The Building Code of Australia (BCA) have set specific energy efficiency standards for new homes. Residential buildings that get at least 5 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) are considered ideal. With more stars scored, the property is more thermally comfortable for its occupants; it’s also less likely for the residents to need or use more power on heating and cooling.
However, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation or CSIRO spotted one major flaw during a field evaluation with regard to the NatHERS system or the BCA standards: they were concentrated on heating, which means that the cooling aspects had several grey areas. What impact will cooling have in power consumption if the heating tasks are lowered as much as possible? Will one room’s low temperature or inefficiency in maintaining the indoor air’s comfort level not affect the overall rating?
After reviewing these findings, CSIRO recognised that cooling should not be underestimated. The home’s design should also be aimed at reducing the need to cool rooms alongside preventing the need to heat them and to use other heat-powered appliances. These homes should be designed with efficient heating and cooling systems in the form of air conditioners rated with high efficiency.
Cheap cooling systems may be what homebuilders on a budget look for primarily, but they can constantly enjoy a more comfortable and energy efficient home, too. There are many air conditioning technologies today that can be operated at manageable costs, lessen power consumption for sustainability’s sake, and keep your indoors pleasant, all at the same time. You just need to choose the right unit, and have it installed professionally.
For instance, you should consider air conditioners with inverters. This piece of sophisticated technology lets you optimise climate control in your home by improving the cooling system’s performance. Units with inverters are also rated with higher energy efficiency points as they are proven to lower your power usage and costs while maintaining a constant temperature for your home.
Of course, you have to ensure that the rest of your home aids in your goals, so you also have to invest on draught-proofing, glazing, insulation, and other strategies to keep cool air contained and circulating effectively. Ducted cooling experts like the team at Mode Heating & Cooling can equip your home or help you with the technology, systems, and other modifications needed.
(Source: Why do new energy-efficient houses need cooling?, Renew Economy)
