Australia does not have a reputation for its low temperatures, but wintertime can be quite cold in some places.
Key points
- Residential heating varies in Australia, depending on location and preference
- Using outdoor heaters inside the home can be fatal
- Sustainable options are limited for renters compared to homeowners
- Energy efficiency and cost reduction is possible with small changes
When it comes to heating systems, Australian homes are generally lagging their Northern Hemisphere counterparts.
Sydneysider Dr. Sven Teske, originally from Germany, can testify to this.
“I never ever freeze so much at home, as in Australia, because there's simply no heating system installed. And one of the reasons for that is probably that the heating period is very short. It’s only like three months maximum, while the heating period in Europe, where I'm from, is between eight and nine months.”
In-slab floor heating is a form of centralised heating. Source: Getty Images/sturti
Centralised or split systems?
According to Chris Barnes, home heating expert at consumer advocacy group Choice, “if you want to keep the whole house warm, some sort of centralised system is a good way to go.”
On the downside, centralised systems can be expensive to install and run if not used efficiently.
It’s often more cost effective and energy efficient to only heat the spaces that you're actually using.
Split systems throughout the home or portable heaters are some of the alternatives.
Going green with your home heating
Emission-free heating is also possible, notes Dr. Teske, an Associate Professor and Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.
But most options are not easily accessible to renters as they require installation.
For homeowners, it is possible to build or to invest in a heat pump, which operates with electricity. That's the most efficient way if you use electricity to heat your home, and the electricity can come from solar photovoltaic.
Electricity sourced from solar panels can support emission-free heating systems, like hydronic radiators or a heat pump. Source: Getty Images/Pramote Polyamate
“Electricity produced by solar panels has many advantages: one, the homeowner can actually produce [electricity] themselves and therefore is independent from electricity market prices. Secondly, the electricity can be stored; that's sort of an alternative to a battery system.”
Striving for zero emissions though is harder for renters compared to homeowners.
For those using electrical systems, switching to a utility company with green power is an option, but with gas heating the sustainable option is largely inaccessible.
“I live in Sydney, and I have a rental myself. We have gas bottles, so it is possible to buy green biogas in bottles, although I personally have not managed to find some supply in Sydney,” Dr Teske says.
Heating safety
According to Fire and Rescue NSW, cooler months see a 10% increase in the number of home fires, with more fires in bedrooms and lounge rooms due to heaters, and electric blankets.
It is also very dangerous, and fatal in some cases, to bring outdoor heaters inside the home.
Authorities warn to never use any outdoor heating or cooking equipment inside your home including those that use heat beads, charcoal or LPG as a fuel source.
This type of equipment is not suitable for indoor use and canwhich could be deadly. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations before use.
Different climate, different needs
Mr Barnes explains why variable weather conditions across the country can become a factor defining the choice of heating system or appliance.
The solutions people turn to for heating their homes are very regional, they vary a lot state by state.
Some people have a reverse cycle air conditioner, but they only think of it as a cooling appliance, not realising it can be also used for heating. Source: Getty Images/Aja Koska
Be energy-wise
Andrew Reddaway works as a Senior Consultant for the Australian Energy Foundation, a contractor partnering with the ACT government to offer renters free home energy assessments.
He says ceiling insulation is a priority, followed by wall and floor insulation, to avoid energy loss in residential heating.
And no matter the type of heating, efficient use is as important.
Having the right sized system for your home will save you energy and money Source: Getty Images/Visoot Uthairam
“One simple tip is try not to heat more areas than what you need. So, if you're only occupying one room, then it makes sense to only heat that room so you can close doors and try and keep the heat contained,” says Mr Reddaway.
There is an option available to everyone, whether a homeowner or renter, towards reducing energy bills and use is draught sealing, says Mr Reddaway.
Source: Getty Images/lucentius
“Draught sealing is one of the most cost-effective things that you can do to improve the performance of your home for staying warm in winter, and also staying cool in summer.”
Ultimately, having suitable heating for your home comes down to thermal efficiency of the house itself, a cost effective and sustainable energy source and personal preference, Mr Barnes says.
Federal, state and territory governments offer support to households for improving their energy efficiency. Programs targeting home heating include financial incentives for upgrades and free expert advice to householders.
For all energy rebates and incentive programs available in your state/territory visit website.