Nothing beats the summer months in Australia — BBQs by the beach, backyard cricket, and enjoying the taste of a cold beer or soft drink. As the southern hemisphere heads straight into the peak of summer, it’s important to be ready for the heat.
When the mercury climbs, so do energy bills. While it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioning and turn your house into a freezer, that approach not only drives up costs but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
The good news? Staying cool, saving on energy bills, and reducing your environmental footprint is easier than you think with a few simple steps. Let’s look at how your windows, household habits, and lifestyle can keep you relaxed and cool this season.
Top window changes to reduce heat
So, when the heat feels unbearable, how can you keep your home comfortable and save money? Surprisingly, your windows have a bigger impact than you may think.
Consider double-glazed windows
Up to 40% of interior energy can be lost through windows. Single-pane windows, common in older homes, don’t offer much insulation because they allow heat to easily enter during the summer. The glass absorbs the external heat and radiates it into your home, which in turn raises the indoor temperature.
Single-pane glass also lets heat from direct sunlight increase the temperature of an object the sun hits. For instance, sun hitting a concrete slab in summer can dramatically increase the internal temperature. It is important to consider the frame materials as metal and aluminium frames will conduct the heat transferred into the room as well.
Thankfully, double-glazed windows don’t have this issue and can help keep your rooms cool. These windows feature two layers of glass with an insulating space in between, which slows down heat transfer and helps maintain a more consistent temperature inside. Reflective coatings, such as low-E glass, on double-glazed windows also reduces heat gain, keeping your home cooler in summer. Plus, they help block outdoor noise from traffic to make your home quieter and more comfortable. While double-glazing typically requires a higher initial investment, they’re well worth it in the long run.
Invest in low-E glass
As the heat rises in summer months, low-emissivity (or low-E) glass is a great solution for blocking out unwanted solar heat, without changing the colour of the glass or adding undesirable clarity to the glass. Low-E can be fine-tuned to reject a certain amount of the sun’s heat, and all low-E glass is fantastic at retaining your energy inside the home.
Simply applying a low-E coating to a double-glazed unit, it can increase the thermal performance by as much as 35%, while costing as little as 9% extra. Additionally, unlike window tinting, low-E coatings allow solar heat to enter during winter, helping to warm your property rather than blocking it.
Find a shading solution
Shading is another effective way to prevent heat from entering your home. Outdoor shading is the most important. Install awnings or shade sails for an extra layer of protection, or for a natural touch, plant trees or vines near windows, which will create beautiful and organic shade over time. These techniques can significantly reduce heat and make a noticeable difference in keeping your rooms cooler.
You can also consider adding internal blinds or thick curtains to block UV rays, and close them on hot days to shield against the heat and reduce air-conditioning costs. Choosing light-coloured backings for window-facing sides can help reflect sunlight more effectively. Generally, internal furnishings can only stop heat from direct sunlight, rather than stopping the glass from heating up and radiating into the home.
Top household changes to reduce heat
By adjusting a couple of key things in your household, there are a variety of ways you can reduce heat.
Upgrade cooling systems
Before summer arrives, it’s important to service your air conditioner to make sure it’s running efficiently. While regular maintenance keeps it in top shape, well-sealed double-glazed windows reduce dust and debris that can clog your unit. Once you’ve installed high-performance double-glazed windows in each room, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, lowering energy consumption, reducing strain on the system, and extending its lifespan.
Have good insulation
Proper insulation in your walls and roof makes a big difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Good insulation keeps cool air inside longer, reducing the workload on your cooling systems. Check the insulation in your ceiling and walls, and consider topping up your ceiling insulation—it will help keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Consider adding ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to stay cool, using only a fraction of the energy required to run an air conditioner. Set your fans to rotate counter-clockwise in summer to push cool air down, creating a breeze that can reduce the air temperature around you by 2-3°C. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave a space.
Minimise heat sources
Take note of what generates heat in your home and make adjustments on particularly hot days. Appliances like ovens, stovetops, and air fryers can add unwanted warmth to your space. Instead, opt for no-cook meals or use outdoor cooking methods like a barbecue to keep the heat out of your home. Other appliances to be aware of include laundry dryers, computers and hair dryers. It’s best to not use them in the middle of hot weather. If you’re in the market for new appliances, give some thought to the energy star rating. The more stars on the label, the more energy efficient, which means savings on running costs and emissions.
Limit electricity use
Light bulbs are another source of heat. Incandescent bulbs, in particular, emit a lot of heat, so switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs can help. On especially hot days, try to limit the use of any electricity or lighting that could contribute to the heat. These small changes can make a big difference in keeping your home cool in summer.
Seal open gaps
It’s really important to select windows and doors that offer seals, guaranteeing no energy leaks around the frame or opening. Gaps or cracks in your windows can allow warm air to enter and cool air to escape. Sealing these is especially necessary when it’s windy outside, with wind able to pull windows and doors open if they are not designed for the correct location.
Top lifestyle changes to reduce heat
Keeping a house cool in summer is not always easy, but here are a couple lifestyle habits that can reduce heat.
Keep your air-con at 24-25 degrees
Did you know that lowering your air conditioning temperature won’t cool your room any faster? Plus, for every degree you set it lower, you add around 10% to your running costs. To stay comfortable without overspending, aim to keep your air-con set between 24–25 degrees Celsius. This range strikes a good balance between cooling and efficiency.
Remember, air conditioning only cools the room it’s running in, so be sure to close doors and curtains to keep the cool air contained. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, look for models with high energy-star ratings. These are more energy-efficient, helping you save on costs and reduce emissions over time.
Open everything in the evenings
As the sun begins to set, consider opening your windows and doors to let a cool breeze flow through your home. This helps release any lingering heat and brings in refreshing evening air. Just remember to close and lock up before heading to bed for safety and peace of mind.
Find DIY options to cool down
Rather than putting your air-con on, you can also escape the heat through easy options such as sipping on a cold drink, putting a cold cloth on your neck, going for a dip in the pool or ocean, or taking a cold shower. If you have a fan already, you can place a shallow bowl of ice in front of it for an icy cool breeze that won’t break the bank too. All of these DIY options can help you cool down while reducing air conditioner usage.
How to keep a room cool in summer
With summer in full swing, planning ahead is the key to staying cool. From updating your windows to double-glazed or installing curtains to minimising appliance use during the hottest times of the day, changes like these can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
As experts in window installation, double glazing, thermal performance, and more, our team at Miglas can help you keep a house cool in extreme heat. We offer a wide range of windows and doors to suit your needs, no matter the climate.
If you’re looking for high-performance composite windows and how to reduce summer heat in your Aussie home, make an inquiry with us or check out our products today.
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