Mastering Comfort in Multi-Storey Homes
Multi-storey living is a hallmark of the vibrant Gold Coast lifestyle. From Coolangatta’s stylish townhouses to spacious homes in Runaway Bay, residents are increasingly opting for multi-level designs to maximize both views and coastal breezes.
With roughly 800 high-rise buildings lining the coast, this multi-storey trend reflects evolving lifestyle choices and limited land availability. But with these vertical expansions come unique challenges—particularly in achieving consistent cooling across different levels, especially during the region’s hot summers.
Cooling a multi-storey home is more complex than in a single-storey dwelling. Upper floors heat up faster as warm air rises, while varying sun exposure and blocked vents can disrupt airflow. Each space, from bedrooms to kitchens, demands tailored conditions, making a single thermostat system inadequate.
The solution lies in strategic zoning. Zoning divides a multi-storey home into sections with separate temperature control, preventing wasted energy and ensuring comfort for every level. Zoning systems like multi-split units or ducted air conditioning provide independent climate control per floor, tailored to the home’s layout and sun exposure.
Smart thermostats take this a step further, enabling homeowners to set temperature schedules, control zones via smartphone apps, and fine-tune conditions in real-time. This synergy of zoning and smart controls improves energy efficiency and comfort.
Equally important is strategic unit placement: air conditioning units should be mounted high and unobstructed by furniture, promoting balanced airflow throughout the home. Ceiling fans can also help distribute cool air more evenly.
Balancing temperatures between floors—setting slightly higher or lower temperatures on upper or lower levels—can further stabilize the home’s climate while minimizing energy use.
With careful planning, multi-storey homes can offer year-round comfort, even in the subtropical climate of the Gold Coast.
Source: DEEPCHILL
