Cool Or Heat House Using Low-energy Fresh Air Systems
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday August 14, 1996
Solarlite Industries' Breeze Power Natural Cooling System uses a large, quiet fan hidden in the roof to create breezeways, writes KEN MATHERS .
SOLARLITE Industries Pty Ltd, of Thornleigh, specialises in low-energy systems which cool and ventilate the whole house, and provide warmth and natural light.
The Breeze Power Natural Cooling System uses a large, quiet fan concealed in the roof space over a central part of the home such as a hallway or at the top of a staircase.
It cools the rooms by drawing in fresh air through the windows, and expelling stale hot air through vents in the eves or gable ends.
The fan generates a powerful updraught which creates instant breezeways through every room and the roof space.
The ceiling opening under the fan has a white shutter which closes automatically and hides the fan when not in use.
Depending on the time of the day and the rooms being used, the cooling breezes created by the fan can be channelled around the home, keeping it cool, fresh and airy.
During the day, the windows may be opened in the kitchen, family and lounge room to obtain maximum air flow.
At night, these rooms are closed up and bedroom windows are opened.
The operating cost of the system is only 3c an hour.
The fan comes in four sizes to suit the size of the home or building to be cooled.
Unlike ordinary ceiling fans which recirculate the same air, the Breeze Power system changes the air in rooms about 35 to 40 times every hour.
Prices for Breeze Power systems start around $2,000 fully installed.
Solarlite also supplies and installs natural lighting systems such as Skydomes, Velux double-glazed skylights, and Skytubes for small areas such as bathrooms, hallways and walk-in wardrobes.
For winter warmth, Coonara slow combustion heaters have three-speed fans which circulate the warm air.
Solarlite also supplies the Nuaire extractor fan for kitchens and bathrooms, described by the manufacturers as the quietest in the world.
Other useful items for the home are fold-away ladders, which provide easy access to roof space, and polycarbonate sheeting for patio awnings.
Solarlite, run by Keith and Christine Laker, is at 2/10 Pioneer Avenue, Thornleigh, phone 9484 8188.
© 1996 Sydney Morning Herald