Minimise the area to be heated. Doubling the size o the heated area also doubles the heating cost! So close doors to unheated areas, or install curtains across ope archways leading to other rooms. Use a correctly sized heater. Don’t expect a small heater to heat a large area. It is unlikely to reach a comfortable temperature, making running costs unnecessarily high without providing adequate heat. Similarly, try not to use a large heater when only a small area needs heating. If only one small area of a centrally heated home is to be used, it may be cheape to use a portable heater for a short time, or even invest in a small space heater, than to unnecessarily heat the whole house.
Use the thermostat correctly. For every degree you increase th thermostat setting, your bill may increase by up to 15%. Set you thermostat at a reasonable temperatur of 18 – 20°C for living areas. Thermostats should be placed in living areas, where you spend most of your time. Ensure they are protected from draughts, as well as 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 are out during the day. It is cheaper to turn the heater off while you are out or sleeping, and on again when your return or wake up in the morning. (This pattern of use is not applicable to storage type heating such as in-slab systems which have a very slow response time). Install a timer or programmable thermostat to turn your heater on and off automatically, say 20 – 30 minutes before rising in the morning or getting home in the evening. And of course, don’t forget to turn the entire system completely off if you are going away on holidays. Run the heater fan on its highest setting for best efficiency and heat distribution. Fans cost only 1 cent an hour to run. Turn off the pilot light (if fitted) over summer. This alone could save you $15 or more each year! Maintain your heater. Keep reflectors shiny and free of dust, and clean air-filters regularly. Service all heaters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Close windows and doors in heated areas while the heater is on. Close drapes or blinds when you’re heating,
