Temperature Control inside the house
Related Healthy Living Practices
HLP 8 Controlling the temperature of the living environment - “Living in houses that are too cold or too hot can contribute to a range of physical illnesses, as well as emotional distress.” (NIHG)
HLP 5 Reducing the impacts of overcrowding -“In extreme climatic conditions all members of the household are likely to congregate in the one room of the house that is able to be cooled” (NIHG)
Project aims
To make houses warmer in winter and cooler in summer, in climates where people experience thermal stress due to extremes in temperature. To consider low maintenance passive temperature control measures and to reduce long term running costs of active temperature control.
Background
In a hot climate the temperature inside the room can be hotter than a shaded spot outside the house, in this case under a tree in the yard. People compensate for this heat gain by installing air conditioning. In remote areas air conditioning can cost as much as $25/day. By effectively shading walls and windows the resident can greatly reduce the number of hours the air conditioner is running and the number of days in the year the air conditioning is required.
Project Outline
To produce a kit of parts able to be used on many houses to reduce the internal temperature of the house for minimal cost. The designed parts can be used on existing houses and integrated more fully into new house designs.
The chosen sites were tropical Pormpurraw QLD and warm temperate Tabulam NSW. This work adds to the previously completed work in desert areas.
Project Implementation
Monitoring equipment was installed at houses in two project sites with a range of house plans and construction types. Temperatures were recorded every hour in a living room, 1 or 2 bedrooms and shaded external air temperature before and after installations to the houses. These included new shade walls, awnings and pergolas (tropics only).
Modifications to houses have been completed at both project sites. Data has been analysed at the tropical climate project site only. Data collection & analysis at the warm temperate site is ongoing.
Project Outcomes
Tropical climate
Total cost/ house for installations was $3954 to $16171. Higher costs included installation of pergolas. Installations to one blockwork house with an air-conditioned room have reduced internal temperatures by up to 2.5ºC AND reduced reliance on air conditioning. At current power costs of 21¢/kwh, there is a saving of $1280/year for the household after installations. Payback time for installations is 3-6 years depending on carbon tax impacts on fossil fuel electricity costs.
Detailed drawings of installations have been produced and can be used on existing and new houses.
Project Discussion/Recommendations
Shading a wall & preventing direct sunlight gain through the window has an enormous impact on reducing internal temperature and the need for air conditioning. To provide a living environment that promotes the health of occupants and for houses to be sustainable, passive modifications should be installed before active heating and cooling systems are considered.
The kit of parts developed in this project can be used on existing housing and new housing.