As Australian homeowners, we live in a hot, at times balmy, continent. As such, our homes are typically designed to try and account for these conditions. We pay consideration to aspect, shade and ventilation. If we didn’t, we would have met a well-roasted end a long time ago.
With summertime temperatures extending for long periods of the year, it’s critical to get the heat control function of your home running at its best. That involves maintaining adequate ventilation, perhaps installing an air conditioning unit and managing the impact of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
The windows of your home are the key entry and exit points for heat exchange. They’re the areas of your home that let the air in, (which in this country means they have both a cooling and heating effect, season-depending) and they also provide the point of penetration for the burning Australian sun. As such, the effective management of your windows is one of the most critical parts of your home’s temperature control and energy efficiency.
Some of the most effective ways of minimising heat and keeping the cool air in come from your window furnishings. There is a multitude of options including awnings, shutters, blinds and specific types of curtains. Whichever option you select for your home, your choices should be made carefully if you’re to reap the benefits of maximum energy efficiency.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are one option that provides an effective means of protection from the sun, whilst also adding a sleek and stylish aesthetic to your home. They require minimal maintenance and because of the durability of the materials they’re made from, they can last for 20 years or more. They’re a great option if you want to keep your windows open as much as possible, as their structure means no billowing curtains or compromised privacy. The added benefit of a plantation shutter is its easy installation, with a universal fit that comes in a range of designs from natural to modern.
Outdoor Awnings
Keeping the bulk of the sun’s rays from your window is half the battle won. With an awning, you can minimise its impact by providing additional shade, which helps to reduce the amount of heat coming into your home. In addition, your energy efficiency is increased as your air conditioning unit doesn’t need to work as hard, saving your power bills.
Blinds and Curtains
With the right type of blind or curtain, you can help minimise the costs of cooling your home with the use of your air conditioner. Swapping lightweight curtains for a denser blackout-style curtain or blind during the hottest times of the year will help you minimise the impact of the sunlight on your window and keep you cool.
The good news is that whichever way you choose to furnish your windows, there is a range of affordable options to suit every budget.
- Your Fashionline team