As Melbourne enters into its colder months, heating becomes an essential part of the home.

To keep you and your family warm and toasty, it is important to find a reliable heating solution. If you are looking for a system to heat your entire home, you may find yourself trying to decide between gas ducted heating and multi split systems.

To help you in making the best choice, here are some differences between the two systems.

How do gas ducted heating systems work?

Gas ducted heating is often also known as central heating, as it is commonly used to heat the entire household. This system comprises an internal heating unit that is usually installed into a ceiling cavity, and then ducted throughout the home. Air is drawn into the heating unit and heated up with a gas burner. The warm air is then carried throughout the house via the duct network and released through air grilles or vents that are fixed on the ceiling or floor.

Most gas heaters come with one thermostat control that allows you to set a desired temperature. Once it reaches the target temperature, the gas burner and fan will slowly come to a stop to keep the indoor temperature comfortable.

As gas ducted heating requires ductwork, it is usually best to install when building a new home or during major renovations.

How do multi split systems work?

Multi split systems or multi head split systems are very much like split systems, in that they are made up of two units – an indoor unit that releases conditioned air into the home, and an outdoor unit, which contains the compressor. However, unlike the split system, multi splits allow multiple indoor units to be connected to just one outdoor unit.

Multi split systems are ideal for homes with insufficient ceiling space for ducting, or limited space for outdoor units. With this system, you can easily control individual air conditioners for the desired temperature in different rooms.

You can also choose to start with one or two indoor units, before adding more later on if needed.

Main differences between multi split systems and gas ducted heating

As mentioned above, gas ducted heating requires ductwork and a more involved installation work, which also translates to a larger upfront cost. Multi split systems are cheaper, and, if you need to spread the cost out, can be installed room by room according to your budget.

In terms of running costs, gas is generally considered the cheapest form of heating, especially if you have zoning control. Zoning allows you to heat only the areas that you need to, thus making the system more efficient and better in cost-saving. Without zoning control, multi split systems may be the more cost-effective option as it lets you run the units individually.

The system you choose also depends on the area you want to heat. Multi split systems are effective for small areas or individual rooms. In fact, you can install different indoor units according to needs – for example, a larger capacity unit for a larger room, and a smaller capacity unit for a smaller room. But, if you are looking at heating larger areas or keeping an even temperature throughout the entire house, gas ducted heating is the better choice.

When it comes to aesthetics, gas ducted heating works well with most interior designs as it is not visually intrusive. With only the grilles mounted in the ceiling or floor visible inside the house, it is easily overlooked. Multi split air conditioners are bulky units mounted on the wall, although many new models now come in sleek and modern design.

A quick summary of the differences between the two systems:

Advantages of gas ducted heating systems

• Efficient
• Low running costs
• Zoning control
• Only the air grilles are visible in the house
• Ideal for heating the entire house or large areas

Advantages of multi split systems

• Efficient
• Low upfront cost
• Can choose each indoor unit according to required capacity
• Sleek design
• Ideal for heating selected rooms or small spaces

Overall, both gas ducted heating and multi split system heating have their benefits and advantages. Whichever is chosen depends on your preference and needs, as well as other factors such as house design, space availability, and more.

To decide on the best heating system that will suit you and your family, contact Dale Air today. Our team will provide a free assessment of your home before recommending you the system that will not only suit your needs but also help you save money. Call 1300 301 665 or fill out our form now.

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Dale Air – melbourne’s Gas Ducted Heating Installation & Replacement Experts  – 1300 301 665 

Most people do not give their ducted gas heating systems much thought after the initial installation, perhaps expecting the heaters to last forever. However, like most other household appliances, ducted gas heaters do have a lifespan.

Old gas heaters may have issues that are hard to fix or parts that are hard to find. Or worse, they may present health risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning to you and your family.

So, how long does a ducted gas heater last?

In general, a ducted gas heating system that is well maintained can probably last from 10 to 20 years, with an average lifespan of 15 years. However, there are several factors that can affect the lifespan of these heaters:

Quality

A high quality heating system will definitely last longer than a lower quality one. It is recommended that you purchase your heating system from reputable brands in the market, as these usually have a good track record with product quality. You should also check if your ducted heating system comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 or more years.

Model

Some older ducted heater models have heavy gauge metal heat exchangers. These are very durable and can last as long as 30 years. However, these older models are very inefficient. Most modern models are now equipped with steel heat exchangers that are constructed with aluminized or stainless metal. These are much more efficient, and, although less durable than the older models, they can still last for about 15 to 20 years if properly maintained.

Maintenance

One way to keep your ducted heater lasting longer is to have regular maintenance done by a qualified technician. The technician will be able to check that all components are running smoothly and fix any issues before they escalate into bigger problems. Return air filters should also be cleaned regularly to maintain the unit’s efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

When should you replace your ducted gas heating unit?

No matter how well you maintain your heater and prolong its lifespan, there will come a time when you need to replace your unit.

Here are some signs you can look out for to know if you should buy a new heater:

Unit is older than 15 years

Any ducted gas heating unit that is older than 15 years should be replaced, especially if it is not well maintained. Older models are not as efficient as newer models, plus they tend to get more problems that may be harder and more expensive to fix as the years go by.

Rising frequency of repairs

If you find that your heating system is breaking down all the time and the technician is at your house way too often to look at yet another issue with your heater, then it is probably worth changing or upgrading the system. A new unit, although expensive upfront, will ultimately save you the mounting repair bills as well as the inconveniences of a problematic heater.

High energy bills

An old heating system that is not as energy efficient as it should be, means higher gas or electricity bills for you. If you’ve been noticing an uptrend in your bills even though there has not been much change in your heater usage, consider purchasing a new unit. With an upgrade to a higher efficiency model, you will definitely see a substantial reduction in your energy bills.

New, energy efficient ducted gas heaters in Melbourne

 If your ducted gas heating system ticks all the boxes above, then it is time for you to switch over.

At Dale Air, we will help you choose a new heater that suits your budget and requirement. Plus, being an Accredited Provider under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, we are able to help you get rebates when you change your old heaters to new high efficiency models.

Autumn/Winter 2021 – Gas Ducted Heating Replacement Special Offer

Get in touch with us at 1300 301 665 to find out more.

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Many parts of Australia, including Melbourne and Sydney, have been blanketed by smoke haze due to the devastating bushfires.

The air quality in some areas of NSW and Victoria dropped to a very poor or hazardous rating multiple times this Summer and authorities have advised those who live in affected areas to limit their time spent outdoors.

Poor air quality is a health risk to vulnerable groups including older people, children, pregnant women, those suffering from asthma and allergies as well as people with existing heart or lung conditions.

However, doctors have warned that even people who are otherwise healthy could be negatively affected by prolonged exposure to smoke haze, and develop serious illnesses over time.

Poor air quality can cause some of the following symptoms:

• Coughing, wheezing, chest congestion, shortness of breath or other respiratory issues
• Allergic episodes such as itching, sneezing and irritation
• Watery eyes
• Headaches, fatigue or dizziness
• Skin dryness or irritation

When the air quality reaches very poor or hazardous rating, we are advised to stay indoors as much as possible with their doors and windows closed.

How do you ensure, however, that the air quality inside the buildings and homes remain healthy and safe?

Using air conditioners to keep smoke out

As the air quality deteriorates, many experts and authorities will recommend that people stay inside their homes with doors and windows shut, and with the air conditioner turned on.

It is important to remember, however, to turn off the ‘Fresh Air’ function on your air conditioner if it has one, because this feature draws air from outside into the home, which is what you do not want at this moment.

Similarly, you should avoid using evaporative cooling systems when experiencing smoke haze, as it may bring in the smoke that you want to keep out.

Make sure your air conditioner is switched to the recirculate mode, so that it recycles indoor air instead of taking in outside air.

Many modern reverse cycle split system models come with good air filtration and purifying systems, so they can actually improve your indoor air quality while keeping you cool at the same time.

Some of the Daikin air conditioners, for example, come with an advanced deodorising air purification filter that traps microscopic particles and decomposes odours. This not only cleanses the air but will also help to eliminate some of the overpowering smoke smell within your home.

Other features include humidification, dehumidification and ventilating capabilities to keep the air comfortable for you and your family.

Daikin split systems such as the US7 have also been approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program, making them an especially good option for those suffering from asthma and allergies.

Other ways to protect yourself from smoke haze

Besides running the air conditioner, here are some other things you can do:

• Get an air purifier with HEPA filter
• Try to spend time inside buildings with better air filtration systems, such as offices or shopping centres
• If possible, temporarily relocate to another area where the air quality is not as bad

Some things to avoid doing when the air quality is poor include: exercising outside, and burning incense sticks in an attempt to get rid of the smell of the smoke.

To find out more about Daikin split systems, please contact Dale Air today.

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As summer rolls in, many are turning to their air conditioning system to keep a cool and comfortable indoor environment. This, however, may also mean higher energy consumption and expensive energy bills.

To help lower your energy bills this summer, here are some ways to use your cooling system more efficiently:

Set the right temperature

It is recommended that you set your air conditioner thermostat between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius for living areas during summer. Setting a lower-than-needed temperature on your thermostat does not necessarily make your air conditioner cool faster, but it definitely makes it work harder and therefore cost more. In fact, every degree lower can increase running costs by as much as 10 percent.

Clean the air filters

One simple way to ensure that your air conditioner continues to perform efficiently is by cleaning the air filters regularly. An air filter that is dirty and clogged with dust makes the system work harder, which means more power is used and this in turn raises the energy costs. How often filters should be cleaned depends on a few factors including frequency of use, but generally filters should be cleaned or replaced at least once every few months.

Service your system regularly

Getting your air conditioning system serviced regularly will ensure that your unit continues to perform as effectively as it should. A professional technician will also be able to check that all ducting is free of air leaks, and alert you to any damages, avoiding bigger and costlier breakdowns.

Use fans as well

Instead of setting a low temperature on the thermostat, consider using fans with your air conditioners to circulate cool air more evenly around the room. Due to the wind chill effect, fans can make the space feel cooler than it actually is. This also allows you to raise the thermostat by as much as four degrees without feeling much discomfort, and in doing so, save money.

Check the windows and doors

If you are using evaporative cooling systems, keep your doors and windows open large enough to allow the air to flow outside. Insufficient openings will actually reduce the unit’s cooling effectiveness, and may overwork the fan. However, if you are using other air conditioning systems such as split systems, ensure that all windows and doors are closed.

Keep the heat out

Do not underestimate the heat that comes into your home through uncovered windows during hot days. Use curtains, shades, shutters or other exterior coverings on your windows to keep the summer heat out. This helps the house to stay cooler than outside, which in turn means your air conditioner will not need to work as hard.

Don’t forget the outdoor unit

If the outdoor unit (or compressor unit) is fully exposed to the sun during the day, try to shade it with an awning or something similar. However, make sure it is not blocked by plants or covered with dust and debris, because restricted air circulation around the unit will not only increase power consumption but may also lead to permanent damage.

Turn it off when not using

Finally, do not forget to turn your air conditioner off when you are not using it. According to research by Finder.com.au, almost 1 in 4 Australian households leave their air conditioning running for up to an hour even when they are not home. It is actually cheaper to turn the system off when you are out and on again when you come back.

Keep these tips in mind to help lower your energy bills this summer. If you are looking to replace your old cooling system or are in search for a better, more efficient unit, please speak to our team and we are more than happy to assist you. Call 1300 301 665 or get a free quote within 24 hours for air conditioning installations in Melbourne.

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Dale Air – Melbourne’s Evaporative cooling Installation & Servicing Experts – 1300 301 665 

With summer coming up, it may be a good idea for you to get your evaporative cooling system cleaned and serviced right now.

Even if your system seems to be working just fine, dirt and dust have been accumulating within the unit and ductwork that needs to be cleaned. Dirty evaporative coolers are not just bad for your health, but in some cases, a unit that is extremely clogged up can cause a house fire.

In fact, Energy Safe Victoria recommends homeowners to get their systems serviced annually, following reports of a number of fires caused by evaporative coolers in Victoria in recent years.

How often an evaporative cooling system should be serviced depends on the brand, model and usage, but we do recommend that you get your evaporative cooler serviced at least once a year.

benefits of having your evaporative cooler cleaned:

Improved efficiency

The accumulation of dust, dirt and debris on the ductwork and air filters can reduce the evaporative cooler’s performance. Dirty air filters restrict air flow, which then makes the system work harder than it should. Dust can also cover your evaporative coil, which then further reduces the unit’s ability to cool your home as effectively as it should. Cleaning the system and ducts will greatly improve the unit’s efficiency.

Lower electricity bills

On average, heating and cooling systems account for about 40% of energy use in an Australian household. A dirty air conditioning unit will have to work harder, which means it consumes more power and that increases the operating costs. Just by cleaning your unit, you can potentially cut down the energy consumption by as much as 15%.

Avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs

Regular cleaning can help prevent certain air conditioner problems, such as overheating or ice build-ups. Furthermore, while cleaning the unit, the licensed technician will also be able to check and detect potential issues, thus avoiding unexpected breakdowns. There are few things worse than having the air conditioning unit die on you on the hottest day of summer.

Longer lasting unit

Regular cleaning and maintenance is key to prolonging the life of our evaporative cooling systems. By preventing issues and avoiding heavy breakdowns, the unit will be able to run better and longer. This saves you money in the long run as well, as you won’t need to keep replacing your evaporative cooler.

Better air quality

Besides just cooling your home, your evaporative cooling system also affects the quality of the air circulating indoors. Cleaning the unit will remove stale odour from the air ducts, and allow fresh air to enter your house again. With dust and debris removed from the ducts, you can enjoy clean air in your home.

Cleaner and safer environment

Dust in the air ducts will be blown out to your living space, causing your furniture, bedding and carpet to be dusty and less hygienic. Besides that, air ducts can also contain other pollutants like pet hair and pollen. Plus, a dirty evaporative cooler makes the perfect breeding ground for mould, fungi and bacteria. It is important to clean your unit and keep your home safe from these harmful contaminants, so that you and your family do not suffer respiratory illnesses or asthma and allergic attacks.

To find out more about our Evaporative Cooling Unit Cleaning and Testing service and what we do, please contact our team at 1300 301 665 or email info@daleair.com.au. 

See images below from a recent Evaporative Cooling service we did in Cheltenham. 

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Air conditioning technology is constantly advancing in response to consumer demands. For those who are looking to upgrade their air conditioning systems or to purchase a new one, it may be useful to know the current trends in heating and cooling systems.

Better Energy Efficiency

More Australians are becoming more aware of and prioritising energy efficiency when it comes to selecting their air conditioners. According to the Department of the Environment and Energy, heating and cooling can account for about 20% to 50% of energy used in homes.

Besides helping to save on energy bills, energy efficient air conditioners also allow consumers to be environmentally responsible while cooling or heating their homes. To assist consumers in choosing an air conditioner with better energy efficiency, the government has introduced a Zoned Energy Rating Label that provides seasonal efficiency ratings for three distinct climate zones across the country. This shows that this trend is set to grow over the future years.

Improved Air Quality

Air purification features are something homeowners will not get tired of, as they want to enjoy fresher, cleaner air in their homes. Air conditioning units with good filtration systems help to get rid of pollutants that reduce indoor air quality, including debris, dust, dirt or other contaminants.

In fact, some new models now include purification filters that can remove even bad odours. These advanced air filters can also get rid of certain chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, as well as pollen, bacteria and viruses.

Smart Home Technology

Air conditioners that have wi-fi connectivity are becoming more popular, as consumers continue to adopt smart devices and appliances. Many modern air conditioning units now allow the system to be controlled remotely via a smartphone or a device that is connected to the internet. This means, you can control your heating and cooling system even when you are not home as long as you have access to the internet, which can be extremely useful.

For example, you can turn on your air conditioner from work so you get to arrive home to a perfect and comfortable temperature. Or, if you forgot to switch the unit off as you were leaving home, you can easily do it when you are out!

Artificial Intelligence

Some big brands in the air conditioning industry are beginning to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), and have plans to add this feature to their future products. AI can provide opportunities to improve energy savings and comfort, as well as maintenance, by predicting when a repair is needed.

Systems equipped with AI will also be able to sense the room temperature and turn on when needed, or go on sleep mode if there is no one in the room. Ultimately, the combination of AI and wi-fi connectivity in air conditioning systems and other appliances will give users better control, convenience and comfort.

At Dale Air, we are always keeping up with the latest trends and technology. With our industry knowledge and many years of experience, our team is able to help you find the heating and cooling system that suits you best. Get an obligation-free quote today, or contact us for more information.

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Dale Air – Melbourne’s Bonaire Evaporative Cooling Installation & Servicing Experts – 1300 301 665

As one of the leading manufacturers of evaporative coolers in Australia, Bonaire has been providing homes with top quality air conditioning for more than 60 years.

All Bonaire products are manufactured in their factory in Adelaide, and their coolers have been specifically designed and made with Australia’s harsh weather in mind, giving homes effective and efficient cooling during the hotter months.

Bonaire products are globally recognised for their quality, durability and reliability, with the brand now available in many countries around the world.

The range of Bonaire evaporative coolers:

Bonaire Pinnacle

The Bonaire Pinnacle uses the latest evaporative cooling technology to provide efficient cooling at a considerably lower running cost compared to standard coolers. With some of the most advanced operational features, this is definitely an evaporative cooler that stands out from the rest.

Features include:

Innovative ImPress Motor Technology

The ImPress motor used in the Bonaire Pinnacle utilises axial flux motor technology to deliver amazing energy savings.

Advanced Aerowing Fan Design

The Bonaire Aerowing fan is designed with Bonaire Vortex Generators on top of each fan blade, enabling the fan to achieve more airflow and less noise.

Bonaire Air Ioniser

With the Air Ioniser, the Bonaire Pinnacle is able to purify the air before it is discharged into your home.

Filtercool Filter Pads

The Bonaire Pinnacle provides optimum cooling performance by utilising super thick Filtercool 120mm filter pads.

Water Management System

A water quality salinity sensor will alert you when the water in the cooler needs to be replaced, ensuring efficient unit operation and prevents potential excessive calcium build-up.

Solar Enhanced Cooling

The Pinnacle cooler is able to work with an optional solar panel kit, allowing you to operate your cooling unit in solar mode on a lower fan speed to save on costs.Bonaire Integra II

The Bonaire Integra II is a premium choice in the range, enjoying many of the Bonaire Pinnacle features, including the same stylish cabinet design, super thick 120mm Filtercool filter pads, and the Bonaire Aerowing fan.

Other features include:

Bonaire Aquamiser

This device is designed to manage the water quality in your cooler and minimise water usage while still ensuring that the system has sufficient water for efficient operation.

Bonaire Maxicooler

The Bonaire Maxicooler extra air units allows the Integra to cool much larger homes, so you do not need to get two evaporative cooling units.

The Enviroseal Duct Shutter

Useful during the colder months when the unit is not in use, the duct shutter keeps warm air in and draughts out.

Bonaire Summer Breeze

The Bonaire Summer Breeze is designed to be installed on a standard sized dropper duct, making it a quick easy changeover for old evaporative coolers. With an injected moulded polymer cabinet construction and a sloping base thank, the Summer Breeze is the best value for money choice. It comes with the Bonaire Aquamiser, and is available in three colours: Charcoal, Terracotta Red and Beige.

Other features include:

The Envirowing Fan

Designed for maximum efficiency and optimum performance, this injection moulded fan delivers more cool air to your home.

Greater Airflow

By drawing air evenly over all four Filtercool pads, the Bonaire Summer Breeze is able to maintain optimal airflow performance.

To learn more about the Bonaire brand click here

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Besides just making sure the heater runs, regular tests are also crucial to keep your system safe for use, especially when it comes to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

Gas heaters can emit carbon monoxide when ducts become blocked or if the unit becomes faulty.

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a silent killer, because you cannot hear, see or smell it. High levels of carbon monoxide are extremely dangerous, as it may cause sicknesses and even death. Those at an increased risk include children, pregnant women, older people as well as those with chronic illnesses like heart and lung disease.

Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Chest pain

These symptoms may be similar to cold and flu symptoms, but if your health problems seem to only occur or worsen when the heating is on, it may be due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you think you may be affected by carbon monoxide:

• Turn off the heater immediately
• Open up the windows and doors to get the space ventilated
• Go outside for some fresh air
• Check with your GP to see if your symptoms are caused by carbon monoxide poisoning
• Get your gas heater serviced and tested before using again

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got old or new heaters, wall heaters, gas ducted heating or gas log fires – all gas heaters are at risk for carbon monoxide leaks.

Energy Safe Victoria recommends that gas heaters are checked and tested at least once every two years by a qualified technician.

How to use your gas heater safely:

• Have your heater checked and serviced at least once every two years by a qualified technician
• Always follow instructions on the appliance or in the manual when using a gas heater
• Keep up to date on safety alerts and check if your heater model is affected
• Ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the room or space
• If you use an open-flued heater, keep the window opened when the heater is on
• Do not leave your heater on overnight
• All flammable materials, including clothes and soft toys, should be kept at least one metre away from the heater
• Consider installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets EU or US standards
• Consider replacing your heater if it is old
• Do not use heaters or gas appliances meant for outdoors inside your home, caravan or car
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and act quickly if you notice them

Dale Air provides several testing services, including gas central heater testing. In this service, a fully trained technician will review accessibility and the current operation of the unit, as well as check for carbon monoxide leaks. We will also clean gas burners and fan housing, as well as re-commission the system.

To find out more about our carbon monoxide residential testing and other services, please contact our team at 1300 301 665 or email info@daleair.com.au.

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It’s winter, and that probably means your heating system is turned on most of the days now. And you are probably starting to fret about the upcoming energy bills. Well, you’re not alone.

According to the Galaxy Research study, nine out of ten Australian households are worried about their winter energy bill.* That means over 7.4 million households around the country are concerned about their heating costs, and rightly so.

In the average Australian home, heating and cooling account for up to 40% of household energy consumption.** This makes heating and cooling the largest energy user in the household at any time.

**Source: DEWHA 2008

It would seem then that the easiest way to save money this winter is by cutting down on heating. However, foregoing the heater and freezing yourself up doesn’t sound like a very viable option either.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to help improve your heating system’s efficiency, and, in doing so, lower energy costs.

1. Put on an extra jumper
Before you turn on the heater, try layering on some extra clothing. Seriously. Because sometimes, all you need may be another jacket instead of the heating system. During really cold days, warmer clothing may also mean that you won’t need to turn your heater up to stay comfortable, which leads us to the next point.

2. Don’t set your thermostat too high
For the best efficiency, it is recommended that you set your thermostat to between 18˚C and 20˚C. Turning your thermostat up by just 1˚C can potentially increase your bill by up to 10 percent. For more accurate reading, you should place your thermostat in the living area, away from draught and heat sources.

3. Only heat the areas you need
Instead of heating up the entire house when you don’t need to, try to minimise the space to be heated. For example, if everyone is in the living space, close the doors to the bedrooms so that the hot air does not flow to unused rooms. If you use a central or ducted heating system, check if you can have a zoning system installed.

4. Turn the heater off when not needed
Don’t keep the heating system on when you don’t really need it, like when you are asleep underneath thick blankets at night, or when you are out of your house. If you want your house to be warm and toasty the moment you are awake or step into the house, you can install a timer or programmable thermostat and set it to switch on a few minutes before you wake up or get home.

5. Reduce heat loss
Keep the curtains and blinds closed to prevent heat loss through your glass windows. Insulate the ceiling, walls and floors if needed, so that heat can be kept within. Also, try sealing gaps around windows and doors to stop draught from seeping into your home.

6. Maintain and service
Heaters need to be maintained for them to remain efficient. Check regularly to ensure your ducting has no air leaks so that you do not lose any heat to the ceiling or beneath the floor. If you use central heating, make sure the ducts are well-insulated. Also, clean air filters often, and service your heaters as required.

7. Choose a high efficiency heater
If you are planning to purchase a brand new heating system, choose a high efficiency one at the right size for your home. The heater’s energy rating label will show you its heating efficiency – the more stars in the label, the more efficient it is, the more money you will save in heating costs. The number in the energy consumption box shows the annual energy consumption. The lower the number, the better.

Dale Air offers multiple heating options to keep you comfortable throughout winter, from gas ducted heating to split systems. To find a heating system that is efficient and suitable for your home, call us today at 1300 301 665 or email info@daleair.com.au

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As the colder months approach, it is time to keep yourself nice and warm. Besides bundling yourself up in layers with a nice cup of hot tea, here are some easy tips to get your house warm and comfortable this winter.

Lay out the rugs
A great way to keep your feet warm and make your home look stylish at the same time is to put rugs on the floor. This is especially useful for houses with hard floors, as they keep your feet away from the cold surface. Rugs can also insulate you against the cold, and help to retain warmth in the rooms.

Draw the curtains
Did you know that up to 40% of heat can be lost through windows, even when they are closed? Drawing the curtains and pulling down the blinds will help you keep warm by trapping in the warm air. It can also stop the cool air from flowing in through the window glass panels. Having said that, you should also …

Let the sun in
On sunny days, open up the curtains to let the sunlight in and enjoy some free heating. This works especially well for rooms with windows that face north (morning sun) and west (afternoon sun). Once the sun goes down, however, don’t forget to close the curtains.

Shut the doors
To keep the heat where you want it, shut the doors! For example, if you want the heat to stay within your bedroom, close the room door so that the warm air doesn’t flow out into the hallway.

Turn off the bathroom fans
Bathroom exhaust fans are important to keep the place dry, but be careful not to leave them on when you don’t need them. These fans not only suck out the warm air from within, but they would also draw in the cool air from outside.

Maintain the temperature
Make use of the heating system to keep your home good and toasty. However, don’t blast up the thermostat to 30°C even if you’re feeling very cold. That would actually make your house too hot and probably make you feel sick. Instead, keep the thermostat at 18°C to 21°C, a temperature that most people are comfortable with.

How to use your heating system efficiently

• Put on warmer clothing so that you don’t have to turn up the heater too high.
• If you have ducted heating, consider installing a zoning system to allow you to heat only the areas you need.
• Set the thermostat between 18°C to 21°C for living areas, as anything higher can increase your bill exponentially.
• Insulate the ceiling, walls and floors of your home to keep the heat inside.
• Maintain and service your heater frequently.

What not to do when it comes to heating

• Do not use indoor gas heaters, especially unflued gas heaters, in small rooms or spaces without good ventilation.
• Do not use outdoor gas heaters, gas cooktop or oven for indoor heating, as they can release a dangerous level of carbon monoxide when left running for hours.
• Do not turn up the thermostat on high or set the temperature too high when you first turn it on. Allow the room to gradually warm up.
• Do not leave the heating on when you are not home.
• Do not light things on fire to keep warm, as it puts you in an extremely dangerous situation.

Looking for a good heating solution that fits your house and requirements? Get in touch with Dale Air today and our team will be able to help you find the best system.

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