Australians Urged to Prioritize Fans as First Line of Defense Against Extreme Heat
Sydney, Australia – As Australia braces for another summer of potentially record-breaking temperatures, health experts are advocating for a return to simple, energy-efficient cooling methods – starting with fans. While air conditioning remains vital,particularly for vulnerable populations,authorities say fans can be effectively used in temperatures up to 37C,alongside other strategies like closing blinds and staying hydrated.
Heat-related illness poses a serious risk,with symptoms of heat exhaustion including cool,clammy skin,excessive sweating or thirst,headache,muscle cramps and dizziness. Heatstroke,a life-threatening condition,is characterised by very high body temperature,fast breathing or pulse,confusion,or slurred speech.
The University of Sydney’s HeatWatch provides forecasts of heat health risks and offers advice on staying cool.
Experts point to a “great forgetting” of basic cooling techniques, exacerbated by modern home designs featuring excessive unshaded glass and a societal normalisation of air conditioning. “Many modern Australian homes are being designed with too much unshaded glass that makes them susceptible to overheating,” explains researcher Edwards. Public health campaigns have also historically focused less on fan-first cooling.
However, experts like Tim Forcey, author of My Efficient Electric home Handbook, emphasize that fans shouldn’t preclude air conditioning entirely. “Don’t wait until the peak time of 5pm to turn on the air-con – especially now that Chris Bowen is now giving away three hours of free electricity during the day. So use it to pre-cool the house if you need to,” Forcey stated.
He advocates for a combined approach, including closing blinds, using reflective shading, and ensuring proper home insulation. “Yes – use fans first to try to keep cool. But don’t be stingy with air-con usage if you need it – we still have 78-year-olds in Australia prematurely dying from heat morbidity.”
The federal government is offering at least three hours of free solar power daily, even for households without solar panels, to help alleviate energy costs during peak demand.
Australians are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize cooling strategies as summer approaches.
