How to Cool an Outdoor Living Area

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Many people love the idea of enjoying the call of the wild, particularly in the area surrounding their homes. Sadly, reality brings bugs, sun and relentless heat for a good part of the year. Learn how to beat the summertime heat and stay cool in the outdoor living spaces around your home.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Landscape for maximum shade in and around your outdoor living area. Use tall shade trees and plants with dense foliage to provide a natural layer of defense from the sun.

Step2

Install patio coverings, window awnings or canopies to provide even more shade for the outdoor living area. Pay close attention to the sun's daily path and position your patio coverings to block as many of those hot rays as possible.

Step3

Place ceiling and other fans in and around your outdoor living area. Keep the air circulating to cool things off a few degrees. Make sure the fans' cords are not exposed to the elements or posing a risk for trips and falls.

Step4

Purchase and install an outdoor evaporative cooling system for your home. Although one of the more costly methods to cool your outdoor living area, it is also one of the most effective. Beware, however, that they are not quite as effective in areas with high humidity.

Tips & Warnings

Build your own evaporative cooling system. For the do-it-yourselfer this is likely the most attractive option. It's much less expensive than a professionally installed system and it allows you more logistical control.