Stop
before you shop
Heating
is a long term investment so before you even begin looking at heating systems,
there are a few things you should consider. For instance, how will future
lifestyle changes affect your heating needs?
Think
ahead, and purchase a system that fulfills your current needs as well as your
future ones. And keep in mind that a good heating system increases the value of
your home. The money you spend now is sure to pay off later.
Finally,
determine how many rooms you want to heat at any given time. Figure this out,
and you’re half way to finding the heating system that’s right for you.
Whole
house heating
With
ducted heating you don’t have to walk out of a warm room into a cold one. You
can be watching TV while the kids are in bed and everyone stays warm.
Gas
Ducted central heating is the most efficient way to heat your entire house. You
can save up to $300* per year in operating costs to heat your entire home using
a high efficiency gas ducted heater compared to using gas space heaters.
A
household using electrical appliances for heating produces three times** more
greenhouse gas emissions than a household using ducted gas appliances.
*Sustainable
Energy Authority Victoria, 2004 for a house size up to 150m2
**AGA (Australian Gas Association)
Move
to a warm zone
Ducted central heating offers heating flexibility through zoning. Zoning enables you to divide your home into sections so living areas can be heated during the day and sleeping areas at night, or whatever suits you. Zoning is not only practical but economical. It can reduce your gas bill by up to $200 pa. in a typical home. So don’t forget to ask about zoning when you speak to your dealer.
What
is it ducted heating?
Ducted
central heating comprises a central heating unit, which is connected to a
series of outlets. Positioned strategically throughout your home, these
outlets, or ducts, are installed either in the floor or ceiling. Positioning of
the heating unit depends on your house. If your house is built on a concrete
slab, the unit is installed in the roof. If it has space underneath or a very
low roof line, the unit is installed outside or under the floor. The ductwork,
which connects the outlets to the heating unit, is neatly tucked away out of
sight.
Ducted Heating System
How
does it work ?
The
heating unit draws air from inside your house into a return air grille. From
here it then flows into the heater where it’s warmed, and then on to every room
of your home via outlets, in the form of warm, gentle air.
Key
Points
|
|
Preparing gas appliances for winter
Prepare for cooler temperatures –
make sure that all your gas appliances are in good working order and enjoy a
warm and safe winter and reduce your gas bills.
Get the most from your heating appliances
this winter
- Have your central
heating serviced, including the fan section, before you use it
- Check that sufficient
warm air registers are open, as recommended by the manufacturer
- Consider servicing
space heaters, especially those with fans. A yellow pilot flame can indicate
that your heater needs servicing
- Check that permanent
ventilation openings are not blocked
- Make sure that roof
insulation is not obstructing a heater in the roof space
- Check the outer case
of your space heater – is it discoloured? This is an indication of a
faulty flue and that it is time to have it checked by a licensed gasfitter
- Ensure that the room
is adequately ventilated when using a unflued heater
- Ensure under-floor
central heaters are mounted so they are dry and not encumbered by stored
materials. Clear the area of papers, rags, paint or other flammable
material
- Try re-lighting a gas
appliance – if you have difficulty call a licensed gasfitter.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Background
information
Deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning (CO) have occurred in WA,
NSW, NZ and Victoria in recent times, and failure to diagnose prior symptoms
has been common in each case.
In Victoria alone, 6 people have died in recent years from carbon
monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by defective gas appliances and flues.
Visible warning of a problem includes;
• Soot or discolouration around the gas appliance;
• Yellow flame;
• Heater goes out after a short time for no apparent reason;
• 'Junk' falling down the flue pipe.
• Missing or damaged cowl on the top of the flue pipe.
Symptoms and warnings for Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning are:
Early CO poisoning symptoms include tiredness, shortness of
breath, mild headaches and nausea.
When CO poisoning gets worse, people may experience;
• severe headaches;
• dizziness;
• weakness and sleepiness;
• nausea and vomiting.
If the poisoning is extreme, it may lead to confusion, loss of
consciousness and death.
Loss of consciousness can happen quickly.
Note: Information taken
from EnergySafe Victoria web site – www.esv.vic.gov.a
