Your heating and cooling needs

There are various heating and cooling options available for your home. Knowing what you need will help you make better choices when you buy - which means you get the comfort you want for the best price. Understanding your heating requirements and the state of your insulation is also important.

Insulation

The insulation level of your house will make a big difference to the effectiveness of your heating and cooling. Your home could be well insulated or not insulated at all. Or perhaps your insulation wasn't installed well or has deteriorated over time. Find out more information on insulating your home.

The size of the area you want to heat

It's important to match the size of the system to the space you want to heat or cool. This will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The dimensions of the room
• The insulation
• How big the windows are
• If they are double-glazed or covered
• How cold it is where you live
• Calculate what capacity of heater you'll need for your room
• Also, get advice from your supplier.

When and how often each space needs heating

• Do you want to heat an area for short periods of time only?
• Do you want instant heat, such as a heat pump will provide. Or can you wait for an appliance like a wood burner to heat the room?

How much you want to pay for your appliance or system

• This not only includes how much it costs to buy, but also installation, connection fees, ongoing lines charges and how much energy it uses to run. Running costs depend on things like the size and efficiency of the heater, fuel prices, potential maintenance and how long you heat each room.

How you use you heating or cooling

A system that has thermostats and time switches can help you run your heating more efficiently and save you money.

Set the thermostat - don't have the temperature higher than you need it. Aim for 18-22° C while you are using a space, and 16° C overnight if required.

Use timer features so your heater or heat pump comes on an hour or so before you need it (instead of leaving it on all day). Most heat pumps hava a timer built in.

A timer for an electric heater should cost you about $15.

You need to install and operate all heating appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions. You also need to abide by any legal requirements or guidelines for the area in which you live.

More information

• Heating options on the Consumer NZ website.