The recent cold snap demonstrated how quickly the chill of winter can beat at the door. Although Jack Frost was clearly firing a warning shot only, it was a reminder that now’s the time to examine home heating options.

Don’t wait until everyone’s shivering before ensuring household heating is up to the job of raising temperatures in the home when they start to plummet outside.

While there are the usual tried and tested methods of heating and insulation, it’s worth keeping up with new technology to ensure you achieve the most effective heating innovations.

In recent times heat pumps have been all the talk for overall effectiveness. Most are dual functioning, becoming air conditioners in summer although some are better than others so householders should do their research before buying.

Importantly, in these times of high energy costs, heat pumps are highly efficient and extremely economical to run. Most companies offer a range of models to suit different size rooms and homes and for most householders a single split system costing in the vicinity of $2500-$5000 dollars depending on the style and capacity of the unit, is the most sought after option.

Bedrooms generally require only a 2.5kW unit whereas a lounge or open plan living will probably need at least 5.0kW or more. Multiple room solutions and ducted systems are also available. Today’s streamlined units offer the latest technology to heat homes in a healthy way and with smaller, quieter models now available they are more desirable than ever.

However, heat pumps won’t suit everyone but other heating solutions are available. Electric heaters are quick and generally efficient although their capacity to heat a room will vary. On the other hand, using electricity is expensive and may require heaters for every room of the house, which is an expense in itself.

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Wood fires have long been popular with many people swayed by the ambience of flickering flames. As wood is also a renewable source, an open fire or wood burner may be the preferred choice of some however, firewood should be seasoned and dry for cleaner burning and chimneys should be swept every year.

Unfortunately open fires are notoriously inefficient carriers of heat. Enclosed wood burners are much more efficient and new regulations plus improved technology has made free-standing wood burning units more environmentally friendly and effective than in the past.

While gas is relatively clean burning it does release some emissions and can result in condensation issues. It is recommended that gas heaters be connected to flues and where free-standing gas heaters are in use it is essential that there is air circulating in the room to help prevent health issues. Such units may also present some safety issues for children.

Remember to think outside the square when heating the home. For instance, consider window tinting and security film as a method of keeping heat in. These protective window treatment products act as insulators with the film acting as a thermal blanket.

Warm air, which is created in the home actually stays inside, because it can’t escape through the glass. And as an added bonus, the film works in reverse in summer, keeping unwanted warm air out.

Heavy, good fitting drapes will help keep in heat too or you could resort to some good old fashioned exercise to build up a sweat. There’s nothing like a great gym workout to warm you through and through.

However, back to the home – there are benefits from installing solar-powered, underfloor heating when building a home. This system collects solar energy during the day, stores it as thermal mass in the concrete floor, then releases the warmth after dark.