Why Australian Homes are so cold? WHO ranks Australian homes as some of the coldest in the world
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate, but during winter, many Australians find themselves shivering in their own homes. Despite the milder winters compared to other parts of the world, Australian homes often provide virtually no protection from the cold. This issue can be traced to several key factors: inadequate insulation, thermal bridging, outdated construction practices, and poor airtightness. This topic went viral when a Canadian blogger Alexandra Tuohey was stunned to discover just how cold Australian houses can be after moving into a sharehouse. The most messed up part about living in Australia is that people genuinely say to me "Oh, you're Canadian, so you shouldn't be able to feel the cold,"' Ms Tuohey said on a video posted to social media.
John Pabon, an American sustainability consultant who also lives in Melbourne, agreed. 'When Australians complain about their houses being cold during the winter, they're not just having a whinge, it's scientifically proven,' he said. 'The World Health Organisation consistently ranks Australian homes as some of the coldest in the world. 'They have a metric that says for a house to be considered not cold it has to be above 18 degrees inside. Well, Aussie houses, they totally miss the mark.' Mr Pabon said a recent report showed that 81 per cent of houses across Australia do not meet the WHO minimum standard. Let's delve into why Australian homes are so cold and what can be done to improve their thermal performance.
Inadequate Insulation: The Core Problem
One of the main reasons Australian homes feel cold is the lack of proper insulation. Insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature by reducing heat loss. The thermal R-value measures the effectiveness of insulation—the higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
In Australia, building codes historically have not required high R-values, especially in areas with milder winters. As a result, many homes are built with minimal insulation, leading to significant heat loss during colder months. In contrast, countries with colder climates mandate higher R-values to ensure homes remain warm and energy-efficient.
Thermal Bridging: A Pathway for Heat Loss
Thermal bridging occurs when a material that conducts heat well, such as metal or concrete, creates a direct path for heat to escape from inside the house to the outside. These bridges are common in Australian homes and significantly reduce the effectiveness of insulation.
For example, metal window frames, concrete slabs, and poorly insulated roofs and walls allow heat to escape easily, creating cold spots inside the home. Addressing thermal bridging requires careful design and the use of materials that minimize heat transfer, such as thermal breaks and insulating wraps.
Outdated Construction Practices
Australia's construction industry has been slow to adopt modern, energy-efficient building practices. Many homes are still constructed using outdated methods that do not prioritize thermal performance.
Single-glazed windows, which have poor insulation properties, are still widely used. Modern alternatives like double-glazed windows, which provide much better thermal insulation, are not as common. Additionally, advanced construction methods and materials, such as insulated concrete forms and high-performance thermal barriers, are not widely implemented. Example as you can see from the infrared camera below, if you haven't used a double-glazed windows, all the heat actually leaks out from your windows.
Poor Airtightness: The Drafty Reality
Air leakage is another significant issue that makes Australian homes cold. Homes that are not airtight allow cold air to infiltrate and warm air to escape, resulting in drafts and increased heating needs.
In many countries, air leakage tests are standard practice to ensure buildings are airtight and energy-efficient. However, in Australia, these tests are not commonly performed, and many homes suffer from significant air leakage. Improving airtightness through better construction practices and regular air leakage testing can greatly enhance thermal comfort.
Lack of Urgency Due to Mild Climate
Australia's generally mild climate has contributed to a lack of urgency in adopting thermally efficient building standards. Compared to regions with harsher winters, there has been less incentive to invest in high-performance insulation and airtight construction.
However, this perspective overlooks the benefits of thermal efficiency, which include not only improved comfort but also reduced energy bills and environmental impact. Educating homeowners and builders about these benefits is crucial for driving change.
Moving Forward: Embracing Thermal Efficiency
To address the issue of cold homes in Australia, several steps can be taken:
- Updating Building Codes: Implement stricter regulations that require higher R-values for insulation and better thermal performance standards.
- Adopting Modern Construction Technologies: Encourage the use of double glazing, insulated concrete forms, and advanced thermal break technologies.
- Performing Air Leakage Tests: Ensure homes are built to be airtight, preventing drafts and unnecessary heat loss.
- Educating Homeowners and Builders: Raise awareness about the importance of thermal efficiency and the benefits of modern building practices.
By prioritizing these measures, Australia can move towards constructing homes that provide adequate protection from the cold, ensuring that winter is a season of comfort rather than discomfort. Embracing modern construction technologies and updating building codes will help ensure that Australian homes are not only energy-efficient but also warm and cozy during the winter months.
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