Choosing how to heat my home

There are so many options in the home heating space these days, that it is hard to know where to start. For this reason we have produced this post to give you some ideas about what is suitable for your energy supply, your budget and your home.

Learn more about heat

There are two types of heating, radiant and convective. Radiant heat directly heats people and objects through radiation of heat, while convective heat is conducted by circulating warm air. Small spaces are best heated using convective heat, while draughty spaces and bathrooms are best heated with radiant heat. Large rooms might require a mix of both.

Fuel for your fire

Firstly when considering a new heating system, assess your energy supply. If natural gas is available in your neighbourhood it is a great option because it is cheaper and more efficient than electricity.

The space which you need to heat

The size of the space you need to heat will greatly effect your choice of heating option. If you are purely looking to heat your bedroom then you might be after a small split system, panel heater or gas space heater. If you are over being cold where ever you go in the house you will likely be interested in installing central heating.

A dual heating and cooling solution

Is your house’s cooling system sufficient? There may be an opportunity to upgrade to a dual heating and cooling solution such as reverse cycle ducted air conditioning or a split system.

The heating options

It is difficult to define the efficiency and economy of each of these heating options because they are meant for different sized spaces so below they are split into what they are most predominantly used for.

Whole home heating

Generally this is a more expensive option because of installation but if you home is well insulated and you use zoning to reduce the area to which heat is required you will be using it in an efficient manner.

Gas: Ducted gas heating

Electric: Reverse cycle air conditioning

Large room/space heating

If you and your family spend most of your time in the living area/family room, consider just heating that area. It is where meals are taken and time is spent relaxing and being the cosy room in the house you will find you have more family time together. 

Gas: Inbuilt and freestanding gas fires or large gas space heating

Electric: Split system heating

Single room heating

Do you need to heat a single room? These options are for smaller spaces.

Gas: Gas space heating

Electric: Window reverse cycle unit or electric panel heating

Efficient heating

To make the most of your heating solution ensure you have made your house as efficient to heat as possible, by doing the following;