Australia is a vast country, considering its number of inhabitants. In 2019, the young country’s population was estimated at 25.4 million and set to increase rapidly in the coming years. Australia’s hike in population and the new multi-culture are the results of immigration from various countries, especially Asia. The skilled labourers available today are responsible for the country’s growth and development in social, cultural and economic fronts.
When the English settlers first landed in the country, resources were limited, and the land was alien. Houses were shacks, and some built their homes mimicking European styles, but these houses did not meet the standards required to withstand the weather. There was some tension between these houses and the Australian weather. But now, With modern solutions like the freestanding wood heaters, people are starting to address the age-old problems of housings in Australia.
The Weather Problem
The Australian climate is nothing close to the climatic pattern of Britain. Therefore, the houses were of no comfort to its inhabitants and often failed to stand the test of time. In a 2016 survey, the number of dwellings in Australia was at 10 million. Stand-alone houses are the most predominant style of homesteads since the early settlers were far and in-between. Apartment-styled buildings or Duplex houses are just coming up as there is a movement towards metropolitan cities. Systems in buildings are adapting to combat the weather. This is a welcome sign that accommodates the diverse needs of the immigrant population, as well.
Heating Equipment
Australians are more concerned about the heat than the cold, but a glance at the mortality data suggests otherwise. From 1988 to 2000, seven percent of deaths were due to the cold weather. Hence it is essential to pick out the right heating appliance to keep the interiors warm during the winter.
However, central heating systems may not be required in most parts of the country as the Australian winters are not extremely cold. People generally opt for heating equipment like heat pump systems or freestanding wood heaters, depending on their climatic needs. Renewable resources energy has lower emissions, and when regulated systematically, can help maintain a sustainable lifestyle. Almost 10 percent of home heating systems depend on firewood in Australia. Freestanding wood heaters easily fit in with any space and add finesse to the décor.
Cooling Systems
Climate change is slowly altering the weather pattern in Australia and the already unpredictable conditions. Different climate zones demand different types of cooling and heating systems. Evaporative coolers can be more effective than air coolers in the case of dry and warm climatic conditions. But if the summers are humid, evaporative coolers are not effective. Hence, humidifying air conditioners are beneficial in semi-arid or Mediterranean areas such as Nyngan or Perth.
Insulation Systems
With an investment in an effective insulation system, energy bills could go down thousands of dollars. If individual houses have adequate insulation, it can reduce the overall energy expenditure of a state or even the country. Insulation helps the heating or cooling systems of the house to work better by reducing air leakage. More than half of Australia’s houses have air conditioning, but there is a lack in the case of standard insulation. The building performance standards set by the Australian Greenhouse Office has allocated insulation standards based on the different climatic-zones.
These systems should be seen as investments rather than expenses as they save money and energy in the long run. A growing consciousness towards the environment has inspired Australians to live sustainably. One cannot forgo warmth in a home, and by investing in an efficient and eco-friendly system, one can save the environment while firewood’s warmth fills the room.