Get ready for a hot summer. Predictions say this one could be among the hottest on record and, due to climate change, it might be one of the coolest in the next few decades. With longer, hotter summers and barely-there winters, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep our homes cool and comfortable against the oppressive temperatures.
Here are some easy, effective ways to beat the heat and stay chill this season.
1. Insulate like you mean it
Insulation is one of the best investments you can make if you want to stay cool while saving on bills. According to Cyanergy, a well-insulated home can cut energy costs by up to 45% to 50% and pay for itself in five to six years.
“A lot of heat comes in through the roof,” says Bruce Rowse, sustainability expert and founder of the Sustainability Education Academy.
“Think where the sun is for most of the day – straight above. So, ceiling insulation is needed. If your ceiling insulation is less than 10cm thick, you should be putting it in. Fifteen centimetres of insulation is now becoming the norm.”
2. Seal up those sneaky gaps
“Hardware stores sell inexpensive weather seals,” Rowse says. “Use these to seal all doors opening to outside. Also, consider sealing bathroom and toilet doors and keeping them closed if there are windows you can’t close, which is often the case with toilets with exhaust fans.”
Every little gap around windows, doors and even baseboards is like a tiny escape hatch for your cool air. And when it’s 40C out, that’s a big deal.
3. Shade it up with exterior covers
Why let the sun even get close to your windows?
Adding exterior plantings, shades or awnings can make a huge difference, especially for windows facing the sun’s harshest angles. Studies show external shading can significantly reduce indoor temperatures, particularly in sun-drenched areas.
“The advantage of awnings,” Rowse says, “is that you can open them up in winter when you want that radiation to warm the home. It’s the same with deciduous plants. You could even add small shades over individual windows.”
4. Cool it with colour: reflective paints and light colours
When it comes to cooling your home, colour matters more than you’d think. Surfaces that get direct sunlight (such as walls and roofs) absorb and radiate heat, warming up your whole space. That’s where colour and special paints can be game-changers. Light colours, especially white, naturally reflect heat rather than absorb it.
“Paints designed to reflect radiation have been around for some time but are not yet widely appreciated,” Rowse says. So-called “cool roofs”, which are light in colour and with these special paints, can significantly reduce heat gain through roofs. Particularly when there is no insulation in the roof (and it is difficult to retrofit). These are well-suited for northern Australia.
5. Keep your AC fit with regular filter changes
Filters are like the lungs of your air conditioning system. When they’re clogged up, your AC has to work harder, which can boost energy use by 5% to 15%. A clean filter is crucial. It keeps airflow strong and improves indoor air quality. Swapping out or cleaning filters every three months, especially during peak summer months, can help your AC work better, cool faster and even keep your air fresher.
6. Use fans to create a natural breeze
“Air movement is often under-utilised to provide cooling. Fans don’t actually lower the temperature but they provide a 3C to 5C cooling effect,” Rowse says.
“Whether it’s a ceiling fan or a simple desk fan, they’re low-cost, energy-efficient and an easy way to keep the place nice and cool.”
7. Embrace the night chill with cross-ventilation
If you’re in an area where it cools down at night, take advantage of it.
“Open the house up at night when it’s cooler – windows and doors open. And close it up during the day with the curtains closed,” Rowse says. “The idea is to let cold air in at night to cool the house and stop warm air and solar radiation from coming in during the day. I’ve been doing this for years.”
Cooling solutions for renters: a real need
If you’re renting, staying cool sustainably can be tricky since many landlords aren’t keen on structural upgrades such as insulation or AC.
Sweltering Cities, a tenant advocacy group, has highlighted the extreme heat many renters face, with reports of indoor temps reaching 40C during heatwaves.
Rowse offered some advice for renters to help keep the heat out: “Thick floor-to-ceiling, thermally lined curtains can help reduce heat conduction through windows.” He also highlighted some technologies available to help keep our bodies cool in extreme heat conditions, such as cooling vests.
“It’s far more efficient to cool a person than a whole house,” Rowse says.
Whether you’re a home owner or a renter, these tips can help you face the hottest days while shrinking your carbon footprint. So this summer beat the heat with these sustainable home hacks and enjoy a cooler, greener and more refreshing season.
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Abigail Austin hosts The Eco Enthusiast podcast and is the author of the memoir Birth At The End Of The Earth and the children’s book The Girl Who Became A Tree
• This article was amended on 18 November 2024. Sustainability expert and founder of the Sustainability Education Academy is Bruce Rowse, not Bruce Browse as an earlier version said.
