Ventilation is one of the least expensive and most energyefficient ways to cool a building and the people inside it.
Ventilation works best when an appropriate number and combination of vents are used to avoid heat buildup in your home. Air movement is the most important way to expel heat. Evaporation of perspiration is an effective way to cool people. It requires air movement and moderate to low humidity.
Air movement cools your home by carrying heat out of the house as warm air and replacing it with cooler external air. Moving air can also carry heat from cooling systems such as air conditioning ducts to reduce its heat lead and possibly reduce energy consumption.
Well-ventilated and insulated roof spaces form a buffer between your home and the hot outside air. It might also help reduce your use of air conditioning.
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Ways to prevent or reduce heat
- Install ventilators on roof space attics, living area and sub floor area
- Use light coloured roofs to reflect heat
- Install ceiling insulation such as Bradford Gold segments to decrease heat transferring from outside to your home
- Keep doors closed when cooling a central room, especially doors of rooms that aren't used so the room will cool quicker
- Limit the amount of sunlight coming directly into your home during the hottest hours of the day by keeping your shutters, curtains or blinds closed
- Install screens on windows and doors so they can be left open to allow air circulation, whilst preventing insects
- Avoid using heat generating appliances such as stoves, microwave ovens and vacuums during the hottest hours of the day
- Enjoy the summer nights by cooking outdoor BBQs instead of cooking inside
- Paint external walls a lighter colour to reflect heat or even a quick early evening hose down of hot bricks and tiles will slow transfer through your walls and roof
- In absence of an air conditioner, placing a large bowl of ice in front of a fan giving you instant cold air!
