2 12 [Edition datE] Home heating – electricity, gas or wood? How you heat your home depends on a number of factors. Figuring out the best way to heat your home continues to be a matter for debate. Several things are undisputed. A warm, dry home is essential for comfort and good health, good insulation dramatically increases the efficiency of any heating system and ventilation is an important consideration. Most homes are heated by electricity, gas, or wood. In New Zealand, heating accounts for approximately 30 percent of a home’s annual energy consumption. There are many things you can do to reduce consumption and cost. The World Health Organisation recommends a temperature of 18 deg C for indoor living areas, and slightly less for bedrooms. It recommends slightly higher temperatures for vulnerable people – the elderly and small children. Studies have shown that indoor temperatures below 12 degrees can disrupt sleep. Among all these considerations, how you heat your home is a matter of personal choice, with many options available. Heat pumps are generally the most common and cost-effective form of home heating in New Zealand. Used properly, they heat quickly and are convenient. However, you need to have the right sized unit for the area and they don’t work when electricity is not available. They tend to be room-specific but ducted heat pumps are becoming more popular and are costeffective, especially in new builds, but can also be installed into established homes. Modern wood burners may be the closest you can get to an open-fire feel, but are much more efficient. Wood is generally a renewable fuel, and if you have a cheap or free supply, a wood burner may be the least expensive heating option. They heat large areas and are not dependent on electricity but there is the chopping and stacking to be done, flues need to be cleaned regularly and older models can contribute to air pollution and may violate strict air quality regulations – www.mfe. govt.nz has detailed information regarding this. Pellet fires are typically more efficient than wood burners but can have a smaller output. They require electricity but some have a battery backup and they are thermostatically controlled with timers. These must comply with regulations which are also detailed on the Ministry for the Environment website. Gas heating is common and convenient. Central heating systems can be zone controlled and provide warm air circulation. Flued gas heaters are best, as unflued and portable gas heaters produce lots of moisture and emit pollutants that can be unsafe. Flued gas heating systems can be installed in most homes. They are fast heating and are relatively inexpensive to run. However gas is not a renewable resource and prices can vary widely. The greatest source of energy is actually free. Harnessing the sun can dramatically reduce heating costs and is the most environmentally friendly way to heat your home. Passive heating combines insulation with good design, accomplished more effectively in new builds but also able to be incorporated into existing homes. Getting the sun’s warmth into your home is a function of the design; keeping it in is a function of the insulation. There is a wealth of information online as passive heating becomes normative in the design and building industry. Websites such as energywise.govt. nz and smarterhomes.org.nz have comprehensive information on and tips for, heating your home in the colder months. Rolleston 26 Sherborne Drive Leeston 22 Petticoat Lane If sun is important- this is the one! Located in the popular & family friendly community of Faringdon, sits this very sunny 179sqm four-bedroom home. Upon entry the fourth bedroom is positioned to be utilised as a work from home space or keep as a bedroom. The light & sunny North facing living offers two seating areas within a large open plan space, & the modern kitchen complete with stylish stone bench tops is right in the heart of the home, overlooking the dining & twin living areas. The further 3 double bedrooms are located down the hallway at the other end of the home, all on the North side to absorb the natural warmth from the sun, and all with ranch sliders to the back yard. Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA <strong>20</strong>08 | pb.co.nz 4 2 1 2 Deadline Sale closes Thursday 28th <strong>April</strong>, <strong>20</strong>22 at 1.00pm View Sun 24 Apr 2.30 - 3.00pm Web pb.co.nz/ROU100403 Angela Hunt M 021 548 777 Chris Moore M 027 288 0563 Build & Landbank! Price guide neg over $499,000 An exciting opportunity for a lucky purchaser to secure this fantastic parcel of 3175m2 (approx.) and build or relocate the home you have been dreaming of, and enjoy life in the quaint little township of Doyleston. There is further opportunity to subdivide later (in a few years) if you want, or just keep enjoying as your own slice of semi-rural paradise. 2 mins drive to Leeston township, school bus picks up and drops off 2 mins walk, 15 min drive to Lincoln or Rolleston Consents are being lodged, and the title would be expected in approx. 8 months time. This is a fantastic opportunity so be quick to secure this as your own! Deadline sale Thursday 28th <strong>April</strong> Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA <strong>20</strong>08 | pb.co.nz Deadline Sale closes Thursday 28th <strong>April</strong>, <strong>20</strong>22 at 12.00pm, (unless sold prior) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/ROU13580 Angela Hunt M 021 548 777 Chris Moore M 027 288 0563
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