Cosy up in style this winter with the latest looks, designs and innovations in home heating
Words Carrol Baker
Winter is a magical season. For some, it’s their favourite time of year, with cool crisp mornings, endless cobalt-blue skies, snuggle time under the covers with the kids, and evenings with friends and family relaxing by a toasty fire.
Keeping your home warm, so you can really enjoy the cooler months, begins with good design. Key elements for effective passive design begin with a dwelling’s orientation (north-facing living rooms) and locating the service rooms, bathrooms, laundry and staircases on the southern side of the residence. In winter, the ideal building envelope is a “tight” one to keep the heat in and prevent the cold from entering the home.
Eaves also play an important role in thermal comfort. Eave overhangs keep heat out in summer, and in winter when the sun is tracking lower, they invite in the sun’s warming rays. Double- or triple-glazed windows, weather strips to seal gaps and home insulation are all important to create warmth. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, proactively stopping drafts also saves up to 25 per cent on your heating expenses.
Cold Case
Setting the scene for comfort is easy as there are myriad ways to keep snug when Jack Frost is knocking at your door. These include central heating, electric multi-split or ducted air-conditioners, gas or hydronic heating and electric in-slab heating.
To heat individual rooms, options include reverse-cycle air-conditioners, fixed and portable electric heaters, gas heating or electric heating. Some of these systems work in conjunction with others. To create a cosier indoor climate, shut off sections of the home you aren’t using and close doors when you leave a room. Then choose your heat source. Whatever you decide, if it’s visible, you’ll want it to be easy on the eye. Design innovators are creating home heating alternatives that offer style, warmth and comfort.
Travis Johnston from Victorian Fireplaces says contemporary heating solutions are designed to be both functional and visually striking, complementing modern architecture and interior styling. “Large-view wood fireplaces create a natural focal point and add warmth and atmosphere to living spaces, while sleek gas and electric designs offer clean lines, flexible installation and customisable flame presentation suited to modern homes and renovations,” he explains.
Choosing your Heat Source
Size matters when selecting your heat source. According to Morgan Gason, national heater sales manager for Jindara and Eureka Wood Heating, there are some fundamentals you should ask yourself before making any final decisions. First and foremost is how much area you are intending to heat. “Are you just trying to heat your main living/entertaining spaces or hallways and bedrooms as well?” asks Morgan. “Also consider the height of your ceiling. If you have high ceilings, the heat will rise to warm that space first before heating the habitable space where you will feel the heat.”
Clean and green
Modern air-conditioning is a cost-effective and proficient form of electric heating. With more focus on energy efficiency, it’s becoming a strong contender in the heating sector, with the added benefit of cooling options in summer.
Ceiling fans are an effective way to cut your heating costs in winter. Simply change the mode from summer to winter (reverse mode) and you can reap the benefits. They can also work well in tandem with other heating methods.
Electric and wood fires are also popular heat sources. Travis says modern clean-burn wood heaters now deliver higher heat output with significantly lower particulate emissions. “This allows homeowners to enjoy the ambience of a real fire while meeting strict environmental standards,” he says.
New product innovations, coupled with tighter government regulations, are working to create cleaner home environments. According to The Australian Home Heating Association, all wood heaters sold in Australia must be tested to Australian Standards with an emission limit of 1.5g/kg or less, and a heating efficiency of 60 per cent or greater.
Industry movers and shakers are getting on board with new heating innovations to meet, and often exceed, these stringent requirements. Kerry White from Castworks says ADF has unveiled an innovative product designed to exceed the new European regulations and surpass the latest Australian Standards. Features include larger glass panels, hidden fans, a fully sealed outside air system, as well as enhanced efficiency.
Electric Innovation
As a desirable heat source, modern electric fireplaces are really starting to sizzle. According to Kerry, “Electric fireplaces have gained popularity, especially as improvements to ‘flame effect’ technology have resulted in more authentic-looking flames.” But Kerry adds that we still have a long way to go to fully appreciate their range of features and benefits. “For many, electric fireplaces are still perceived as less authentic, less powerful and less value for money than their gas counterparts.”
However that is set to change, with environmental consciousness geared towards more eco-friendly heating options. “There’s a growing environmental awareness among consumers, and calls to move away from energy derived from fossil fuels,” notes Kerry. “This is combined with the rising cost of natural gas coinciding with the Australian government’s focus on renewable energy sources.”
Ways with Wood
On chilly winter evenings, there’s nothing quite like the ambience of sitting around a cosy wood heater. Morgan says radiant wood heating has been making a resurgence due to some cleaner, more modern takes on the classics. “They work by radiating heat directly from the fire into the room, allowing for more concentrated heat compared to heat distributed by fans from convection wood heaters or split systems,” notes Morgan. And leading the charge are modular-style wood heaters which, adds Morgan, are all the rage at the moment.
They’re installed onto prefabricated steel benches or concrete plinths. “The absence of a traditional pedestal creates a cleaner finish for your home, while a prefabricated bench or concrete plinth allows for wood storage underneath,” explains Morgan.
Tech-Savvy Heating
Global forward-thinking has led to new innovations that tackle the issue of improving energy efficiency. Among these, the concept of smart technology continues to forge ahead. With heating incorporated into smart-home technology, homeowners are offered flexibility to heat where they want, when they want, saving money and precious resources. “Many modern systems now feature Wi-Fi connectivity, programmable timers and app-based controls, allowing temperatures and schedules to be managed remotely,” explains Travis. “Zoned heating and intelligent climate control further improve efficiency by warming only the areas in use.
”This design flexibility is proving to be a gamechanger. Kerry says Evonic models feature the latest in smart technology and intuitive controls. “With a Wi-Fi app, users can set the fireplace to turn on before arriving home, or have it turn on automatically when the weather is cold. Users also have complete control to adjust the flames, temperature or timer using the patented thermostatic remote,” says Kerry.
In Praise of Pellets
Another innovative advancement in clean green heating is pellet heaters. They’re a renewable energy source providing a sustainable option to traditional wood heaters. As Travis explains, pellet heaters use compressed timber pellets as fuel.
“These appliances provide highly controlled, consistent heat with very low emissions and are widely regarded as one of the most environmentally responsible solid-fuel heating options available today,” he says. Travis notes this heat source also ticks the box for being smart and user-friendly. “With electronic ignition, thermostat control and programmable operation, pellet heaters deliver reliable warmth with minimal user intervention.”
In Hot Water
Energy-efficient underfloor heating serves to create a warm, cosy feeling. The heat rises from every point in the floor, meaning the rooms above will be heated to an even temperature.
Energy Australia notes that heat pump hot water systems are more energy efficient than their electric counterparts. Travis says heat pump hot water systems are becoming increasingly popular. “This is due to their exceptional efficiency, using renewable heat from the surrounding air to deliver reliable hot water while significantly reducing household energy consumption and running costs.”
Outdoor Heating Redefined
The role of the fireplace has changed over time. Kerry says that while they were once a necessity for warmth and comfort, fireplaces are now also used as a calming element or statement piece in contemporary design. “They have evolved to become the focal point of both indoor and outdoor environments, creating a warm, inviting space for family gatherings and social connection,” notes Kerry.
With our dining tables, lounges and even kitchens all migrating outdoors, our Aussie love affair with outdoor living shows no sign of abating. While sizzling summer days offer respite with a quick dip in the pool or a long cool drink under a shady pergola, when temperatures start to cool, having a functional heat source outside means you can enjoy outdoor living all year round. Choose from electric, wood or ethanol to add a little designer flair to your space.