Invest In Alternatives To Air Conditioning For A Cooler, More Valuable Home

 2007 was the warmest year on record for South Australia since record-keeping began in 1910 and homeowners need to begin considering how they can prepare their homes to better cope with longer, hotter summers, according to First National Real Estate South Australia.

“One of the more valuable home improvement investments a homeowner can make in 2008 is planning for the fact that records show temperatures are on the rise across the state and we can expect warmer spring, summer and autumn days,” First National Real Estate SA director Russell Burton said. “Making your home as comfortable as possible during hotter days and nights obviously benefits your lifestyle but it will also add real value should you choose to sell, as buyers are now very aware of how a home matches up to the challenges of climate change.”

Mr Burton said air conditioning remained the most popular heat-beater when temperatures soared but, if they must have one, homeowners should invest in the most advanced unit they can afford.

“If you’re switching on a unit that’s been there for the past 10 years it simply won’t be using the latest and best technologies to efficiently cool a room,” he said. “Up-grade to a new model split system unit that will provide controlled heating as well as cooling throughout the year.”

But smart homeowners should look beyond air-conditioning and consider more environmentally friendly solutions for the longer term. These could include:

· Awnings. “Install awnings over all windows that receive full sun,” Mr Burton said. “When fully extended on a hot sunny day they can reduce temperatures inside a room by 10 degrees. Choose stylish colours and fabrics and you’ll also give a lift to your home’s exterior.”
· Insulation. Many homes have the minimum required ceiling insulation. Adding an additional layer can significantly lower the temperature inside a home.
· Windows and glass doors “We’ve opted for open plan designs that usually include large expanses of glass doors and windows,” Mr Burton said. “Unless they have been very carefully designed these generally just invite the heat in. Consider installing low-emission tinted glass that helps stop heat from entering the home. If you have large doors opening to an outdoor area look at adding a covered deck or paved area, which will block out direct sunlight. If well planned and designed it will improve the outdoor living area as well.”
· Reconfigure inside living areas Rooms on the southern and eastern sides of a home are likely to be cooler during summer and it can be worthwhile looking at how one of these could be used as a TV room or dining area during the summer months. “It may well be that it is worth the money to actually change or remove a wall to give better access to a cooler part of the house,” Mr Burton said. “If you plan to stay in the home for the longer term consult an architect or designer about the options and costs involved in a more sustainable floorplan.”
· Breezeways Aligning windows and doors to ensure cooling breezes can move through the house is another sustainable solution to bringing down temperatures inside a home. “Again, you would need to consult an architect but the creation of breezeways can help create an airy, clean and cooler home, Mr Burton said.
· Ceiling fans These are far, far cheaper to run than any air conditioner and while they don’t reduce the temperature of a room, they do create a cooling effect.

“We can’t all go on simply switching on an air conditioner when it becomes uncomfortably warm,” Mr Burton said. “Looking at and investing in the alternatives is becoming more important and would certainly improve the resale value of most homes.”