Post-renovations

[FrankS]

HELP!!!! and MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
After renovations comes thought for comfort. Being in SE Qld, we're having some really hot weather. We've been considering installing roof ventilators i.e. whirlybirds but getting information as to types, costs, installation is near impossible.Retailers I've talked to have little information and the manufacturers of these items don't seem to reply to my queries. Anybody out there have any idea how I should approach this problem. We don't want air conditioning or evaporative air cooling.

[bitingmidge]

Frank,

Insulate, insulate, insulate.

You won't believe the difference, and the whirlybird will be redundant anyway.

I have not found a standard domestic one that actually does what it is supposed to, but your insulation should help.

I see the renovations are finished. If you insulate AND cross-ventilate, ie windows in at least two walls of each room, you'll be amazed at the difference.

Cheers,

P (35° outside, 28° inside, no fans, no mechanical assistance)

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I'll sit on the fence.

Midge has it right that insulation is the best cure... but even then a whirlybird has its' place.

We have an asbestos roof and after a couple of really hot days the heat builds up in the ceiling cavity faster than it can cool down overnight. This works its' way throught the insulation eventually, leaving us miserable even when a cool change blows in and it takes the house days to cool down.

Installing a whirlybird has the effect of ensuring the cavity stays around ambient outside temperature, no heat buildup hence the insulation doesn't need to "work" so hard.

I'd install a whirlybird first, to cover the interim stage while you save the pennies for insulation. It wouldn't be wasted money.

[JohnM]

Our last house (in Moree) I fitted two cheap whirlies (20 square house). Lowered the temp very noticably. I'm going to do the same to our current home, even though we have air con.