It’s hardly news for most renters in the central west which enjoys long summers, but Australian leased properties are often “hot-boxes” so, if you’re renting, now’s a great time to move on.
Private rental stock in Australia is amongst the poorest quality and most thermally-uncomfortable housing in the western world, RMIT researchers have found.
Renters and lower-income households are at greater risk of living in a too hot (and too cold) home.
RMIT suggested these tips on what to look for in a new rental home.
Does the house have insulation? Ceiling, wall and underfloor insulation and draught proofing can keep the heat out in summer and warmth inside in winter.
Is there external shading, that is blinds or greenery? Ensuring windows and walls are shaded is the most effective means to keep the heat out, particularly on the west façade. Horizontal shading on the north side is most effective across seasons.
Does it have double-glazed windows? These are common in many other regions of the world.
Look at surfaces: walls, floors and roofs. Dark coloured external surface and hard concrete environments can exacerbate heat island effects. Internal brick and concrete can absorb summer heat and slow down the heating up of internal spaces.
Consider the size and position of windows and doors. Openings that are placed across rooms or the home will allow for natural ventilation. Security doors and fly screens will allow for more frequent ventilation, keeping intruders and bugs out.
Check for ceiling fans. Ceiling fans cool the home with little energy use. They are particularly useful in bedrooms.
How big is the home? Australia has some of the largest homes in the world, which are more expensive to heat and cool. If it is a large home, look for doors and spaces that can be closed off and cooled with air conditioning.
Does the home have a home energy performance assessment scorecard? It can be hard to access a home’s energy efficiency during an inspection. There is no substitute for independently verified information.
