Choosing the Right Heating Solution for Your Home

As the seasons change, maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home becomes a priority. Before delving into various heating solutions, let’s explore some effective heating hacks that can enhance warmth and energy efficiency.

Heating hacks that work!

There are plenty of ways to improve your home’s warmth and energy usage before you even turn on the heater. (Don’t worry, we’ll get to heaters soon.)

For starters, you could look at your windows. A single pane of glass can lose up to 10 times as much heat as an insulated wall. Simply covering the glass with curtains or blinds that reach the ground can prevent some of that heat escaping. Another big culprit of heat loss is air leakage through windows, doors and fireplace. If you aren’t using your fireplace then we recommend sealing it. And for a leaky door? The humble door snake is a cheap, effective solution — and one renters can use, too.

Reverse-cycle split system air conditioners

If you have a room that needs to be heated often, an effective and efficient option might be a reverse-cycle air conditioner. These devices work by extracting heat from outside air and bringing it into your house. They can use as little as one-fifth of the energy of a standard electric heater. Consult with A/C professionals to find the most suitable option for your home.

Gas heaters

Gas heaters can be another efficient and cost-effective option for heating rooms, especially if they’re larger.

However, sensitivity of gas heaters to changes in air movements and pressures is a widely discussed issue in Australia, particularly in tightly sealed and energy-efficient homes (RSHQ 2024).

• Gas heaters release carbon monoxide and other air pollutants as gas is burned. Because of this many of these heaters are “flued”, meaning they are attached to a pipe or flue that directs the pollutants outside.
• Gas heaters can also be ’unflued’, especially if they’re portable. These heaters release small quantities of pollutants directly into your house. When improperly installed, or used in poorly ventilated spaces, these heaters can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and even death.
• Recognising the gravity of this issue, some states have already implemented bans on certain types of gas heaters. To address this, it is crucial for homeowners to prioritise professional inspections, correct installation, and regular maintenance.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters, though carrying a potentially higher operational cost, present an accessible and efficient heating option for homes. The initial investment is relatively low, making them an attractive choice for those seeking immediate warmth without a significant upfront expense. Despite their cost-effectiveness in terms of purchase, it’s essential to be aware that electric heaters might incur higher electricity bills compared to other heating alternatives.

Central Heating

Consider ducted reverse cycle heating for consistent warmth across different rooms. Ducted air conditioning systems are used to heat/cool multiple rooms through a large fan, which sits outside and pumps air around the building through ducts. Ducts are usually housed in the ceiling cavity but can be mounted underneath the house. Installing a ducted system ensures comprehensive heating throughout your home. Pairing ducted air conditioning with solar power can help keep your running costs to a minimum, especially for homes or businesses that use their ducted systems throughout the day.

If you’re interested in exploring heating solutions or seeking professional advice, contact Fallon Solutions today. Our expert team provides personalised recommendations based on your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Act now to beat the winter rush! Get it sorted before the colder months set in.

Source:
Open flue appliances | Resources Safety & Health Queensland (rshq.qld.gov.au)
Heating and Cooling | yourhome.gov.au