Selecting optimal heating and air conditioning options for home use
Keep Your Home Comfortable All Year Long: Heating, Cooling, and Safety Tips
Living in Victoria, where the weather can swing drastically, it's crucial to have a reliable heating and cooling system at home. To help you remain cozy and comfortable throughout the year, here's a comprehensive guide to various heating and cooling units, as well as useful tips to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Heating Systems
Winter necessitates a functioning heating system to maintain your warmth and comfort. According to RACV Senior Product Manager - Trades, Nathan Tayeh, "Investing in an efficient heating unit is worthwhile, but it should be complemented by good habits to prolong its life and enhance its performance in your home."
Types of Heaters
Learn more about common heating systems available on the market.
- Reverse-Cycle Heater: A reverse-cycle heater functions as an economical option since it doubles as an air conditioner. In heating mode, it heats air in the outdoor unit portion and releases it indoors.
- Wall-Mounted Heater: Whether convection or radiant, a wall-mounted heating unit saves space since it doesn't require floor space. Tayeh recommends these for even the tiniest rooms in your home.
- Gas Heater: Gas heaters can be energy efficient due to their low running costs. Remember to always practice safe handling with gas heaters by turning them off when not in use and maintaining a safe distance from other objects in your home, as advised by Tayeh.
Heating Tips and Tricks
Improve your home's warmth during the colder months with these suggestions from Tayeh:
- Maximize Sunlight: During sunny days, open your blinds or curtains and upgrade your home insulation. Use a ceiling fan on low speed to promote hot air circulation.
- Choose Appropriate Heating: Adjust the size of the room you wish to heat to match the appropriate heater to heat the space effectively and not blow your energy expenses.
- Keep it Clean: Clean the filters of a reverse-cycle heater regularly to prevent dust buildup, improve air quality, and increase the lifespan of your heater.
- Set a Timer: Take advantage of your heater's timer function to avoid accidentally leaving it on when you're asleep or not at home.
- Regular Maintenance and Servicing: Regularly servicing your heating system is crucial for safety, efficiency, and longer lifespan. Consult experts for professional servicing recommendations and safe use practices.
- Avoid Overheating: While it may be tempting to set the thermostat high during cold weather, opting for a temperature of 21-22 degrees Celsius helps maintain the system's efficiency.
Summer brings the heat, but adequate cooling makes it a breeze.
Cooling Systems
Conquer the oppressive summer heat with our rundown of cooling options and cooling tips to help you stay comfortable.
Types of Air-conditioning
Learn more about prevalent cooling systems available on the market.
- Split-System Air-conditioner: The split-system air-conditioner, with its energy efficiency, self-cleaning capabilities, and a compact design, can serve as an effective solution for heating or cooling your home. The system consists of an indoor unit that distributes hot or cool air and an outdoor unit that performs temperature changes.
- Window/Wall Air-conditioner: Convenient and space-saving, window or wall air-conditioners don't require floor space, offering quick cooling relief to large rooms.
- Evaporative Coolers: Evaporative coolers use water to cool a room and purify the air by evaporation, subsequently removing heat and dropping the room temperature.
- Fans: Portable and adaptable fans can be moved between rooms, while ceiling fans disperse warm air and wall-mounted fans with adjustable, oscillating angles can offer focused relief in individual rooms.
Cooling Tips and Tricks
Now that you've installed your cooling system, follow these best practices to enhance its efficiency and cool your home effectively.
- Regular Air-conditioner Cleaning: Cleaning your air conditioner regularly extends its lifespan and ensures top performance during high-use periods.
- Ceiling Fans: Change the direction of your ceiling fan to counterclockwise during summer to push cool air downwards.
- Multiple Cooling Options: If you have an air-conditioner and a portable fan, try using the fan first to circulate air. If the air-conditioner is only needed later, this can help reduce energy costs.
- Insulation: Insulating your home properly prevents heat from entering and traps cold air inside, keeping your home cool in the summer. Inspect your home insulation and consider adding any missing insulation to walls, ceiling, or underfloor to enhance your cooling efficiency.
RACV Trades Can Assist with Your Home Improvements
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In addition to the tips provided, RACV recommends regular maintenance and servicing to keep your heating units in top shape. For professional guidance on servicing and safe use practices, consult experts. By effectively maintaining your heating and cooling systems, you can prolong their lifespan, save money on energy bills, and enjoy comfortable temperatures year-round.
Incorporating a suitable heating system into your home-and-garden lifestyle can help maintain comfort during the colder months. Adequate cooling systems also contribute to a pleasant living environment during the summer heat. For different seasons, various options exist, including reverse-cycle heaters, wall-mounted heaters, gas heaters, split-system air-conditioners, window/wall air-conditioners, evaporative coolers, and fans. To make the most of your heating and cooling units, remember to regularly clean and service them, adjust them appropriately for each room size, and take advantage of their timer functions.
