BREAZE

In Ballarat’s temperate climate it doesn’t have to cost more to stay warm. You can keep the cold at bay and cut household energy use with some simple actions.

Heating

Turning down the thermostat on your heater,and putting on a jumper! Throw a blanket onto the couch to snuggle under while you sit still watching TV.

If you are building or renovating your house, see the Solar Passive design information below.

Cooling

Prevent the sun from hitting your windows by installing blinds or planting deciduous trees or vines to block out the summer sun.  You house will stay much cooler if the heat from the sun never enters your house.

In Ballarat, on some hot days the air outside cools down as night falls, so at dusk you can open window to get some cross ventilation (that is - cause a draft!) - so when planning a new house or renovation, consider the type of windows you will use, and choose a style that can open right up and let in the cool evening air!

If you are building or renovating your house, see the Solar Passive design information below.

Draft Proofing and insulation

Start by draught proofing doors and windows, and improving ceiling insulation.

These are relatively easy and low cost ways to make homes more energy efficient and comfortable, while reducing costs and emissions.

Solar Passive Design

A Google Search on Solar Passive returns a lot of good resources to educate yourself on this topic.

The basic idea is that if you position you house correctly, and use correctly sized eaves, you can add heat to your home in Winter by maximising the amount of sun/heat that gets in, and equally, keep the house cooler in Summer by preventing the heat from getting in.

This good design will mean you turn off you heater in Winter as the sun heats you home for free, and need to use an airconditioner less often in Summer - or even better, not at all!