b'HRV,whichreplacesthemoistairinthehousePortable heatersoil, fan, gas, ceramic - priced from with dry air from the ceiling, is a greatrst line in$10, although better models start around $100 home heating.When youre renting or need spot heating in a room, The suns rays are cheap andmostlyavailable,portable heaters still have their place. Watch out for so use them well. Focus on design that uses passivesafetynewer ceramic heaters switch off if theyre solar heating: Windows oriented to the north ortipped and cant ignite materials. However, running north west, and banks of insulation inoors, ceilingscosts are around 17c per KWh.and walls to hold the heat captured during the dayUnder oorpriced from $600 per room, or $12000 for release after dark.for a solar systemForbestcomfortandcostsavings,chooseheatUnder tiles, under carpet and now even in do-it-governed by smart electronic timers and thermostats.yourself mats, under oor heating keeps toes cosy Electronicbrainsdetecttemperaturechangesand rooms dry. Running costs can be as little as 5c before you do, boosting the heat for a short periodper hour for an average bathroom or 15c for a 10sqm to maintain comfort, and requiring less energy toroom. Make sure you use a reputable installer, as do so than re-warming cold air. Set timers to warmmost damage is a result of bad workmanship, not bathrooms and living spaces an hour before youfaulty cables. With free running costs (but allow a wake up in the morning and before you come homefew dollars a month for the circulating pump), the at night. higher installation costs of solar in- oor heating can be recovered over the life of your house. This way, How can youout what works best for yourgurewater pipes sunk deep in a concrete slab keep the house? The EECA recommends a heat pump,uedhouse at an even temperature, although slow build gasheater,orlow-emissionburnerforapoorlyup means the heat is hard to regulate.insulatedhome.Betterinsulationmakescentral heating(heatpumporgas)morecosteffective, replaces Solidfuel andwood-burnerspriced while if your house is fully insulated, you may needfrom $1000 for freestanding, to $2500 - $7000 for only agas heater, night-store or under- oor replaces ued heating. In colder climates, consider a high-ef ciencyWe all realise thatres are not as house warming solid fuel, diesel or LPG-fuelled heater.as other forms of heat, as they convert only 85% of the energy consumed to warmth. And many local Gas or electric central heatingpriced from $6500authoritiesnowbanold-fashioned res.Unless for an average house you have free fuel, running costs can top 85c per The luxury of central heating means no closing offKW of energy. rooms or retreating from cold spots. Thermostats keep the house toasty, and the dry air keeps humidityWhen it comes to the best option for you, shop around and mildew at bay. Gas or electric-powered, heatingforgoodadvicefromestablishedandexperienced can be retro tted under oor or in the ceiling. Withhome heating specialists, to calculate the right size heat pumps, running costs can sit at around 6c to 9cand type of heat for your home and lifestyle. The per KWh*. EECArecommends,inparticular,thatyoutalkto members of the NZ Home Heating Association, who Heat pumpspriced from $3000 for an averageare trained to provide sound advice.houseHeat pumps are the hot news at the moment, asFormoreinformation,checkwww.energywise.their ef ciency now tops 300%thats three timesorg.nzorwww.greenhouse.gov.aufortipsand the heat out for every unit of power in. Modernrecommendations. units are slim and quiet, with programmable timers,*Running costs provided by the EECA, estimating the clean airlters and more. They are cheap to run, atcost of one unit of heat (KW) for each hour (h) of the 4.5c to 8c per KWh.major heating options. See www.eeca.govt.nz.86 |'