On Sun, 02 Jul 2006 21:45:19 +0100 someone who may be Peter Parry
wrote this:-

Could you not open the windows?

One could, it makes very little difference however.

That depends on how well the house is designed for natural
ventilation. I know of houses, including my own, where the
appropriate use of windows and vents allows a nice even temperature
to be maintained in hot weather, day and night, including the
southward facing public rooms.

It is usually not even necessary to run the extract fan in summer
when having a shower or bath. The natural ventilation extracts the
damp air very well.

Depending on the
orientation and design of the house it should be possible to provide
gentle ventilation that will keep the house cool via the windows and
other ventilators.

Not it won't,

I disagree, having seen all sorts of naturally ventilated buildings.

if the house is reasonably well insulated

Tick.

and has reasonable solar gain

Tick.

the upstairs is going to be too hot in summer.

Cross.

The upstairs may be too hot in summer, but only if the house is
badly designed.

There are numerous greeny house is Milton Keynes and Oxford which are
abandoned in summer because they are unbearable.

Not places I frequent. Were they designed for passive solar
ventilation? When were they designed?

How old do you think the house is?

No idea. However, in the absence of more information, I assume the
OP has a mass built house rather then one designed by an engineer.

Suitable and adequate loft ventilation to prevent rot will have
almost zero effect upon temperature in the loft.

That depends on how it is designed and operated.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh
I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54