As south-eastern Australia braces for a building heatwave expected to peak on Friday, January 9th, experts are warning that modern home designs may be exacerbating the effects of rising temperatures indoors.
Changing Home Designs and Increased Heat
The traditional Australian home, characterized by brick construction, wrap-around verandahs, and smaller windows, has evolved significantly in recent years. According to Jenny Edwards, owner of Light House ArchiScience and one-half of Canberra’s FixIt Chicks, these changes are contributing to homes becoming more susceptible to heat. “Window size is a really big problem,” Edwards stated, “we’ve tended to put in… lots of glass.”
While double-glazing offers some protection against temperature fluctuations, it doesn’t block direct sunlight. The lack of features like eaves, awnings, and lush gardens further compounds the issue, leaving homes exposed to intense heat. Increasingly, developers and homeowners are prioritizing building footprints over green space, and opting for concrete and artificial turf, which contribute to the “heat-island effect.” Edwards noted that artificial turf “gets so incredibly hot,” and is ineffective to water during extreme heat.
Low-Cost Cooling Strategies
For those without access to air conditioning or transportation to cooler locations, Edwards recommends a simple, four-step approach to mitigate indoor heat, summarized by the acronym SIFT.
“S” stands for shading glass from direct sunlight, using materials like sheets, tarps, or even cardboard. “I” focuses on insulation, suggesting long-term improvements to ceiling insulation. “F” involves strategic fan placement, utilizing them in the coolest room – typically on the south side of the house – to aid in heat loss from the body. Finally, “T” emphasizes timing, advising residents to open windows only when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, and to use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to expel hot air.
Health Risks and Warning Signs
Medical professionals are urging communities to be aware of the dangers of heat-related illnesses, particularly for children. Dr. Kerrie Aust, president of the Australian Medical Association ACT, explained that children’s bodies heat up more quickly and they may struggle to recognize or communicate symptoms. Dr. Michael Wright, president of the Royal Australian College of GPs, cautioned against complacency, noting that heatwaves have caused the most hospitalizations related to extreme weather in the last decade, with older individuals also at increased risk.
Early Warning Signs:
- Unusual tiredness or irritability
- Headache or dizziness
- Intense thirst
- Nausea or vomiting.
Serious Symptoms (Seek Medical Help Immediately):
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or fainting
- Seizures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of housing is most susceptible to heating up?
Homes with large windows, limited eaves or awnings, and a lack of surrounding gardens are more susceptible to heating up, according to Jenny Edwards.
What is the SIFT method?
SIFT is an acronym for Shading, Insulation, Fans, and Temperature/Time, representing a series of low-cost strategies to keep homes cool during a heatwave.
Are children more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses?
Yes, children are more vulnerable because their bodies heat up faster and they may not recognize or communicate symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, according to Dr. Kerrie Aust.
As temperatures rise, will communities be able to effectively adapt existing housing stock to mitigate the impacts of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves?
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