Ensuring your home has ceiling, wall and floor insulation is one of the most effective and sustainable ways to trap cold air indoors and keep the home at a comfortable temperature throughout summer.
But in reality not all homes are fully insulated, so it is up to homeowners to find other ways to stay cooler on hot and humid days.
Installing air conditioning, blinds and sealing gaps around doors and windows are one of the most popular choices for keeping the heat out and the cool air in. While not everyone is able to install permanent air conditioning units in their house or rental property, Bunnings Warehouse national electrical buyer Jamie O’Meara says doing a few small things such as closing blinds can go a long to creating a more energy-efficient cooler home this summer.
“It’s time to find affordable and practical ways to cool down and prepare for the sweltering heat of the Australian summer, without the hefty electricity bills,” Jamie says.
“Sealing gaps under doors and windows can prevent cold air from escaping a room, and door snakes are a simple, low-cost way to cover larger gaps.”
For those who are more DIY-minded permanently seal off small cracks using a caulk gun with silicone or sealant tubes.
Closing blinds and curtains in readiness for hot days can keep the house cool by preventing heat from entering a room, adding in a fan to circulate air will create a cooling breeze.
“(They) are an easy DIY solution … while still allowing sunlight to filter through,” she says. “Portable fans are great for keeping cool on hot nights as they will circulate air around a room to create a refreshing breeze, whilst not contributing significantly to electricity bills. Ceiling fans are also ideal as they lower the temperature of a room. To increase functionality choose a fan that has a light included and comes with a remote control so it can be operated from anywhere in the room.”
Kambrook business manager Adam Tracey adds it’s best to do some research on portal fans before rushing out to purchase one on a hot day.
“Not only are there practical features to look out for, including oscillation, timer options and remote controls, you can also find contemporary or retro fan designs that blend with any interior.”
Also, considering what style and size fan is best suited to a room and purpose is also essential, Adam says.
Outside, shade the house with umbrellas, gazebos and awnings to prevent heat from entering, limiting the need to use air conditioners. For those who are thinking of making a longer-term investment, then installing an air conditioner in the wall or ceiling is the way to go, says Jamie.
“If you are going to invest in an air conditioner choose the most energy-efficient one to prevent the home from roasting on warm days and unnecessary electricity bills,” she says. “Split-system air conditioners will allow the temperature to be changed as desired, to ensure the house stays cool in summer and warm in winter.”
Fujitsu General's general manager of sales and marketing Dave Smith says technological advances have made air conditioners more energy efficient, reliable and affordable to run.
“Homeowners looking to add value to an investment property, or those with plans to renovate their homes should consider a ducted air conditioning solution, as they are an ideal whole home solution, providing greater flexibility over temperature control in different rooms," Dave says.
He suggests homeowners consider their year-round heating and cooling needs when choosing a unit.
“Reverse-cycle air conditioning provides all-year comfort and is now valued as a necessary inclusion, rather than a luxury, to the Australian home,” Dave says.
Consulting a licensed air conditioning specialist can also assist with decision making. “Let them know the budget and lifestyle requirements, room measurements, insulation and which direction the home is facing, for advice on the best solution.”
Choosing one that operates with minimal noise would also be beneficial when sleeping for you and the neighbours, Dave says.
