Jan 26 2009
Background
Efficient Heaters
Central Heating
Check Star Ratings
Insulation and Double Glazing
Seal Draughts
Check Thermostat Settings
Ceiling Fans
Get Heat for Free
Background
Heating your home can be an expensive exercise. What follows is a list of tips that can help you stay warm and cozy this winter without burning a hole in your wallet.
Efficient Heaters
How efficient is your current heating method? When heating large areas gas heaters and reverse cycle air conditioners a generally efficient heating choices.
Central Heating
Central heating can be a poor heating choice. Depending on how your house or building is designed and used, central heating can be inefficient as it can be heating unused areas or lose large amounts of heat through piping and ductwork. Individual room heaters may be a more efficient option.
Check Star Ratings
Before buying a heater check the star rating. Better energy efficiency will mean savings as it will cost less to run.
Insulation and Double Glazing
Much of the heat you put into warming your home is lost. 70% of the heat is lost through walls and the ceiling, 20% goes through windows and 10% through the floor. Heat loss can be reduced by ensuring the house is adequately insulated. Windows can be replaced with double glazing to minimise heat loss. Without going to the trouble and expense of installing double glazing, heat loss through windows can be reduced by using heavy curtains.
Seal Draughts
Curtains are also important for reducing heat loss from draughts. The curtains should be close fitting and made from heavy material. Pelmets are also preferred. Drafts around doors can be sealed professionally or even a old style long, sock type draught excluder placed under a door can make a dramatic difference.
Check Thermostat Settings
Higher heat settings on a thermostat simply means additional costs. Depending on personal preference the ideal winter temperature inside the home is between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Every degree higher than this will increase heating bills by around 10%.
Ceiling Fans
Most people consider ceiling fans to be a summer use item but they can keep you warm in winter. Modern ceiling fans have a switch for winter mode that will push the hot air trapped near the ceiling back down to help keep the occupants of the room warm.
Get Heat for Free
Open curtains to get heat from the sun into the home on sunny winter days.
Source: AZoCleantech