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Home Design Guides: Climate control, Heating

Hydronic heating

Hydronic heating uses heated water pumped through a network of pipes to radiators. It also works as under-floor heating.

Radiant bar heater

Radiant bar heaters (or strip heaters) produce a lot of heat very quickly, and are ideal for areas like bathrooms, where heat is required for short amounts of time.

Heating regulations

Heating and its associated industries are heavily regulated, mostly because of the obvious fire hazards they pose - but also to control air pollution, and similar issues.

Ducts and ventilation

Poor ventilation and ducting not only cause heaters to be inefficient, but are also hazardous. Find out what regulations apply to ducting and ventilation in Australia.

Fireplace

Wood heater and fireplace regulations

Wood heater and fireplace safety is very important. Both of these methods of heating use open flames, and if not managed correctly can create big problems very quickly.

MEPS and energy star ratings for heaters

Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) help people to compare the efficiency of different heaters using the same types of fuel. Find out what these labels mean.

Heater maintenance

It's one of those things that people neglect, but really shouldn't. Find out how (and why) you should maintain your heater to keep it safe, clean and efficient.

How to clean a fireplace

Occasionally cleaning your fireplace will help to ensure your home's not covered in ash and soot. Find out how to clean your fireplace without making too big a mess.

How to clean a chimney or flue

Keeping your flues and chimneys clear and free from blockages and creosote is all part of using a wood heater or fireplace, and essential if you don't want your home to fill with smoke!

How to clean heating ducts and vents

Heating ducts carry air all around your house, and vents often get dirty as a result of how much air flows through them. Find out if (and how) you need to clean them.

Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs)

Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), while they do use energy, are an efficient and effective way to ventilate a tightly sealed home while maintaining the temperature.

Heating checklist

Heating checklist

The heating checklist runs through the different things you need to take into account to ensure you're choosing the right heating systems for your home.

Heat lamps

Heat lamps can be a good source of warmth for your bathroom, particularly in colder weather.

Electric underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating can keep your toes warm on cold mornings and keep the temperature in your house at a constant, comfortable level.

Trombe walls

A wall surface, using some clever design principles, can be used to passively heat air and allow it to naturally flow into your home. Learn more about Trombe walls and how they work.

Underfloor and slab heating

Underfloor heating is a popular heating option for dwellings that experience colder climates. Learn about the different types of underfloor heating available.

Automated climate control

There are a great many ways in which a smart home can use technology to improve and automate climate control. Find out how automated climate control might suit your home.

Chimney and flue height regulations

There are regulations that dictate where you can place a chimney, both in relation to your own roof and the roofs of neighbouring properties. Find out how this applies to your home.

Safe installation and use of gas appliances

If you're planning on installing a gas cooktop or other gas kitchen appliance, it's important that it's installed properly, and serviced regularly by a qualified gasfitter. Here's what to look for.

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