Central Heating
Whether you’re trying to improve your existing system or need a complete solution for a new build, we can advise you on the best system for your requirements, incorporating cost and efficiency. We’ve invested many years of research to find what works in the South Island climate.
The design and implementation of your heating system at a very early stage of the planning process is critical. We’ll work with you or your designer to maximise results and minimise ongoing running costs. Remember, the heat your house provides is only relative to the heat your house loses, so insulation is a critical factor.
Take a look through some of our more recent projects to view the range of heating solutions on offer.
- Radiators
- Under Floor Heating
- Wood Fire
- Gas Fire
- Heated Towel Rails
Radiators
Steel radiators are fixed low on the wall. Heated water flows through the radiators, heating the air in the room.
Advantages:
- Rapid reheat time - a room with a radiators can go from 5° to 20° is about an hour.
- Temperature is individually controlled per radiator, which saves heating a whole area or zone and reduces running costs.
- Overall system easily controlled as radiators can be switched on and off via a thermostatic timeclock, or through a smartphone app.
- Can be environmentally friendly heating if the water heating source is solar, wetback or heat pump with solar PV.
Suited for: Particularly suited for homes requiring central heating with rapid reheat times and specific rooms to be heated.
Install cost: Less than underfloor heating.
Running cost: Generally lower than UFH as run for shorter periods of time.
Maintenance: Dependent on water heat source, generally annual servicing required.
Time to heat: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Retrofit or newbuild: Both
Water heat source: Boiler, Heat Pump, Groundsource, Wetback or Solar
Heat profile: Controlled, radiant heat where radiators situated.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor pipework is laid in the structural concrete, with low temperature water flowing through the pipes. The pipes heat the slab which radiates heat upwards through the floor.
Advantages:
- Ambient, pleasant heat which is conducted through your body from the floor.
- Steady temperature as underfloor works most efficiently (and cost effectively) when left on permanently at a low temperature, rather than switching on and off.
- Easily controlled as temperatures are set per zone with thermostatic and/or timeclock controls - can be controlled through a smartphone app.
- Can be environmentally friendly heating if the water heating source is solar, wetback or heat pump with solar PV.
Suited for: Particularly suited for homes maintaining a steady, controlled temperature.
Install cost: Higher than radiators.
Running cost: Generally higher than radiators due to longer running periods.
Maintenance: Dependent on water heat source, generally annual servicing required.
Time to heat: 2-3 hours to heat floor, approximately 3 hours to heat room.
Retrofit or newbuild: Both
Water heat source: Boiler, Heat Pump, Groundsource, Wetback or Solar
Heat profile: Steady, ambient heat throughout entire home.
Wood Fire
Traditionally one of New Zealand’s most popular heating choices, using wood as fuel for heat source.
Advantages:
- Cost effective heating option for small-medium areas. Various heat outputs available to suit size of home.
- Modern burners are relatively efficient and environmentally friendly - check local council requirements for emission rates.
- Can have a wetback installed to heat hot water.
- Don’t require electricity to run - a reliable heat/cooking source in the event of a powercut.
- Can be used in conjunction with a heat transfer kit to spread the heat throughout the house.
- Models available with direct air vent feeds so air tightness is not compromised for air tight homes.
- Low maintenance.
Suited for: Suitable for any home.
Install cost: Low.
Running cost: Low – cost of wood.
Maintenance: Annual chimney sweeping.
Time to heat: 30 minutes.
Retrofit or newbuild: Both
Water heat source: Wood
Heat profile: Less controlled heat, tends to focus in one room unless used with heat transfer system.
Gas Fire
Alternative to a wood fire, using gas as fuel for heat source.
Advantages:
- Heating option for small-medium areas. Various heat outputs available to suit size of home.
- Various designs available to provide ambience and heat without the need for firewood.
- Can be used with reticulated gas or gas bottle station.
- Can be used in conjunction with a heat transfer kit to spread the heat throughout the house.
Suited for: Suitable for any home.
Install cost: Low
Running cost: Medium – cost of gas.
Maintenance: Annual service by technician recommended.
Time to heat: Instant.
Retrofit or newbuild: Both
Water heat source: Gas
Heat profile: Controlled, radiant heat focused in one room.
Heated Towel Rails
Hydronic, rather than traditional electric elements.
Advantages:
- Provides modest radiated heat for bathroom comfort.
- Easily be turned on and off and temperature adjusted individually.
- Connected into main central heating system.
- Can be environmentally friendly heating if the water heating source is solar, wetback or heat pump with solar PV.
Suitable for: any home with central heating e.g. radiators or underfloor.
Water heat source: Only requires small amount of heated water so most sources sufficient.
Knowledge
Optum’s advice was invaluable, particularly for the central heating system.