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Media Release |
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Sky Rocketing Summer Power Bills will focus on Housing Design and Retro-Fitting
Wednesday, 13 October 2010 11:11
Australian home owners facing a triple whammy of rising charges for electricity, water and gas will be in for a major shock this summer when for the first time they face power bills which will include the cost of running air conditioners with the higher electricity costs. Air conditioning is one of the most expensive appliances to run in the home and business during Australia's hot summer.
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Deciduous creepers planted over a pergola provides shade during summer and allows the sun to penetrate during winter. |
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Between 2005 and 2010 general consumer prices have increased 16%. (Source: Australian Bureau of Statisitcs (ABS) Catalogue number 6401.0)
The Institute of Public Affairs, reveals the increase in electricity prices in capital cities between 2005 and 2010: 61.3% in Sydney, 56.8% in Melbourne, 50.7% in Brisbane, Canberra 45.9%, Darwin 35.9%, Perth 35.8% and Adelaide 16.0%.
In the past five years in Victoria from 2005 to 2010 it has not been uncommon for electricity and water prices to be rising at a $1.00 a week, according to figures from the Essential Services Commission.
Archicentre, the building advisory services of the Australian Institute of Architects, today said the sky rocketing costs of energy and water would be highlighted over summer and provide a strong focus on future housing design.
David Hallett, Victorian State Manager of Archicentre said, "the use of air conditioning, both in homes and in businesses, is one of the prime drivers of peak demand and on extreme days of heat have contributed to major black outs such as the one on 29 January 2009 where 100,000 Victorian homes were affected".
"The ongoing severe cost rises in water and power, and the changing political landscape on climate change and sustainability, has placed sustainable housing design and 'Green' retro-fitting on the economic and environmental agenda in Australia."
Mr Hallett said, "the key to year-round comfort is passive solar design. This is where a highly trained architect carefully combines materials, methods, building form and the sun's natural energy to help keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter".
"This approach saves money, respects the environment and enables you to live comfortably year round".
Mr Hallett said, "the energy-wise home requires a complex mix of well insulated, high thermal mass, intelligent glazing and ventilation, all arranged in a way that enhances comfort, anywhere in Australia."
Insulation is paramount to the energy-wise home experience. Lining the roof, walls and floor can reduce heat loss in winter, and heat-gain in summer.
Materials with a high thermal mass, like stone, brick or rammed earth, take a long time to heat up and a long time to cool down. Walls with a high thermal mass should be shaded to minimize a heat load in summer.
Glazing - Glass is a very poor insulator. In an energy efficient design think about size, location, glazing type and window coverings like verandahs, canopies or deciduous trees.
Other important factors include: - locating windows away from the western sun, and in some areas, the eastern sun.
Closing curtains and angling blinds to reflect intense heat off the windows during summer helps keep the home cooler.
Ventilation - Cross ventilation is an important design factor, and entails providing at least two carefully placed and treated openings in every room.
- Louvres can direct the air flow towards the occupant of the room.
- High level windows can allow unpleasant hot air to escape, resulting in the drawing in of cool air.
- Reversible ceiling fans are great in summer and winter. In winter they push the warmed air down to where you are sitting. In summer they disperse the air around the room.
Mr Hallett said energy-wise design is not an add-on feature when you are building a new home or renovating. Archicentre has found energy conservation has become an increasing priority for people undertaking Archicentre Design and Architect Advice Reports.
"People recognise that being able to design a passive solar home will save them thousands of dollars in the future and also add extra value to the home when it is sold".
"Already we are seeing many agents advertise the environmental sustainability of homes," Mr Hallett said.
Archicentre has a Guide to Energy-wise Living available for download at http://www.archicentre.com.au/energywise.pdf
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Archicentre - (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201