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Summer's scorching heat can make your home feel like an oven, but cooling it down doesn’t have to mean a skyrocketing electricity bill. With a bit of know-how and forward planning, you can transform your home into an inviting oasis all season long.
Fans work by creating a breeze that travels over your skin as you perspire. Fixed versions, like ceiling fans, need to be installed by a licensed electrician, but portable models plug in – great if you’re renting. Seek advice on choosing the right fan for your space. Fans are relatively cost efficient to run and, if combined with aircon, can boost the effectiveness of both, advises Bunnings national electrical buyer John Campbell. “Use a ceiling fan to distribute cool air more evenly, allowing you to set your airconditioner’s thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort,” he says.
Air conditioners reduce the actual temperature of the air in the room. Fixed models, including reverse-cycle that also heats in winter, need to be professionally installed and maintained. Proper maintenance can significantly improve air conditioner efficiency, reducing energy consumption. “Replace or clean your air filter every one to three months for efficient airflow,” says John. “Clean the coils annually, check and clear the drain line, and inspect ductwork for leaks. Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris and schedule a professional tune-up yearly.” Portable models are handy for single rooms to help you avoid cooling the whole house unnecessarily, but need to be close to a window for venting and a power point (don’t use an extension cord).
Insulation reduces the transfer of heat through exterior structural surfaces like walls and ceilings, helping to keep your interiors cooler in summer. Its performance is measured in R value, and the rating suitable for your home varies, depending on the climate where you live and how it is constructed. Certain insulation types are best installed when building or renovating, and by professionals. Others, such as some bulk insulation, can be D.I.Y. fitted if you have good access to the area, like a roof space. Also consider the underfloor, says the team at Knauf Insulation: “Installing insulation that has a wind-wash barrier can prevent losing up to 20 per cent of heat and cold through draughty floors”.
Double or triple-glazed windows work better than standard single glazing to reduce heat gain (or loss). Consult the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), which gives new windows a U value that measures their heat flow, incorporating components like the glazing and framing. But if you live in a hot region, also consider the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures how the window performs when hit by sunlight. A low-tech solution is to install curtains and/or close-fitting blinds, and keep them shut against the heat of the day. As the day cools, open windows to allow any cross breezes to waft the heat out of your home.
External blinds, awnings, louvres and shutters all keep direct sun from hitting windows, working better than indoor window coverings as the heat doesn’t get the chance to enter. For natural shade – and if you don’t live in a bushfire-prone area, where you shouldn’t plant too close to the house – consider deciduous trees. In summer they deliver a leafy screen, while in winter bare branches admit some sun for light and warmth.
Learn more handy tips on heating and cooling your home.
Photo Credit: Reuben Looi.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
