While older models of heaters may not be heating your home as economically as newer models, it’s actually poor insulation that compounds the problem even more. Warmth may escape out the roof as heat rises, drawing cool air in under doors and through cracks. The more draughty the home, the harder your heater works.

“Insulation should be the first thing considered before purchasing a heater,” says Luke Walker, NSW and ACT state manager for Rinnai.

When renovating, batts can be placed behind walls and under flooring and roofs. Heat also escapes through single-pane windows, which double-glazing can help to combat. If a renovation isn’t on the cards or you’re renting, try thick curtains to help trap escaping heat. Adding a door snake and rugs for extra comfort can also warm up a space.

“If the insulation is poor, you may never achieve the desired temperature,” Walker says.

Upgrade your ducting

If your ducting is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it. Older ducting could have leaks, restrict airflow, or trap mould or dust. Today’s ducting is also more energy-efficient.

“The Australian standards for ducting are much better these days. So even a small change like upgrading ductwork can make a big difference to the performance and efficiency of your overall system,” Walker says.

Install smart technology

With an app on your phone and the use of Wi-Fi, smart technology can program your heating to be on so your home is toasty and warm when you arrive. It’s also handy to check it’s been turned off when you leave.

“The homeowner can turn the gas log fireplace or ducted gas heater on and off from anywhere in the world,” Walker says.

Running a bath, washing your hands or having a shower no longer wastes water while it heats up, or requires you to adjust the taps. Smart technology has even made its way to the hot water heater in the form of Rinnai Smartstart, which has hot water ready in the pipes for when you need it.

“You have fast hot water, at the right temperature, without wasting any water,” Walker says.

Find the right heater for your space

As the temperature plummets in places like the Southern Highlands of NSW, heating becomes an essential part of daily life.

“We have ducted gas heating that warms the whole house on those chilly winter days here in the highlands,” says retiree Carolyn McGregor in Bowral. “I love it.”

Ducted natural gas heating systems are a very effective way to heat the home.

A gas-fired furnace heats the air when required. The high-efficiency heat exchanger then distributes the warm air through the home via insulated ductwork in the ceiling or under the floor. Hydronic heating systems work in a similar way and can be just as efficient.

“Ducted gas heaters work extremely well in very cold climates,” Walker says.

Gas-flued heaters are great for anyone with allergies or asthma. The heater sends any gas fumes outside the home.

“We also have a wood fire. But as we get older, we’re looking at replacing it with a gas log fire. So, we still get the ambience and warmth of a fireplace without the hard work,” McGregor says.

Natural gas log fires can look very realistic and, instead of chopping wood, can be conveniently turned on at the switch of a button or via an app.

Saving energy with heating

Heating can chew through your energy budget, but there are ways to save. Gas heaters and hot water systems use a simple star rating system to measure efficiency and emissions. The higher the star rating, the more efficient the unit is to run, which means lower energy bills.

Gas-boosted solar hot water systems are among the most efficient hot water systems on the market. Solar heats your cold water, and if the water is still not hot enough, the gas booster heats it that little bit more.

The efficiency of these products is measured in STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates). Like the star system, the higher the STC rating, the more efficient the system, and the lower the running cost.

Walker says it’s “perfect for your hip pocket and great for the environment.”