Homebuyers advised on identifying heat-resistant homes

As housing prices continue to climb, potential buyers are increasingly concerned about the comfort and energy efficiency of their homes. In Taiwan, where summer heat can be intense, real estate agents are offering guidance on how to identify properties that can withstand high temperatures.

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The heat of a house is not only influenced by the regional environment, but more critically by the building's orientation, shading, insulation, and ventilation conditions.

Agents emphasize that a home's ability to stay cool depends not only on its location but also on crucial architectural features. "The heat of a house is not only influenced by the regional environment, but more critically by the building's orientation, shading, insulation, and ventilation conditions," explained Wang Zun-pu, a project manager at Xinyi Realty's Shilin branch.

When viewing properties, buyers are advised to pay close attention to the building's orientation, particularly large west or southwest-facing windows that can absorb significant afternoon sun. Deep balconies, sunshades, trees, or adjacent buildings can provide much-needed shade. The type of windows is also important; while airtight windows offer soundproofing, they don't necessarily provide insulation. Buyers should look for double-layered or Low-E glass and consider external shading for large windows. For top-floor units or detached houses, checking for roof insulation and ventilation systems is crucial, as good waterproofing does not guarantee good heat insulation.

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Airtight windows mainly function for sound insulation and preventing air leakage, and do not necessarily mean heat insulation.

Exterior walls, especially on west-facing sides of corner units, can also contribute to indoor heat. Proper ventilation, with openings in living rooms and bedrooms for airflow, along with adequate space for bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans and air conditioning units, is essential. While ventilation helps reduce stuffiness, it doesn't significantly lower indoor temperatures in Taiwan's humid summers.

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Waterproofing is good, but it does not mean the heat insulation effect is good.

To assist buyers, some real estate agencies are now disclosing building energy efficiency labels and green building certifications in property descriptions. However, agents caution that these labels are not the sole determinant of a home's quality. Older properties, built before current standards and labeling systems, may still offer good thermal performance. Ultimately, buyers should consider their budget and needs, evaluating factors like orientation, shading, ventilation, overall condition, and their personal experience during viewings to find a suitable home.

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Labels can be used as a reference to understand the energy-saving performance of a residence, but they are not the sole standard for judging a house's quality.