Choosing the best heating system for your home

Choosing the best heating system for your home

We all know Australian temperatures can change dramatically, even over the course of a single day.

However, there is no doubt that it is cold almost everywhere and especially in winter. This cooling results in the need to heat your home, and it can be difficult to choose the right type of heater for your home's individual needs.

But it doesn't have to be that way. When winter arrives, it's worth doing a little research to find the most economical and efficient way to heat your home: what type of heat is best and how can you save money?

What types of heating are available?
There are three main types of heaters: electric heaters, gas heaters, and reverse cycle air conditioners. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Electric heaters
These are generally portable (unless they're mounted on a wall) and are inexpensive to buy. They're best not to be used in large spaces or for long periods of time, but they work well in bedrooms and sit at your feet when you're cold on the couch.

Bar heaters are great for bathrooms because the heat is direct and instantaneous, but there is no thermostat, so you will need to use a timer or switch for this option.

There are also fan heaters that heat the air rather than your body. Convector heaters raise heated air naturally, so they are not recommended for rooms with high ceilings. The important thing to remember with electric heaters is to buy one that has a thermostat or timer, so that it can be regulated to effectively keep your costs down.

Gas heaters
The key with gas heaters is that you must have a gas outlet to plug them in, which relies on a gas option in your area or building. However, they are very effective and good value for money. They are great for heating medium sized spaces and are exceptionally quick at heating the area as well. It is also possible to choose a model that works with other heating systems such as petroleum. This is a more cost effective solution, because the price of fuel oil 17 is cheaper.

Reverse cycle air conditioning
Although more expensive to buy than a small electric heater, reverse cycle air conditioning is very efficient at heating a space quickly and efficiently, with relatively low energy consumption. They are perfect for use in larger spaces, for example an open plan living space.

Of course, there are other options as well. The wood stoves and fireplaces are beautiful and provide a warm atmosphere to the room, especially on a cold winter night. Wood is generally available everywhere, so you will always have some warmth, which can prove to be quite economical. However, this option also presents challenges, as the gas produced makes the installation expensive, as the smoke can pollute the home, making upkeep and maintenance difficult.

Ensuring that your home is energetic
Of course, making sure your home is comfortable and warm isn't just about heating. There is no point in using all that electricity or gas to heat an area if there is air escaping through the interstices.

The first step in making sure your home retains heat is to make sure your insulation is up to par. Simply put, insulation offers resistance to heat flow, and the more that happens, the lower your heating cost will be.

Check all doors (internal and external) and windows for their seals. Make sure all spaces are blocked off, and for interior doors, consider buying a few door snakes to make sure hot air doesn't escape and cool air doesn't enter.

Energy savings
For many people, environmental factors come into play in deciding the best way to heat a home. Gas heaters and reverse cycle air conditioners produce one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions from electric heaters.

So, in terms of fuel efficiency, these should be your first options. However, this is not always possible, especially if there is no gas connection in your house (especially in the bathroom).

Another way to help improve energy efficiency is to heat only the areas where you need heat. Although it may seem obvious, with an air conditioning system a hundred