FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#16 - Flipbook - Page 47
Air 昀椀rst
Indoor air is often more polluted
than outdoor air. Moisture,
mould and poor ventilation drive
respiratory symptoms and asthma.
The World Health Organisation’s
guidance is clear. Prevent and 昀椀x
damp, control condensation and
ensure effective ventilation. If there
is visible mould, remove it safely and
昀椀x the source of moisture, not just
the stain.
In Australia, the evidence base is
strengthening as housing becomes
tighter for energy ef昀椀ciency. CSIRO
research shows that well sealed
homes are more comfortable and
can have healthier air, provided you
also ensure controlled ventilation.
Without it, low air昀氀ow raises the risk
of condensation and poor indoor air.
The practical take away is simple.
Seal, then ventilate on purpose with
trickle vents, exhausts that actually
vent outdoors, or a balanced system
with heat recovery where feasible.
Day to day moves:
• Run kitchen and bathroom
exhausts during and after
cooking or showering.
• Open opposing windows for
a short cross breeze when
outdoor air is good.
• Use a certi昀椀ed HEPA air
puri昀椀er during smoke events
or allergy season and replace
昀椀lters on schedule.
• Avoid un昀氀ued gas heaters
and limit indoor burning that
creates particulates.
For more on indoor air, see
Australian Government
guidance which covers
ventilation, puri昀椀ers and wood
heater alternatives.
Thermal comfort
Thermal comfort is not only
about set points. It is also about
air movement, humidity, clothing
and activity. Australian green
building guidance expects
comfortable conditions for
almost all occupied hours.
At home this means good
insulation, draught management,
shading and smart zoning so
bedrooms can stay cooler at
night without over conditioning
the whole house.
Quick wins:
• Shade east and west glazing
with external blinds or
deciduous planting.
• Seal obvious leaks around
doors and downlights, then
verify with a blower door test
if you can access one.
• Use ceiling fans to extend
comfort without overcooling
or overheating.
