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Plan it
Come into the warm
Efficient home heating
Feeling the chill? We’ve got plenty of hot tips for keeping cosy at home this winter
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Words Anna McCooe. Photography Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts. *Source: Migneco, Andrea & Farrugia, Mario (2019), Experimental Comparison of the Refrigeration Performance of R32 and R410A in Full and Partially Filled Conditions.
s outside temperatures drop, thoughts turn to a cosy indoors, perhaps with 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 you can upgrade your home heating and insulation and achieve winter comfort in an energy-efficient fashion. Here are some smart ways to stay toasty. Eco air A reverse-cycle heat pump – also known as an air conditioner – covers off all your heating and cooling needs in one unit. It can also be a highly efficient and cost-effective form of heating (check the Energy Rating Label on a unit before you buy). All reverse cycle heat pumps use refrigerants to concentrate heat from the environment, but the new, improved R32 refrigerant is the gold standard, with no impact on the ozone layer and less global warming potential of its predecessors*. Demand more While investing in a new heating option, look for one that offers more control. Carrier’s Sleep Mode gently lowers temperatures as we fall asleep and raises them for a snug awakening.
EXPERT TIP “The right heating for a home depends on how the home and each room is used, as well as room sizes, insulation, the building construction, region, and available energy sources” Chris Mischeski Sustainability Trust
Carrier 3.75kW split system wi-fi ready air conditioner, $1,199, I/N: 0236192
Carrier ‘Fern’ 6.2kW split system wi-fi ready air conditioner, $1,799, I/N: 0236195 Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
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Smart thinking When it’s cold outside, having wi-fi control allows you to pre-emptively strike during your commute, turning on the heating so you can return to a warm home. Some air conditioners, such as the Carrier ‘Fern’ range, can be fitted with a wi-fi kit, which allows you to operate it remotely via a tablet or smartphone. 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.
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