An effective and economical heating system is more than just a good heater. It is a 'heating package' and choosing the right one can reduce energy use by as much as 40%. When considering your heating package you should always:
- Limit the flow of heat through your roof, walls and windows.
- Seal any draughts - doors, windows, skirting boards, fireplaces, fans and vents.
- Insulate, not just the ceiling but the walls and floors as well.
- Ensure you have effective window coverings (blinds/curtains/shutters) to keep the heat from flowing out.
- Place rugs/carpet on timber of concrete floors.
- Zone your homes heating - close off areas that are unheated and reduce heating in rooms that are rarely used.
- Choose appropriate and efficient heating
- Use heating intelligently - dress appropriately and don't leave heaters running when out
- Central or space heating?
This will depend on the areas of your home you wish to heat, how large your house is and the length of time you will be heating your home for.
For efficiency purposes it is better to heat individual rooms rather than central heat the entire house. The following guide from Sustainability Victoria suggests the best type of heating based on the purpose of the room.
Living zones - use one or more high efficiency space heaters
Living areas for long periods/sleeping areas for short periods - use high efficiency space heaters for living zones and electric 'spot' heaters for sleeping areas, or a zoned central heating system.
Living and sleeping areas both for long periods - use a zoned central heating system.
Bathrooms / ensuites - use radiant heaters, e.g. strip heaters or infrared lamps.
You must now determine what size system you will require.
Heaters should be sized in order to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors on a cold winters day. The room dimensions, the insulation you have, how many windows and what coverings are in the room will affect what size heater you will need. The best thing to do is to get a professional in to assess your needs and that of your house.
What type of heating should I choose?
The type of heater should match your heating requirements, below is a quick look at the most common forms.
CENTRAL HEATING
Capable of heating your entire house it is best to look for a system that can be zoned.
Ducted air heating - convection heaters which circulate warm air through the home via ducts situated in each room. They are typically gas but electric reverse cycle air-conditioners are available.
Hydronic heating - water is heated in a boiler and then circulated around the home to panels or convectors that then heat the rooms. Each panel can be shut off allowing you to control the heating in each of the rooms. Typically fuelled by gas.
In-slab heating - internal electric cables or hot water pipes are used to heat a concrete slab that then heats the room. Typically fuelled by off-peak electricity or gas. This type of system has a very slow response time but is very effective in heating rooms with high ceilings.
SPACE HEATERS
Designed to heat a zone rather than the entire home.
Gas Space Heaters - capable of producing convective heat, radiant heat or a combination. Gas heaters can be mounted on external walls or an internal wall where a vertical flue can be fitted. Check energy ratings label for efficiency levels.
Off-peak Electric Storage Heaters - radiant or convection heaters which store heat when electricity is at its cheapest and release it when needed.
Reverse Cycle Air-Conditioning - electric convection heater which is able to provide cooling in summer. Check energy ratings label for efficiency levels.
Electric Space Heaters - convection heaters that use peak electricity to generate heat. Can be very expensive to run.
Solid Fuel Heaters - convection or radiation heaters that burn wood, coal or briquettes for heat.
What is the most cost efficient heating?
Generally space heating is more efficient as you are heating a small space rather than an entire house.
The most economical central heaters are:
- Zoned, high efficiency (4-5 stars), natural gas ducted heaters.
- Zoned, natural gas hydronic systems.
The most economical space heaters are:
- High efficiency (5-6 stars) natural gas heaters.
- High efficiency (4-6 stars) reverse-cycle air conditioners.
Source; Sustainability Victoria, Australian Greenhouse Office
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