Although running these window units can be expensive, you can selectively choose which rooms to cool. Window units can be turned off when no one uses a room.

Place a fan near a window at night to move cool air around. Turn on ceiling fans to distribute air, if they are installed. The ceiling fan can pull air up or push air down. Set the ceiling fan so that air is blowing down.

Turn off all unnecessary electric appliances when you are not at home. Appliances, such as ovens or dishwashers, generate heat, making it more difficult to keep your home cool. Use these appliances when the temperature drops in the evening, if possible.

Use a humidifier if you live in a humid climate. Humidity makes rooms hotter. Take showers and baths during cooler times of the day, such as the evening.

Convert from incandescent light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs. Be sure to turn off lights when they are not in use, as they also generate heat.