Heating
Bottled Gas – Cooking
Many people building a new house like cooking on gas, but may find that their area doesn’t have a mains supply. The question then becomes “Should you go for bottled gas, or go all electric?” Energy Cost To compare energy…
Read more
Strange Wood Heater Location
This photograph shows an attractive antique looking wood heater which I found on hearth.com. . . . but its location looks very odd to me: As it has been placed in front of varnished timber it has had to be placed…
Read more
Air Conditioning – Ducted, or Separate Units?
Guest post by Hubert Dwight Choosing between split systems and ducted air conditioning systems is no easy task. We understand that nagging voice in the back of your head that keeps asking “Will we go for a split systems or go for…
Read more
Passiv Haus
What is a Passiv Haus (Passive House)? Well as you might have guessed the term originates in Germany, and relates to a method of achieving more sustainable performance (and lower Energy Bills) It’s a technique which doesn’t rely on good orientation, high thermal…
Read more
Electric Underfloor Heating
Watching ‘The Block‘ it seems Electric Underfloor Heating is very trendy these days . . . . so here are some of my thoughts: Advantages Provide a stable heat. Safe, with no very hot temperatures. Each room can be run…
Read more
Heating – Which Is Cheapest?
Thinking about how you are going to heat your new Home and get Hot Water? Heating costs do vary depending on state and depending on whether you live in the bush or city. Historically the cost of heating a home has been,…
Read more
Comparing Gas and Electricity
Traditionally gas has been cheaper than electricity but with the price of gas rising this could change. Actually comparing value for money is quite complicated so I though I would explain how to do the various calculations. Cubic Metres to…
Read more
Thermal Mass for Heating
If you read up about energy efficiency you will come across the expression ‘Thermal Mass’ . . . . . . but what is it? . . . . . and how does it work? Materials with Thermal Mass The…
Read more
Ducted Heating
Most builder’s standard heating system to homes where mains gas is available is Ducted Gas Central Heating. This has the following advantages: Low running costs. Relatively cheap to install. Feels warm fairly quickly. Leaves the walls free for furniture, if…
Read more
Condensation
Condensation, a minor inconvenience, or a major problem? A little condensation on windows is easily dealt with, . . . . . . but heavy condensation in poorly ventilated corners can lead to mould damaging your walls, ceilings, or even…
Read more