With another hot summer fast approaching, improving your home’s ventilation could be key to keeping your property cool and comfortable in the months to come.
When completing renovations to your existing home, proper ventilation can make staying cool a total breeze without having to heat up energy bills at the same time.
Most jurisdictions now require new builds and major renovations to adhere to specific energy efficiency requirements to comply with the latest National Construction Code changes.
This includes ensuring adequate natural and mechanical ventilation through optimised home designs that support airflow and cross-ventilation, using energy-efficient appliances such as exhaust fans and ventilators, and properly sealing and insulating the property.
The rating is part of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). New builds and major renos are required to achieve a 7-star rating, meaning they require less energy for heating and cooling, ensuring lower energy bills and a reduced environmental footprint.
Senior consultant and ventilation expert at Fanco Jeff Headley told Build-it that ventilation was essential for maintaining interior air quality, with understanding how it affects energy ratings essential for Australian homeowners.
“A good ventilation system raises oxygen levels, manages indoor temperatures, helps prevent condensation and mould growth within the home, and removes dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products that can negatively impact health,” he explained.
“In a country with extreme temperatures, proper airflow helps regulate indoor climate, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency.”
Top ventilation tips for homeowners
Homeowners can utilise plenty of techniques and systems to help properly ventilate their homes. These energy-efficient solutions can enhance air quality and minimise energy use, resulting in savings on your next power bill.
Fanco’s ventilation expert, Jeff Headly, gave Build-it these top tips for homeowners looking to boost their home’s ventilation.
Natural airflow
The strategic placement of windows, doors, and vents can help facilitate airflow throughout the home with designs that enable cross-ventilation, allowing fresh air to flow from one side of the house to the other.
Proper ducting
Ensuring your home is properly ducted is essential for preventing energy loss and maintaining efficient airflow throughout the home. Proper ducting minimises leaks and ensures consistent air pressure, which enhances the performance of the ventilation system.
Vents and covers
Installing good-quality vents and covers is crucial for evenly distributing air and preventing blockages. If blockages do occur, it can force heating or cooling systems to work harder than required.
Government schemes
Some state and territory governments have developed initiatives to assist homeowners in becoming more energy efficient, with property owners encouraged to explore which grants and programs are available within their community.
For instance, in Victoria, homeowners can access free installation of back-draft shutters to seal exhaust fans, significantly improving energy efficiency by preventing unwanted airflow.
Regular maintenance
Maintaining and servicing all ventilation systems regularly ensures efficient operation of any installed system throughout the year.
Being aware of the maintenance and service requirements of any installed ventilation products can help prolong the life and the cost savings it provides.
Chat with your builder
Having an open flow of communication with your builder is vital to ensuring your new home or renovation achieves optimal ventilation as well as the 7-star NatHERS rating. Work with your builder to evaluate your home’s ventilation needs based on its design, location, and use before works begin.
Ask your builder to incorporate windows, skylights, and vents to maximise natural airflow and install high-quality systems in areas like bathrooms and kitchens where natural ventilation is typically poor.
