Whats an energy efficient type of construction for a desert climate.?
Phoenix is an arid desert. Yeah, I know that this sounds redundant but I’ve been in desert where the humidity was close to 100% (theTihama). You’re lucky; it’s easier for you. You want thick walls — two feet for outside walls and a foot thick for inside walls are not too much. This allows the walls to absorb heat during the day and release it at night, when the desert cools off. You want small windows to minimize the greenhouse effect. Pale colors reflect the heat during the summer. High ceilings help keep the hottest air above your head. Swamp coolers work pretty well for most of the year. Otherwise, ceiling fans are fairly energy-efficient.
