In Queensland, Australia, air conditioning is a key component of the home design. Finding ways to reduce the extreme heat and humidity in a state with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius is vital.
Queensland Home Design
The traditional Queensland home, also known as a “Queenslander,” is built on legs, allowing air to circulate beneath the building and improving heat transfer. Many homes are also long and thin to improve air circulation and heat transmission. While this design is efficient, today’s homeowners expect air conditioning to be standard in new homes. Retrofitting air conditioning in an older home is also possible. The website of the leading Queensland-based Live Services Group offers quality air conditioner installations to Sunshine Coast residents for an affordable price.
Air conditioning will only work if your property’s design is compatible with hot, humid weather.
Modern homes are not all energy-efficient
The University of South Australia conducted a study of the home design of modern housing developments in Adelaide. It found that poor building design did not promote energy efficiency even with air conditioning installed.
Researchers found that many newly built properties are airtight, lack natural ventilation, and are either over- or under-insulated. According to the study, such homes are like plastic bags because they don’t cool off at night and retain heat. Researchers claim that these homes are efficient during cooler temperatures, but they consume a lot of energy when temperatures rise.
Building Design Works in Tandem with Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is an easy and quick way to keep a home comfortable in Queensland. However, it is important to ensure that the building’s design is appropriate for the climate and that the property is constructed to manage temperature. Experts recommend using south-facing rooms as cool retreats because they are easier to cool down.
The thermal mass under a building can heat properties built on concrete slabs. Ceramic tiles or thick rugs and hard flooring during the day will allow heat to dissipate. External shades and screens should be installed on windows to allow natural ventilation while keeping insects out. Reflective foil in the roof space creates a barrier that separates the roof from the rest of the home. Thick cladding also improves heat transfer.
Keep Properties Cool
Ceiling fans can help move hot air. Additionally, homeowners can cool the air by hanging wet sheets on open windows at night. This is done through the process called evaporation. This is a good way to save money compared with running the air conditioner 24/7.
It’s important to maintain a system. It will be less energy efficient and not as reliable during hot weather. To avoid breakdowns, schedule regular maintenance.