How to Keep Your House Cool During The Summer Without The Hefty Electricity Bill

19 Jan 2020

Is your house always warm in the summer, making it extremely uncomfortable to relax and wind down? Although we love summer-time and enjoy laying poolside with some drinks and pizza, it can also be extremely humid in Sydney, especially when we get hit by a heatwave!

Many people have the perception that keeping doors and windows open to the breeze is better, while others try and shut out the heat. Although windows and doors do play an essential role in keeping your house cool through ventilation, other factors such as the type of home you have as well as your surroundings are also important.

The question is, how do I keep my house cool in the summer? The more we maximise natural cooling, the more comfortable we will feel and the lower the bills will be in the long term. Energy efficiency is an essential consideration for homes, referring to how much electrical power is required to carry out everyday processes of lighting, cooling, heating and running other appliances. Energy-efficient homes use minimal energy to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

“Depending on the climate zone, heating and/or cooling can account for 20% to 50% of the energy used in Australian homes.”
– Australian Government (Department of the Environment & Energy)

Tips on how to keep your house cool:

Create shade: try and create as much shade as you an around your house, especially around your north-facing windows. Removable shades and pergolas are a great way of creating a cool space around the house. This will reduce the heat inside the home on hot summer days. You can also install artificial shading, including eaves, awnings, blinds, shutters and curtains which can help create shade. Planting trees near windows and glass doors are also a great alternative to keep the sun off in the summer.
When to open and close: it is important to note when to open up your house for maximum airflow and when to shut them. Learn to control the temperature on hot summer days. A great way to do this is by getting into the habit of shutting them during the day, this includes all doors, blinds and curtains and opening them back up in the evening to vent the house with the night-time breezes.
Create flow: when building or renovating your house, plan the placement of your windows on the southern side of the home, this is a great way to create a refreshing breeze. If you’re building a new house, a great way to keep your house cool is to insulate it. In-wall and in-roof insulation can help keep them cool in and heat out in the summer. Un-insulated ceilings can contribute to 35% more heat within the house. You can also seal your house from unwanted heat by incorporating insulation strips around windows and under doors.
Glaze it: glazed windows are a great way to keep the heat out in the summer as well as keep the warmth in during the winter. Darker glazed windows may not be on-trend. However, they will make your home more energy-efficient. Consider using lighter tones to keep your house cool.

Double glazed windows will also help keep your house much cooler in the summer. We recommend checking the rating of the windows you buy. Most Australian windows are rated for thermal efficiency by the Window Energy Rating Scheme. It is also vital to consider the choice of frame. Timber and PVC frames offer thermal protection. However, aluminium windows are the best option form improved thermal performance.

Low-E coatings (Low-Emissivity film) can also be used for your doors and windows to make them more energy-efficient. This glass can reduce the amount of heat that is conducted through the glass by around 30% in comparison to regular glass. This coating also improves thermal efficiency by cutting glare. They are designed to reflect the heat back in the direction it came from, while still allowing light to enter the home.

Lights out: if you don’t need to have the lights on, turn them off! Not only do they use up energy, but they also create heat, overpowering the hot-cold air ration in your home. We also recommend replacing halogen downlights with LEDs as this can help keep the temperature down, as well as your energy bills.

“To maximise energy savings and personal comfort, seal draughts around doors and windows with weather strips. Roof and wall insulation, as well as good curtains, can significantly reduce cooling and heating loads.” – Department of the Environment & Energy

At A-Tech Australia, we provide state-of-the-art aluminium window and door solutions that are energy-efficient, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. With the benefits of advanced ventilation, natural lighting and temperature control, A-Tech Australia’s aluminium windows and doors provide the ultimate solution.