Efficient heating options for around the home

When it comes to home heating, the options are almost endless. At one end of the spectrum there are efficient heating systems that work with the design of the house (e.g. passive solar heating); at the other, there are separate heating units powered by gas, electricity or wood.

Many of us romanticise about the idea of having an open fireplace, though the practicalities of this type of heating need to be taken into consideration. "Open fireplaces are aesthetically pleasing, but functionally hopeless," says Chris Bycroft from Abbey Fireplaces. "Really, they're very inefficient."

Choosing the right efficient heating for your home

A gas, wood or electricity powered heater that is either attached to the wall or positioned elsewhere in a room is a more savvy choice. Wall heaters are usually radiant, which means they deliver heat straight to the floor or another surface, rather than into the surrounding air.

"Gas heaters are convenient, as the heat is there at the flick of a switch," says Chris. "Each brand has its own requirements for flueing, so many different installation applications can be covered and many come with remote control."

Chris says that wood-fired radiant heaters offer efficient heating if they are centrally located in rooms with high ceilings, although wood-fired convective heaters are by far the most popular style of wood heater. Convective systems heat the surrounding air. "Wood-fired convective heaters are highly efficient – more heat power is generated – and they are environmentally friendly," he says.

"On the whole, gas heaters tend to be more expensive to purchase and run, and wood heaters generally have higher heat output and greater energy efficiency." 

Ducted heating options

Ducted heating (underfloor heating that heats the whole house) is often considered the most inexpensive way to heat a house in terms of installation and running costs. It is usually powered by gas.  

Hydronic heating uses heated water. The water can be heated by gas, wood or electricity and is channelled from a boiler into radiators, skirting-board convectors or fan convectors that are placed strategically around the house.

Passive heating

Passive solar heating works with the design of the home. The house is designed so that the sun comes in on the north side into a large open space like a living area. Floors or walls absorb the heat then release it when the temperature outside drops. Active solar heating systems collect warm air between the roof and the ceiling and pump it through the house via a transfer device. 

To find out how you can get efficient heating options in the home, contact a heating specialist in your area today: