Why Are Australian Homes so Cold, Residents Wonder

A recent temperature dip has sparked concern among Australians on social media, questioning why their houses are so cold.

Sydney and Melbourne woke up to their coldest mornings of the year on June 19, with temperatures dropping to 6.5 degrees Celsius and 1.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Prior to this, Central Queensland experienced its coldest night on record at 5.6 degrees Celsius, leaving residents to wake up to unexpected frost coating the ground.

Following these events, numerous videos have gone viral on social media, with individuals voicing their complaints about the inadequate insulation and heating in Australian homes.

“The coldest I’ve ever been was living in a Melbourne share house in the middle of July,” shared one user on TikTok.

According to RMIT senior lecturer Nicola Willand, many homes in Australia lack proper insulation and rely on inefficient heaters that can be costly to operate.

“Without proper insulation, the heat gets lost quickly, making it hard to warm up a room,” Ms. Willand explained.

This issue is particularly prevalent in older homes constructed prior to the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme’s implementation in 2004.

While newer homes are required to meet a minimum energy rating of seven out of 10, these properties are often too large to effectively retain warmth.

Many Australians have come to accept the cold in their homes during winter, with social media posts about the cold commonly shared by migrants from countries with colder climates.

The cold not only causes discomfort but can also lead to health issues, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as mold growth.

Furthermore, the freezing temperatures can have implications for mental health and lifestyle, discouraging social gatherings and affecting activities like studying.

To escape the cold, one in five Australians are considering heading north to warmer climates for a temporary escape.

According to research from Tourism and Events Queensland, residents of New South Wales are most likely to plan a winter holiday in Queensland, followed by Victorians.

Destinations like tropical north Queensland, the Whitsundays, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast are popular choices for interstate travelers seeking warmer weather.

Patricia O’Callaghan, CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, highlighted that besides the milder temperatures, winter offers unique experiences like whale watching in the north.

For those unable to afford a tropical getaway, alternative solutions for heating homes are necessary.

While some may resort to burning wood for warmth due to financial constraints, this can contribute to air pollution.

Fortunately, there are affordable ways to improve home insulation, such as draught-proofing by sealing gaps around doors and windows with tape or panelling.

Ceiling insulation and heavy curtains that reach the ceiling can also help retain heat and prevent it from escaping through windows.