[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the leading provider of gas ducted heating in Melbourne we are well aware of how uncomfortable winters can be when heating systems are not up to scratch, or if they have broken down or are a poor match for the building in which they are installed.
Finding the best heating solution for your home involves more than simply buying a heating system. You need to consider other factors including running costs, the size of your home and how many occupants it has, as well as whether you want your system to also cool your home when the sun reappears with a vengeance – usually sometime around December or January!
Below we have provided a run-down of 5 different types of heating for Melbourne homes.
1. Gas ducted heating in Melbourne
Gas ducted heating works by way of a gas furnace that sends warmed air though ductwork to heat the whole house. If it also comes with a zoning feature, it means that heating can be closed off to unoccupied areas, saving energy and money. Zoning also allows you to ‘customise’ your heating system; for example, if you have some household members who feel the cold more or less than others.
According to the Australian Government ‘Your Home’ site, high-efficiency natural gas ducted systems produce a low level of emissions and also have low running costs compared to other types of heating.
2. Reverse cycle ducted heating in Melbourne
This type of system allows for both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Reverse cycle systems use refrigerants to warm cold air that has been drawn in from outside before distributing it into the house.
In cooling mode they work in the opposite way, by removing warmed air from the room and expelling it outside. They are generally considered to be one of the most efficient forms of electric heating and cooling for homes.
3. Hydronic heating
Hydronic heating works by piping heated water from a boiler through to the floor slab or to panel radiators around the home. It can provide a constant, low-energy, low-waste and gentle form of heating, and has always been a popular choice in cool climates such as the UK.
The ‘Your Home’ site claims that hydronic heating is very energy efficient and produces low emissions, making it a good choice for the environment, and for your wallet in terms of running costs.
4. Wood burners
Nothing beats the cosy look and feel of wood burning heaters, although they are not the most efficient form of heating in terms of energy (including your own if you’re required to chop the wood!). Open fireplaces for example can lose up to 90% of warmed air through the flue or chimney, at the same time drawing in cold air from outside.
If you really want a wood heater, it’s best to choose a slow-combustion type rather than an open fireplace, and to also consider installing another more efficient type of system that can provide quicker heating – especially for those times when you might not have enough dry wood on hand.
5. Portable electric heaters
These are often quite inexpensive to purchase, but are not the best solution in terms of running costs and energy efficiency. They may be fine as a short-term or temporary solution, usually for smaller spaces such as a single bedroom or bathroom. They are generally considered more suited to warming people than spaces.
As you can see, finding the best heating solution involves more than selecting a system off the shelf or automatically going for the cheapest option. It also requires taking various factors into account – such as the size and layout of your home and its level of insulation.
At Staycool we can assess your situation and help you decide on the most suitable heating solution for your home. Call or email us if you would like more information on home heating in Melbourne.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]