If your home is only comfortable during certain times of the year, it’s likely not built for the local weather. Some parts of it may need to be improved so your house will have that comfortable temperature all-year round regardless of which climate zone you’re located in. The good news is simple changes, such as installing glass sliding doors in Adelaide and weatherproofing them, can easily boost energy efficiency.
What does it mean to build for climate?
A home built or renovated for the local weather offers both physical and psychological comfort.
- It stays comfortable no matter the season
- It’s neither too hot nor too cold for you and other occupants, thermally comfortable to be specific
- It’s comfortable without cranking up heating or cooling needs
Which climate zone do you live in?
According to the National Construction Code, there are eight main climate zones in Australia, each of which requires specific design and construction. The 69 regional subzones further increase the design variations within these zones. Knowing which zone your house is built in is the first step to year-round indoor comfort.
- Check the climate zone maps online that are available on various sites, such as the ABCB Climate Map on the ABCB (Australian Building Codes Board) website and the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) Climate Zone Map.
- Check with your local council if they have building guides suited to your local area and climate
- Check your energy bills, compare costs between winter and summer, and check if they’re higher or lower. A home built for the local weather usually consumes less heating and cooling energy
Which signs indicate a need for home improvements?
Whether old or newly built, it’s possible that your house was made without the climate zone in mind if you notice issues listed below.
- Indoor heat rises in summer, especially in the afternoon, resulting in hot and stuffy interiors
- Heating bill shoots through the roof as colder months peak
- Different rooms or areas of your home have different temperature levels
- Most, if not all, windows or doors have drafts or cold spots, which are clear indicators of an energy-inefficient living space
What features to check for climate-readiness?
- Orientation: Check your home’s position in relation to the direction of the sun in different seasons, and see if there are shading elements provided. Walls and windows facing east and west, for example, get the most sun in the summer and will need shades or glazing to block most of it and keep the interior cooler.
- Insulation and Sealing: There should be insulation in the ceiling, wall and underfloor areas, and over gaps around doors, windows and vents. Old doors and window frames must be weather-stripped or replaced.
- Window and Door Materials: Double-glazed sliding doors and windows, for example, help ensure thermal comfort due to better insulation and construction.
What if your home isn’t built for the local climate?
- List all problem areas, then upgrade or retrofit as needed to achieve the desired outcome, which is thermal comfort all year round.
- Add insulation where it’s lacking, seal gaps and upgrade glazing
- Check your home’s ventilation and implement strategies to correct inefficiencies, such as installing ceiling fans
- Plant trees or shrubs near west-facing walls and windows to provide shade and help block solar radiation
You don’t want to be chasing comfort at any time of the year while living in your Adelaide home. By checking your home’s design, orientation and other features, you can renovate for all-season comfort. If you’re looking for the best sliding doors, Rylock is the provider to call.
