the Make It Happen treatment

Woodburning heaters, whether freestanding or built-in, are a good source of heat but need to comply with strict emission regulations

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Efficient home heating

Come into the warm

Feeling the chill? We’ve got plenty of hot tips for keeping cosy at home this winter

As outside temperatures drop, think how good it feels to be cosy indoors, perhaps with the intimacy of a crackling fire. In our winter fantasies, we’d do it all with abandon – but in reality, that cosiness comes at a financial and environmental cost. You can tough it out in a thicker pair of socks, or upgrade your home heating and insulation and achieve winter comfort in an energy-efficient fashion. Here are some smart ways to stay toasty. 

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Masport ‘Bowden Portrait’ indoor wood heater, $1,899, I/N: 0259742

Mistral 2000W flame effect heater, $149, I/N: 0231259

One-touch atmosphere For the visual appeal of dancing flames without the fuss, look at low-maintenance alternatives to woodburners. Gas heaters blaze up at the touch of a button, or consider electric fireplace heaters, which provide flame effects with no venting required, and can be moved from room to room. Return to wood Solid fuel home heaters have come a long way, with the new generation of slow-combustion heaters boasting enhanced eco credentials. As of September 2019, all new wood heaters sold in Australia have to adhere to a strict set of standards: no more than 1.5 grams of emissions per kilogram of wood burnt and at least 60 per cent heating efficiency. Of course, a wood heater is not only a heating tool, but a style statement – look for one that suits your space.

Dimplex ‘Strata’ 2.0kW mantle fireplace heater in White, $2,799, I/N: 0225419† Tip Before buying a wood heater, check regulations with your state environment protection agency and your local council, as you may need a development application

Samsung ‘GEO AR5500’ 8.0kW reverse cycle split system air conditioner, $1,978, I/N: 0198141 Eco air A reverse-cycle air conditioner covers off all your heating and cooling needs in one unit, but that’s not the only benefit. According to the government’s energy rating website, the least efficient air conditioner today is more efficient than the most efficient air conditioner on the market in 2001. All reverse cycle air conditioners use refrigerants to concentrate heat from the environment, but the new and improved R32 refrigerant is the gold standard, with no impact on the ozone layer and just one third of the global warming potential of its predecessors*.

Demand more While you’re investing in a new heating option, look for one that offers more control of your climate. Samsung’s Good Sleep mode gently lowers temperatures as we fall asleep and raises them again for a snug awakening. A good air conditioner can also be a climate control overachiever, heating and cooling, while – as in the Mitsubishi ‘Avanti’ range – cleaning the air of allergens and bacteria.

Mitsubishi ‘Avanti’ 2.5kW reverse cycle split system air conditioner, $799, I/N: 4442099

Add texture Warmth is physical but also emotional – dial it up with a few visual triggers. Interior designer Chontelle Samios (@ellesin designsydney) says soft furnishings are a great place to start; “Oversized rugs under your lounge, textured throw cushions and blankets all give off a warm emotional response in cold winter months.” For more ideas on cosy decor, turn to page 15.

Curtain call A sunny expanse of windows is a weak link in winter. A single pane of glass can lose almost 10 times as much heat as the same area of insulated wall but, if you are renovating, double-glazed windows can reduce heat loss by 30 per cent*. For a quick fix, think curtains, blinds or, even better, a layered combination.

Deal with draughts According to Climate Council senior researcher Tim Baxter, around 40 per cent of home energy use goes on heating and cooling, but 25 per cent of this is wasted. “Remarkable quantities of heat are lost through small gaps around windows and doors or up unused chimneys – or in some instances through cracks in walls and between floorboards,” says Tim. Thankfully, installing a brush strip to block breezes sneaking under the door is as easy as operating a drill, and adhesive door and window seals are even simpler to apply. }

Double-glazed windows

Smart thinking When it’s cold outside, wi-fi control allows you to preemptively strike while on your commute, switching on the heating so you can return home to instant cosiness. Some air conditioners, such as the Mitsubishi ‘Bronte’ range, can be fitted with a wi-fi adaptor, which allows you to operate it remotely via a tablet or smartphone. Then, at home, you can use voice control (through a Google or Amazon smart home hub) to crank up the heat from the comfort of your bed.

Masport ‘Bowden’ pedestal indoor wood heater, $1,499, I/N: 0179444. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Mitsubishi split system air conditioner wi-fi adaptor, $194, I/N: 0085526†

Mitsubishi ‘Bronte’ 7.1kW reverse cycle split system air conditioner, $1,599, I/N: 4442104 Polar ‘Eco-View’ 1545mm x 1200mm double glazed fixed panel window in Black, $648, I/N: 1040326†

Pillar ‘Elegance’ 270cm x 240cm indoor roller blind in Dulux Natural White, $216, I/N: 1261784

Windoware ‘Seville’ 2230mm x 1200mm eyelet thermal curtain in Silver, $18.98, I/N: 0081451‡

Moroday screw-on brush door seal in Silver, $8.48, I/N: 4066846 Raven ‘Draught Excluder RP61’

door and

window seal in Grey, $14.24/5m, I/N: 3961102

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Utilise textiles such as curtains, soft cushions, throws and floor rugs to up the ante on cosiness

Power pointers Though not the most efficient or economical choice for heating a whole home, electric heaters, including panel and fan ones, are ideal for smaller, insulated spaces. Use them to take the edge off when working from home during a cold snap. Some, like the Mistral ‘Flame Effect’ model, have the style cred of a woodburner, while the new panel heaters – which can often be wall-mounted – are becoming so sleek you’ll barely notice them. ◆

Mistral ‘Flame Effect’ electric heater, $99, I/N: 0231232

Well padded A properly insulated home is a snug winter home – and a cool summer home, for that matter. Tim Baxter says, “Insulation in the roof, walls and floors is a must for anyone who is hoping to seriously improve the way their home holds heat.” Reflective foils tend to work well in warm climates, where they reflect heat from entering a house, while bulk insulators, like glasswool batts, act like a thermal barrier – the higher the R rating of a product, the more heat it will resist. Some bulk insulation products can be retrofitted and, with good access, this can be a relatively easy DIY job.

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Your DIY toolkit

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1 Earthwool ‘SoundShield’ R2.5 HD 1160mm x 430mm x 90mm wall insulation batts, $55.50/pack of 14 (6.98sqm), I/N: 0810602. 2 Earthwool R4.0 1160mm x 430mm x 195mm ceiling insulation batts, $61.70/pack of 18 (8.98sqm), I/N: 0810333. 3 Earthwool ‘FloorShield’ R2.5 1160mm x 420mm x 90mm underfloor insulation batts, $26.50/pack of 6 (2.92sqm), I/N: 0117480. 4 Protector ‘Ultralite’ clear wraparound safety glasses, $4.50, I/N: 5814707. 5 Ametalin 72mm reinforced insulation/ducting tape, $28.09/50m, I/N: 0029077. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. SAFETY TIP

Although today’s insulation products are relatively low irritant, it’s recommended to wear long sleeves and trousers, gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses while installing

Arlec 2000W convection panel heater with digital control, $79, I/N: 0163655

Click 2000W oscillating fan heater, $20, I/N: 0231241

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Improve the temperature of your home with DIY Earthwool insulation: bunnings.com.au/insulate- with-earthwool

Comfort zone

Make your home a haven with the warming assurance of a Masport indoor wood heater, made right here in Australia

There’s little more soothing on a chilly eve than the crackle and flicker of a warming wood fire. Masport Heating makes this vision an easy reality with its range of Australian-made indoor wood heaters. High-quality steel, proven technology and powerful performance means you and yours will be kept toasty and secure, no matter what the weather brings. Whether your space is big or small, Masport has a sleek design ready to complete your sanctuary, each with a 10-year firebox warranty.

Masport ‘Bowden Wood Stacker’ indoor wood heater, $1,699, I/N: 0179448

The ‘Bowden Wood Stacker’ wood heater ticks off warmth, style and convenience. Its space-saving wood storage base eliminates the need for a log basket, while its large viewing window allows you to sit back and enjoy your fire. Suitable for large homes (warming up to 200sqm), it boasts low emissions, being 33 per cent cleaner burning than the Australian standard, and 11 per cent more efficient. It also comes with a 3-speed manual fan to manage heat.

Masport ‘Bowden Portrait’ indoor wood heater, $1,899, I/N: 0259742

The stylish ‘Bowden Portrait’ wood heater’s design and cutting-edge glass display ensures the largest possible view of those warming flames. The heater also handily includes a wood storage area underneath the firebox. This powerful convection heater spreads its warmth up to 170sqm, yet has a 33 per cent cleaner burn than the Australian standard requires, while also being 3 per cent more efficient.

Masport ‘Bowden Pedestal’ indoor wood heater, $1,499, I/N: 0179444

The ‘Bowden Pedestal’ wood heater has been designed to ensure maximum viewing pleasure, along with delivering peak heat. A great option for keeping a larger space toasty, its warmth spreads up to 200sqm and comes with a 3-speed manual fan so you can tailor how snug you want your home to feel. Importantly, it’s also clean burning, producing 33 per cent fewer emissions than the Australian standard requires, while also being 11 per cent more efficient.

Masport ‘Bowden Mini’ indoor wood heater, $1,099, I/N: 0259740

A powerful little legged burner, the ‘Bowden Mini’ wood heater can heat up to 160sqm of space. Despite its compact nature, it has a full glass display to ensure the largest possible view of the flames. Engineered for clean and efficient heating, this radiant beauty is an impressive 60 per cent cleaner burning than the Australian standard requires, while also being 8 per cent more efficient.