What can I do to prepare my home for the upcoming hot weather?
Preparing your home for summer heat in Victoria is important to ensure greater comfort, increased efficiency and reduced energy costs. Here are some top tips to help you get ready now that summer is here:-
Insulation:
Check to improve/increase the amount of insulation in your home. Proper insulation helps keep your home cool by preventing heat transfer from the outside to inside.
Seal Windows and Doors:
Ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering (it works in reverse for winter heating). Use weather stripping or draught stoppers as needed.
3-way sun protection for your windows:
Heat comes straight through unprotected windows. Best results are achieved by working on three planes – outside/on/inside the glass – so starting from outside, plant trees; install awnings, etc, to create shade on the windows. Consider applying reflective films onto the glass, especially for north and west-facing windows. Inside, install window coverings, i.e. blinds or curtains with reflective backing to block out the sun’s heat during the hottest parts of the day – and ensure these are applied each day by pulling down awnings, closing curtains, etc, before the sun’s heat gets inside the house. Open them later in the day to let the evening breezes in to cool the house down.
Shading:
Adjacent to windows or glass doors, plant shade trees or use outdoor shading devices like awnings, pergolas or shade sails to reduce sunlight exposure directly onto the glass.
Outdoor Living Spaces:
Create comfortable outdoor living spaces with shade to encourage spending time outside during cooler parts of the day. Use your BBQ or outdoor cooking appliances to reduce the impact of heat build-up from cooking indoors through the use of ovens and stoves.
Air Conditioning Maintenance:
If you have air conditioning, make sure it’s in good working condition. Clean or replace filters regularly and schedule professional servicing. Create shade over the external air conditioning unit via planting or other means. Reducing the thermostat even by 2 or 3 degrees will save on your cooling bills, i.e. set to cool the house to 24 degrees and not 21 degrees.
Turn off any unnecessary electrical appliances, as each will otherwise generate some degree of heat, contributing to the overall temperature inside your home.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances:
Energy-efficient appliances generate less heat, reducing the overall heat load in your home. Consider high energy efficiency ratings when buying new appliances to reduce your power bills as well.
Ceiling Fans:
Install ceiling fans to improve air circulation. Ceiling fans can help distribute cool air more effectively, are cheaper to run and reduce the need for air conditioning. Do you know you can change fan direction as appropriate for the seasons – for summertime, it’s anticlockwise to push cool air downwards. In cooler months, it’s clockwise for lifting up cold air and keeping warm air down low to help keep you warmer. Your fan will likely have a small switch, either on the remote or the body of the fan itself, to change its direction for seasonal needs.
Energy-Efficient Lighting:
Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. Incandescent bulbs generate more heat, contributing to the overall temperature in your home.
Roof Ventilation:
Hot air rises, so ensure that your roof has proper ventilation to allow hot air to escape. Adequate roof ventilation can help reduce the overall temperature in your home, moving hot air up and out. Consider installing a roof vent.
Cool colours:
Dark colours may seem trendy, but choose light-coloured and reflective materials for roofing and exterior surfaces. This helps in reflecting, rather than absorbing, the sun’s heat. If you have the opportunity when building, choose a roof that is light coloured and thermally effective. Materials used can make a difference too – a tiled roof will likely absorb heat. Use passive cooling techniques wherever possible.
So the colour of your roof can actually have an impact on your home?
Yes, the colour of your roof can significantly impact the temperature inside your home. The choice between dark and light-coloured roofing materials can affect the amount of heat absorbed by the roof, which in turn, influences the indoor temperature. Here’s how:-
Dark-coloured roofs absorb more heat: Dark colours, such as black or dark brown, absorb a greater amount of sunlight and heat. This absorbed heat can transfer into your home, leading to higher indoor temperatures.
Impact; Increased cooling demand: Homes with dark-coloured roofs may require more energy for cooling, as the absorbed heat needs to be counteracted by air conditioning or other cooling systems.
Light-coloured roofs reflect more sunlight: Light colours, such as white or light gray, reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. This reflective property helps in keeping the roof and, consequently, the interior of the home cooler.
Impact; Reduced cooling demand: Homes with light-coloured roofs may experience lower indoor temperatures, reducing the need for extensive cooling measures. This can contribute to energy savings and increased comfort.
When choosing the colour of your roof, it’s advisable to opt for lighter colours. Light-coloured roofing materials can help reflect more sunlight, keeping your home cooler and potentially reducing your associated energy bills. Additionally, this choice contributes to the overall energy efficiency of your home and its environmental impact.
It’s worth noting that other factors, such as the type of roofing material and insulation, also play a role in the overall energy efficiency of your home. Therefore, consider a holistic approach, taking into account various elements to create an energy-efficient and comfortable living space.
Does the roofing material used make a difference as well?
Absolutely, the material used for your roof can make a significant difference in its performance regarding heat absorption, insulation, and overall energy efficiency. Different roofing materials have varying thermal properties, and choosing the right one for your climate can greatly impact your home’s comfort and energy bills. Here are some common roofing materials and their characteristics:
Metal Roofing:
Reflectivity: Metal roofs, especially those with reflective coatings, can be effective in reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption.
Durability: Metal roofs are durable and have a long lifespan, making them a popular choice in various climates.
Tile Roofing:
Insulation: Tile roofs, especially those made of clay or concrete tiles, provide natural insulation. They can absorb and release heat slowly, contributing to temperature regulation.
Concrete Roofing:
Thermal Mass: Concrete roofs, like tile roofs, have thermal mass properties, absorbing and releasing heat gradually.
Cool Roofing Materials:
Reflective Coatings: Some roofing materials come with reflective coatings that enhance their ability to reflect sunlight and heat.
When selecting a roofing material choose one that suits the local weather conditions. In hot climates, it’s generally advisable to opt for materials with higher reflectivity and insulation properties to reduce heat absorption and improve energy efficiency.
I’m keen to get solar panels installed. Does the roof colour make a difference to their performance?
Yes, the colour of your roof can influence the performance of solar panels to some extent. While the impact may not be as significant as factors like the orientation and tilt of the panels, the roof colour can affect the overall temperature of the roof surface, which, in turn, may influence solar panel efficiency. Here are a few points to consider:-
Temperature and Efficiency:
Solar panels generally perform better in cooler temperatures. Dark-coloured roofs tend to absorb more sunlight and heat up, potentially increasing the operating temperature of the solar panels. Elevated temperatures may lead to a slight decrease in solar panel efficiency.
Light Roofs:
If your roof is a light colour, it reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat. This can help maintain a cooler environment for the solar panels, potentially improving their efficiency.
Ventilation and Airflow:
Proper roof ventilation can contribute to cooling the roof surface. If the roof design allows for good airflow, it can help dissipate heat and keep the solar panels at an optimal operating temperature.
Panel Design and Technology:
The impact of roof colour on solar panel performance is generally minor compared to advancements in solar panel technology. Modern solar panels are designed to handle a range of temperatures and operate efficiently even in warmer climates.
While roof colour can have some influence on solar panel performance, it’s just one of many factors to consider. The angle, orientation, and cleanliness of the solar panels, as well as local climate conditions and shading, play more substantial roles in their overall efficiency.
If you’re concerned about maximising the performance of your solar panels, consult with a solar professional or installer. They can assess your specific situation, including roof colour, and provide recommendations based on the latest technologies and best practices in solar energy installations.
Before making any decision, consult with roofing professionals or contractors who can provide guidance based on local climate considerations and the specific characteristics of different roofing materials.
By implementing these measures, you can create a more comfortable, energy-efficient and cost-effective living environment during Victoria’s summer heat.
But what if I am renting or just not in a position to make building or design changes? What behavioural changes can I make instead? What can I actively do to reduce the impact of heat in my home?
There are small changes you can make to make your home more liveable, both reducing temperatures within your home and the cost of your overall electricity bill:-
Shut down/Turn off:
Close down your house to the heat (using the sun’s path, especially on north and west-facing walls) by shutting windows, closing the window coverings and shutting the doors to unused rooms so your nicely cooled air doesn’t get wasted going where it’s not needed.
Cool Strategies:
Take advantage of natural cooling strategies like cross-ventilation and actively use the breeze to cool your home. Open windows and doors during evenings and nights to allow fresh air to circulate and push the heat out.
Have a cook-out:
Instead of cooking indoors (and heating up the house), do the cooking outdoors. Use your BBQ or outdoor cooking appliances. Who says dinner has to be hot? Remember, no open fires though.
Keep cool & stay hydrated:
Stay hydrated, encourage proper hydration for everyone in your household. Consider investing in a good quality water cooler or dispenser. This will limit visits to the refrigerator and cut your costs at the same time. Use a water spray or place a wet face washer around your neck to cool yourself down on extreme heat days.
Don’t forget the pets – maybe a paddle pool with shallow water in the bottom may suit their needs or lay a damp towel on the floor for them to lie on.
Work with the light:
Consider how you use your rooms, especially with Work-From-Home scenarios. You don’t need to work in a darkroom! Consider your existing room layout and usage, and swap things around – to enjoy a bright, sunny workspace in the mornings and a cool den in the afternoons – ideal for both Home-Workers and school kids homework! Directional fans are also ideal used in this situation.
Your home’s energy saving and sustainability potential: In the same way you can do a DIY Building Inspection, doing your own simple but diligent walk-through home assessment can identify many of the problem areas for you. Whilst a professional audit is the best way to ascertain potential benefits, a DIY energy efficiency assessment can help you prioritise easy-to-address areas. Energy-saving technology has evolved rapidly over the past few years, offering many opportunities to upgrade your home utilising government rebates and assistance.
Where can I find out more about this?
Your Home – Australian Government’s Guide to Environmentally Sustainable Homes: https://www.yourhome.gov.au/live-adapt
Keeping the summer heat out – Sustainability Victoria’s advice on how to cool your home efficiently: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/save-energy-in-the-home/reduce-cooling-costs-at-home/use-your-cooling-system-efficiently
The following list provides a summary of professional associations, certifications and product directories that will help you design and build a more sustainable home:- https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/building-or-renovating/key-principles-of-energy-efficient-design/planning-and-design/building-and-renovation-advice
So, don’t get all hot and sweaty about keeping cool over the summer! Here are a few more ways to make your house feel like a home and not an oven. Lots of these tips will also help keep your house warm in winter: https://environmentvictoria.org.au/resource/10-tips-keeping-cool-summer/
