Here in Victoria, we experience hot summers and cold winters – this makes the decision to select the right heating and cooling system for your home an important one.

Below is our useful 5 point guide to help keep you and your family warm this winter.

At ARCA, we assist you in the the design stage of your build to help you select the right options for you and your home.  We take into account value for money, aesthetics, energy efficiency and the size of the space that needs heating or cooling to ensure that you select the most appropriate system for circumstances and preferences.

Below are some of the more popular options for heating, which we hope will serve as a starting point when making a decision for your next project.

1. Split Systems

Split Systems are a relatively cost-effective way of heating your home. Most are wall or ceiling mounted and will heat the room in approximately 10 minutes. An advantage of split systems is that they are also able to be used for cooling in summer. Some of the latest options are very discreet and come in colours that complement your interior. Mitsubishi, Fujitsu and Daikin offer a wide range of options to suit your individual taste.

2. Ducted Heating

Ducted heating is a discreet way of heating your entire home or selected zones within your home. An upgraded system will also provide refrigerated cooling. Heat is passed through vents that are usually located in the ceiling or floor, or occasionally in the walls.  The initial system can be quite expensive, however ducted systems are very easy to operate, effective and quiet. As with split systems, ducted heating can also be programmed to turn on and off so that your home is nice and cosy when you wake up in the morning or return home from work.

3. Log Burners

Log burners (sometimes called wood fires) are a classic option for heating your home. They produce a beautiful heat, a warm glow and a cosy atmosphere.  If you are able to source quality wood cost-effectively, then log burners are very economical to run and may be a good option for you.

They do require the most work when compared to other options in terms of carrying wood inside, regular cleaning and the occasional chimney/flue sweep, however many people feel that they are worth the extra effort.

Pivot Stove and Heating offer many classic log burner options to suite every taste.

4. Gas Fires

Gas fires come in a huge range of designs and look great in both classic and contemporary homes. They are clean and easy to operate as they usually come with a remote control. If the correct system for the home is chosen, then they are quick to heat up the room and will turn off automatically when the set temperature is reached.

There are some stunning systems available, including outdoor fires and double-sided options for heating two rooms divided by a wall. It is very important that you understand the heat output before you purchase a gas fire, as some fire places are purely decorative and offer little or even no heat at all. The fires will hold pebbles, artificial logs or artificial coal depending on personal preference.

Jetmaster and Escea offer some great gas fires to keep your house toasty this winter.

5. Hydronic Heating

Hydronic heating systems provide very pleasant and consistent warmth – they don’t dry out the air or produce hot spots in the room. These systems run silently and are great for allergy sufferers, as they don’t stir up dust.  Heating can be provided through wall mounted units in each room or via an underfloor system.

Hydronic heating works by recirculating hot water which has been heated by LPG gas and can heat your whole house when turned on manually or pre-programmed to warm your home at certain times. Initial installation costs are generally a little higher than some of the other options above, however hydronic heating systems tend to be very reliable, provide a beautiful heat and will last for years. Most people who install hydronic systems in their home never look back!

If you are planning to undertake a custom design home or home renovation project and would like to talk to one of our home design experts, call us now on 1800 GENTRIFY (1800 436 874) or email us at enquiries@gentrify.com.au.