Warming Up Winter

Nobody likes to hear that winter is well on its way, but making the transition to the big chill is much more bearable when your home is a cosy haven. We look at the different ways to heat your home throughout the winter months.

How much heat do you need?

More than 50% of your winter power bill is allocated to heating your water and home, so to be comfortable and conserve energy, it’s important to choose a heating system that suits to your home.

Start by calculating the volume of each room. Measure the size in metres (height x width x length), then divide that room by 20 to give you an approximate kilowatt (kW) rating of the heater you require. Also take into consideration how much time is spent in the room – living rooms and bedrooms require more heating than bathrooms and kitchens.

The recommended temperature for a living area is 18°C, although for babies, children and the elderly 21°C is more appropriate.

 What kind of heat?
 
There are different kinds of heat provided by the variety of heaters.
Conduction = heat transfer (hot water bottle)
Convection = warm air (fan heater)
Radiation = emission of heat (oil heater)

Heat Pumps

One of the most economical forms of heating available, heat pumps can also cool your home in summer, making them an attractive investment. Certain units offer the additional benefits of air-filtering (ideal for those who suffer from allergies) and de-humidification. Heat pumps produce more heat than the electricity it takes to run them – in some cases up to three times as much. You have the option of installing one in a main room or having the system ducted through the residence. However, the units and the installation costs can be high. A 3.5kW heat pump is capable of heating a sizeable living area at a cost of purchase and installation of around $2,000.

Gas Heaters

Portable gas heaters are cost effective to buy and operate. However, because they release carbon dioxide gas and condensation (up to a litre of water per hour) into your home, they can have adverse health effects, particularly for those who suffer from respiratory disorders. It is illegal to use gas heaters in bedrooms and wherever they are used, you must remember to have a window ajar in the room to maintain oxygen levels for occupants.

Electric Heaters

Portable electric heaters don’t emit fumes of toxic gases and have the advantage of being able to be moved from room to room. Electricity is a relatively cheap form of heating and, as they convert 100% of the power used into heat, electric heaters are considered efficient, keeping running costs down.
Options include portable fan heaters, wall-mounted panel heaters and ‘flame effect’ heaters. Usually controlled by a thermostat, they heat rooms quickly and can easily maintain a comfortable temperature. Timers can also be used to turn heat off and on as required, such as to warm bedrooms before they are used.

Oil Column Heaters
 
As their name suggests, oil column heaters are filled with oil, which slowly heats (by electricity) heating a room by radiated heat. For those with young children, oil column heaters offer a safe option as the surface does not get hot enough to pose a threat and they can be left unattended or to heat a room overnight.

Solid Fuel Burners
 
Due to the amount of pollution they produce, high-emission burners that use logs or coal have been outlawed in new homes in many areas of New Zealand. However, low-emission log burners or pellet burners burn surprisingly cleanly and can heat a large area – even those with a high stud – fairly quickly.

Sadly, while open fires are high on atmosphere, they are low on energy efficiency, as much of the heat is lost up the chimney. The installation process is also pretty serious; you’ll need building consent and will require a flue and clearance around the heater for safety. You’ll also need to have your chimney checked once a year to make sure it will draw properly.

Heat Transfer System
A heat transfer system that uses an insulated ducting system and an electric fan to distribute heat from one room to another is an increasingly popular way to make the most of the hot air that has risen to the ceiling and would otherwise be wasted. This system of air recirculation can positively affect an entire home.
 

Look for the Energy Star logo, which is awarded to the top 25% most energy-efficient products in a category.

Keeping the heat in

• Heat the room you are in and close the doors, windows and curtains.
• A ceiling fan on a slow setting will redistribute the hot air that has risen to the ceiling.
• Check for draughts in windows and fit rubber window weather seal or draught seal tape if necessary. Draught seals can also be attached to the bottom of doors.
• Block unused chimneys using plastic bags stuffed with newspaper.
• Open curtains during the day to allow sunlight to heat the room naturally.
• Don’t place heaters next to windows as heat will escape through the glass.
• Don’t overheat your home – every degree of heat above 18°C can increase your power bill by as much as 5%.
• 42% of household heat is lost through the roof, so installing ceiling insulation such as Pink Batts will help retain the heat in your home and reduce your power bill.
• Dry homes are easier to heat, so try to reduce the levels of condensation or moisture in your home. A de-humidifier will quickly and efficiently remove moisture from your home.