Heating

Heating your entire home

• Central (ducted) heating circulates heat from a central source through ducts, which can be inside walls, ceilings or floors, with vents directing heat into rooms. Ducted heaters are electronically lit, thermostatically controlled with fan boosters and should cycle on and off.

Space heating

• Power flued heaters are fixed to a wall and must be flued directly to the outside. They are ideal for small confined or large open areas, use no oxygen from inside your home, and are safe to operate around children and the elderly. Streamlined but with a high heat output, power flued heaters are the most energy efficient heaters and have the highest Energy star rating. Easy to use features can include electronic ignition, thermostatic controls, automatic timers, built in humidifier, or remote control
• Gas Log/Flame Fires have the romance of the ‘real thing’ and are relatively maintenance free. Available in various styles and sizes, they all have a protective surround and project heat from vents above the glass. Ignition is generally electronic, requiring connection to an electric power point. Some models feature remote controls. External flues are a must for most models, however there are flueless log fires available
• Convection heaters have no visible glow and are considered quite safe near young children. The unit draws air in at the rear, passing it over a burner and distributing warm air at floor level, heating a large area. Convection heaters are usually thermostatically controlled, some with the added feature of remote control, and have either Piezo or electronic ignition systems. This type of heater may not require a flue, but needs approximately 50mm of clear space at the rear for the unit to breathe and must have adequate ventilation. Most models are fan-assisted to heat a larger area faster. These heaters are not designed for bedroom use
• Radiant convection heaters emit a red glow and use a fan to distribute heat evenly throughout the room. Radiant convection heaters require no external flue, must have adequate ventilation, usually have a Piezo or battery ignition system, and require no electricity connection. These heaters come in a range of sizes, but are not designed for bedroom use.

Individual heating

• Portable convector heaters are available with remote control units and micro-computers to enable special unit functions including set and forget automatic timers, preset temperatures, economy/auto-off and pre-heat modes. Newer models also feature electric boost elements, so the unit can combine both gas and electric heating for larger areas on a set temperature, or use the electric function only to heat a bedroom. These heaters must be connected to the gas supply via a ‘bayonet’ point, and need appropriate ventilation
• Portable radiant heaters provide direct heat and glow red from their heating tiles. They are basic, cost efficient heaters suitable for personal heating, and designed for small areas and mobile homes. They don’t need an external flue but must have adequate ventilation. They usually have a Piezo or battery ignition system that requires no electricity connection. Portable heaters are not suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets or saunas.

Space heating

• Ceramic micro-furnace heaters feature a super efficient ceramic disk heating system originally developed for the space shuttle to generate air up to 40% warmer than conventional electric heaters. They also have an electronic thermostat that works with an external sensor to maintain your selected temperature. It constantly monitors the room’s temperature and continuously varies the heat output to maintain your desired comfort level. These compact heaters are suitable for any room in your home
• Oil-filled heaters use a series of metal fins containing oil that never needs replacing. Hot air rises and as the air around the heater warms and rises away from the heater body, colder air is drawn to the heater body creating a continuous movement of air around the heater which gradually warms your room. They take about an hour to warm up a room, so if you don’t want that delay, you should get a timer. All models have thermostats so you don’t waste electricity, and they all stay warm for a while after being turned off. They don’t dry the air, are silent and ideal for bedrooms
• Convection heaters encase electric elements in a wide metal outer. Unlike the oil-filled heater, they can incorporate fan assistance and warm your room faster. They are considered safe around young children, but are best used in large living areas
• Radiant heaters, sometimes known as ‘bar’ heaters, although they come in many designs, offer instant warmth and come in a range of sizes. Flammable items must be kept well away from these units at all times
• Fan heaters quickly generate a flow of warm to hot air using a fan, blowing through louvres (which are often adjustable), and are usually very portable. They are designed with an automatic safety cut-out. By using the thermostat and lower settings you can save energy.

Individual heating

• Electric blankets, quilts and throws are usually double-woven, with heating units inside continuous pockets. Graduated temperature controls regulate the amount of heat passing through the heating units, and some have overheating sensors. Waterproof or allergy free blankets are worth considering for the young, sick or elderly. Electric blankets must not be used on water beds (there is a special type of heating element specifically designed for waterbeds)

• Decide your most important criteria – energy efficiency, size, portability, convenience, price of the unit, installation or running costs
• Choose the heating that suits your needs, your home and your climate
• Consider what you want to heat – is it your entire home (central/ducted heating), a zone in your home (space heating) or just your immediate area (personal heating)?
• Think about the size you’ll need (see the table below)
• Look for safety features – over-temperature safety thermostats and tilt sensors/switches turn off the energy supply when activated, helping to prevent fires
• Choose electric, natural gas or LP Gas. Electricity is easy and convenient to use anywhere; gas is convenient, energy efficient and lower in greenhouse gas emissions, but only LP Gas is available everywhere
• Check installation costs, warranty and any special conditions as installation is rarely included in the price
• Find out your manufacturer’s authorised service agent and length of time parts will be made available.