Cooler Home, Less Energy

You’ve heard of passive solar homes – they’re the ones positioned on the block to make the most of the sun in winter. They utilise thermal mass in the form of internal brickwork and concrete slabs to absorb the heat during the day and release it back into the home at night. Less energy is expended on artificially heating your home, saving you money at the same time.

But what about passive cooling your home in summer? Just opening your windows does not guarantee cool air will enter your home. Cross ventilation is achieved when windows and doors oppose one another. Cracking the windows rather than opening them wide will be more effective in creating a breeze. Lighter colours will reduce heat buildup in your home, as will awnings, blinds and covered verandahs. Deciduous trees and shrubs on the Northern and Western aspects of a home will be a blessing in summer and allow the sun in for winter.
Roof ventilation is critical in the passive cooled home. The correct number of vents, strategically placed, depending on roof type, will ultimately control the living space below. If you live in a subtropical/ tropical region you might want to think twice about having ceiling insulation installed. You could well end up even more uncomfortable in summer with insulation.

Ceiling insulation without adequate ventilation leads to condensation and mould building up in the ceiling space, especially when *sarking (builder’s foil) is used in combination with insulation. Heat is held in the roof space and air conditioning systems have to work overtime to have any measurable effect. Structural damage from rising damp, mould, mildew and termite and rodent infestation are the likely outcome. Ventilation is necessary to evacuate hot, moist air from the roof space caused by condensation, exhaust fans from bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

For more information on the selection and correct placement of vents, visit Gwarehouse. We’re serious about developing revolutionary ventilation systems because proper ventilation is far more important to the health of your home and yourself than insulation will ever be.
*Sarking is generally used as a thermal moisture barrier and secondary radiant reflector.