If you live in Brisbane, you’ll know that its subtropical climate typically means warm to hot temperatures throughout the year with light winds and a near-to-zero chance of chill. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can often make it feel very uncomfortable, which is why many Brisbane residents rely on ducted air conditioning to beat the weather in Brisbane & stay cool and comfortable year round.

At Smarter Air & Electrical, we understand the importance of a comfortable indoor environment, whether you’re in the office or at home. In this article, we discuss Brisbane’s weather, look at some ways people use their ducted air conditioning to combat its effects and share how to choose the right ducted air conditioning system for your home.

What kind of weather does Brisbane Australia have?

Brisbane weather is characterised by hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The weather is mostly clear, with the city usually experiencing over 250 sunny days per year. Below, you can review some elements of Brisbane weather:

Wind

Brisbane has an average wind speed of 13.7 km with these light winds becoming gusty during thunderstorms. Because of the proximity of Brisbane’s location to the coast, the wind typically blows from the east and south. While the city’s wind patterns depend on the time of year and conditions, the winds are usually light in the early morning (under 20 km h), increasing in the early afternoon, then becoming light in the evening.

Temperature

In the summer months (December, January and February), temperatures range from 21.5°C to 29.5°C. In the winter months (June, July and August) the temperatures fluctuate between roughly 9°C and 21°C. The humidity levels in Brisbane are high, especially in summer when these levels are often in excess of 70%. During the cooler months of the year, there is a medium chance of fog on the forecast, in the early morning mainly.

What is the Hottest month in Brisbane?

The hottest day in Brisbane recorded in recent years was the 16th of December 2019 where the highest temperature was 41.2°C!

What is the Coldest Month in Brisbane?

The coldest day in Brisbane recorded in recent years was the 22nd of August 2018 where the lowest temperature was 5°C!

The below images shows the highest and lowest temperatures each month between 1999-2023, as you can December, January & February are the hottest months of the year!

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Does it rain a lot in Brisbane?

The city experiences 113 days of rainfall per year, on average, with the wettest months towards the end of summer and into autumn. Between the months of June to August, Brisbane experiences its dry season, with only a slight chance of a possible shower from time to time. Thunderstorms are common during summer, particularly in the late afternoon and evening. These thunderstorms can be intense, bringing with them heavy rain, lightning and destructive winds.

Humidity

Humidity levels in Brisbane range from a comfortable 50% during the winter months right up to a sticky 90% in the summer months. High humidity mixed and high temperatures can make things very uncomfortable especially in homes without adequate air conditioning and ventilation. Many Brisbane locals run the air conditioning throughout the summer months to help prevent moisture build-up and mould growth, which can be harmful to both your home and your health.

Dew Point

Dew point is a measure of atmospheric moisture, it represents the temperature at which water vapor in the air begins to condense into liquid form. Think about when you take a cool can of drink out of the fridge, because the can is a lower temperature than the dew point it begins to condensate or sweat.

During the summer months, the dew point in Brisbane can be quite high around 19.1°C due to the our humid subtropical climate. This can make us feel uncomfortable, and it can contribute to the growth of mould in homes without proper ventilation or air conditioning.

In the winter months, the dew point in Brisbane is generally lower around 6.8°C, which can make the air feel drier and more comfortable. However, low dew points can also lead to dry skin and respiratory issues, especially for people with asthma or allergies.

When it comes to air conditioning the dew point is useful to ensure your air conditioning system operating efficiently, for example in a hot roof cavity the temperatures are much higher which also means a higher dew point. This means that ducted air conditioning systems that are not installed correctly may start to condensate leading to costly repairs to your home due to water damage.

UV index

Brisbane’s UV index varies throughout the year depending on the season and time of day. However, during summer, it’s commonly known to exceed 11, which is considered extreme and can cause sunburn within minutes of exposure.

Moon times

The moon’s rising time in Brisbane usually falls between 30 minutes and an hour after sunset, based on the lunar phase. The moonset time in Brisbane varies similarly, ranging from approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before sunrise. In summer, you can generally expect sunset to take place just before 7 pm and for the sun to rise just after 5 am. In winter, sunset typically takes place just after 5 pm and the sun rises around 7 am.

Using ducted air conditioning to battle the weather in Brisbane

Many Brisbane residents turn to ducted air conditioning to help regulate the climate and maintain a comfortable indoor environment all year round. Below, you can explore some of the reasons these air conditioning systems are a key feature in most Brisbane homes.

Consistent cooling

Unlike split air conditioning units that can only cool specific areas or rooms, ducted systems can cool every part of the house, ensuring that every room stays comfortable and cool, irrespective of the outdoor weather. With Brisbane’s highly unpredictable climate and sudden heat waves, this can be a particularly beneficial feature. As a ducted system can cool an entire home, every family member, no matter where they are in the house, can enjoy a comfortable indoor environment.

Humidity reduction

The humidity levels in Brisbane provide a welcoming environment for mould and mildew growth, which is accompanied by a range of potential health hazards, specifically for those suffering from respiratory conditions. Brisbane residents use ducted air conditioning to reduce the humidity levels inside their homes, and in doing so, prevent mould and other allergens from thriving. Ducted air conditioning assists with maintaining optimal humidity levels indoors, ensuring great air quality and contributing to a healthy living environment.

Cooling efficiency

Compared to other cooling systems on the market, for example, split air conditioning units, ducted air conditioning can be a considerably more energy-efficient option. The primary reason behind its energy efficiency is its ability to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the entire house, using less energy in the long run. Unlike split systems that require separate cooling units for each room, a single ducted system can efficiently cool the entire house, reducing energy consumption (and electricity bills). This makes ducted air conditioning a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact.

Choosing the right ducted air conditioning for your home

Below, you can explore some steps you can take to choose the right ducted air conditioning system for your home:

• Consider the size of your home: The capacity of the ducted air conditioning system you require depends on the size of the home you need to cool. An oversized or undersized system can cause inefficient cooling and increased energy bills.
• Assess your insulation: Good insulation is an essential element of efficient and effective air conditioning. It’s highly advisable to check your insulation levels and, if necessary, consider upgrading to minimise heat transfer and maximise energy efficiency.
• Think about the climate: Because of the above-average year-round humidity levels in Brisbane, a ducted air conditioning system with superior dehumidification abilities can be a great choice. A system with a variable-speed compressor, for example, can help regulate humidity levels and improve overall comfort.
• Evaluate your budget: Depending on the size and features you require from a ducted air conditioning system, they can range significantly in price. It’s a great idea to set a budget while keeping the long-term cost savings of a more energy-efficient system in mind.
• Choose the right brand and model: Researching different ducted air conditioning brands and models on the market can help you select a quality, reliable and energy efficient one. Zoning, air filtration, smartphone control and noise levels are some features to consider when doing your research.
• Hire a professional installer: Installing a ducted air conditioning system is a complex task and requires expertise. At Smarter Air & Electrical, we can assess your needs, recommend the right system and install it to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Ducted air conditioning in Brisbane

With decades of experience installing ducted air conditioning systems, Smarter Air & Electrical is Brisbane’s trusted choice. Contact us today for a free quote and expert advice on choosing the right ducted air conditioning system for your unique needs & beating the weather in Brisbane.