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Is your ducted heating system running as efficiently as it should? There are many things that you can do with your existing ducted heating system to ensure you are receiving its full potential!

• Compare your ducted heating running cost to the average running costs here! 

• Minimise the area to be heated: Doubling the size of the heated area also doubles running costs. Close doors to unheated areas, or hang curtains across open archways leading to other rooms.

• Close windows, doors, drapes and blinds when you’re heating, especially at night:  Leaving them open costs around $80 per quarter for the average home.

• Open up curtains to north-facing windows on sunny winter days to let free, natural solar energy warm your home.

• Use the thermostat correctly: For every degree you increase the thermostat setting, your bill can increase by up to 15%. Set your thermostat at around a temperature of 18–20°C for living areas. Thermostats of central heating systems should be placed in living areas where you spend most of your time. Ensure they are protected from draughts and heat sources such as heating outlets or direct sunlight. Thermostats should not be located on external walls.

• Don’t leave your heater running on low overnight or while you’re out during the day: It’s cheaper to turn the heater off while you are out or sleeping then turn it on again when you return or wake up in the morning. These guidelines don’t apply to storage type heating such as in-slab systems which have a very slow response time.

• Install a timer or programmable thermostat: These will  turn your heater on and off automatically around 20 to 30 minutes before getting up in the morning or getting home in the evening.

• Ceiling fans & heat shifters: These are useful ways to return heat that has risen to a second story, or collected at the top of ceilings, down to floor level again. This can save over 10% of heating costs.

• Maintain your heater: . Keep the unit serviced according to the manufacturers instructions (usually once every two years).

• Maintain your filter: If you have a return air filter keep it clean regularly, at least once a month.

• Turn off the pilot light over summer: This can save around $15 or more each year. Turn your heating off completely if you are going away for an extended period of time.