When the chill sets in you you need to keep your home as warm as possible. There are myriad options for heating - an open fire, central heating, electric and gas, portable units - choices that will need consideration and research.
So when buying a unit you need to make sure you get good warmth for your dollars spent. Ensure the unit is as energy-efficient as possible and can heat the space adequately. On the flip side why spend money on a heating unit that is well above your heating needs.
Some simple energy-efficient tips can help you stay warm and save money on your heating bill. The Good Guys seasonal expert Andrew Foard says you can be well protected from the winter chills without breaking the bank.
“Choosing the perfect heater should start with knowing what you want out of your heater,” Andrew Foard says. “Your heater should complement the area you are installing it in. Large areas such as the dining space could benefit from gas and convection heaters as they provide the most heat for lower running costs. Smaller areas such as the bedroom can benefit from portable heaters as they can be easily moved around when required.”
Dave Smith from Fujitsu General says for homes needing heating to be upgraded this winter, then ducted systems are a long-term, cost-effective investment that could be tailored to an individual home. “It’s now valued as a necessary inclusion - rather than a luxury, to the Australian home,” Dave says. “Ducted air conditioning systems provide whole home comfort and greater flexibility over temperature control.”
Even if custom systems are not an option, Bunnings spokesman Andrew Op deCoul says good research, understanding energy usage, cost and safety remained pivotal before making a heater purchase.
“With a variety of different heating options on the market, it’s important to pick the best type for your home. The most important factor to consider is what energy source is available to you – electric, gas or wood fire,” Andrew says. “To a heat a large area regularly, such as a family room, a gas heater, convection heater or reverse cycle air-conditioner can produce a lot of heat for a low running cost. For smaller areas such as a bedroom, a portable electric heater or fan heater could provide just the right amount of heat and can also be moved around the home as required.”
Minimising areas to be heated ensures you are only heating rooms that need to be heated, making your purchase more cost effective in the long run, The Good Guys' Andrew Foard adds.
“Closing off different areas means you will be able to heat rooms that are in use,” he says. “Purchasing a heater with an inbuilt timer allows you to monitor when the heater is being used. It is most cost-effective to run your heater when your thermostat is set to automatically turn on and off before rising and after sleeping.”
Factoring in energy-efficiency ratings into your heating decisions can help you budget throughout the winter.
“Understanding energy star ratings for gas heaters are the most cost-effective and sustainable way to heat the home. Similarly, wattage ratings for electric heaters can help you identify how much heat, therefore electricity, will be used,” he says. Setting your thermostat between 18°C and 20° is the optimum range to heat the living area.
Requirements for installation of gas and electric heaters can vary from state to state, so you need to check with regulatory bodies before installation, Andrew Foard advises.
Heating appliances should be routinely turned off to reduce running costs and ensure safety. “Make sure that anything that can burn is kept at least a metre away from your heating appliance and remember to test your smoke alarms monthly,” Bunning's Andrew Op deCoul says.
Additional features to consider include a fan for better distribution of air, overheat shut-off mechanism, oxygen depletion, and oscillation – turning from side to side for better heat distribution - air filters and humidifiers.
With the right heating unit in place the only thing left to do is snuggle in and enjoy the winter warmth.
