CONTRIBUTED BY FALLON SOLUTIONS
For many people, their family home is the most important place in the world. It’s a source of comfort and stability. But for older family members, living alone can be a challenge, especially with Brisbane’s hot, humid weather in summer. People aged 65 years and over are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses and need special care when the temperature is predicted to rise above 30°C.
If you’re worried about an elderly relative or neighbour, there are steps you can take to help them stay safe in the summer heat.
1. Air Conditioning
Installing an air conditioner is the best way to stay cool and ensure peace of mind. Encourage your loved one to stay inside and run the A/C during the hottest hours of the day.
If there is already an air conditioner installed, ensure it is clean and has had a recent maintenance check. This can help reduce running costs while guaranteeing clean, healthy air.
2. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are economical to operate and an excellent means to help reduce your air conditioning costs by circulating the cool air throughout your home.
3. Blinds and Curtains
Drawing your curtains at dusk can reduce heat loss by around 15-17%. With blinds, the figure is a little lower at 13-14%, but the difference is enough to make closing them worth it. Therefore, to beat the heat, we encourage the installation of blinds and curtains.
4. Switching to LEDs
It is found that almost 90% of the energy in iridescent bulbs is used to produce heat which increases the heat in rooms as well as fire risks. Yes, LED lights produce some heat; however, this heat is only a fraction of what incandescent or halogen bulbs produce while also being more efficient. LED bulbs are also cool to the touch since they don’t generate infrared radiation heat.
