As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, and the inevitable climate change crisis rears its ugly head, the million-dollar question on everyone’s lips is this: What should Kiwi’s be using to heat and cool their homes? With so many options on the market, it can be an overwhelming decision to make. However, two products stand out from the crowd and could be worth a closer look – Boilers and air-to-water Heat Pumps.
More and more Kiwi’s are opting to heat their homes via heat pumps. They are a convenient, affordable, and effective form of heating that is commonplace in homes all over the country.
When talking about heat pumps, most people will think of conventional air-to-air heat pumps that are found on a wall in the home. Waterware are suppliers of air-to-water heat pumps – an altogether different system offering the unique ability of harvesting energy from outside your home and using it to power your underfloor or Active Ceiling heating and cooling systems.
Heat pumps are no doubt one of the most energy-efficient forms of heating and cooling, especially since their heating and cooling output is up to four times that of their energy output. It goes without saying that they are a market leader – and for good reason.
In saying that, you can’t just buy any heat pump you see for sale and expect it to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Some brands are better than others, and some will both heat and cool – or just heat. But for many homeowners seeking a cost-effective solution for a warm and dry home, air-to-water heat pumps tick all the boxes.
Once you understand just how cost-effective and efficient air-to-water heat pumps can be, you may be wondering what some of the best options on the market are. Fortunately, the market is full of high-quality options, including heat pumps that can operate with gas, diesel, or electricity.
Vaillant takes a multi-faceted approach to home heating with its aroTHERM heat pump. This water heat pump takes the free energy from outside your home and then converts it into an environmentally-friendly form of radiant energy for underfloor heating and cooling, as well as domestic hot water systems for your entire household demand.
They operate quietly, have a high level of performance, and are exceptionally energy-efficient compared to gas-fired systems. aroTHERM heat pumps are made in Germany by Vaillant, a reputable heating manufacturer with 40 years experience in the heat pump market alone.
Another standout option on the market in the air-to-water heat pump range is the Grant Aerona³ heat pump. Suitable for underfloor heating, it’s a cost effective option by using an entirely renewable energy for taking care of the heating needs of a medium-to-large home.
Leading manufacturer, Grant, goes above and beyond to provide a quiet, cost-effective, and efficient heat pump that delivers four times as much heat compared to its energy output. It can also perform in temperatures as low as -10°C.
If you’re pondering what could possibly be the best form of heating for your home, then there’s every reason to look to gas and diesel boilers for the answer. Boilers are a compact, powerful, and entirely versatile appliance to keep your home toasty and warm during winter.
The boiler, be it a diesel or gas model, is controlled with electronic timers and thermostats giving you full control over where your heating is directed – heating all the rooms in your home, or set the boilers to operate in specific spaces.
For Kiwi’s in cold climates, gas and diesel boilers are a popular option. The boiler heats the water and circulates it through insulated pipes then directs it to radiators, underfloor heating, and even your towel rails. You can also pair them with air-to-water heat pumps for the full heating package. Gas and diesel boilers also have the functionality and capacity to generate all of your home’s domestic hot water requirements.
Many New Zealander’s who have had such systems installed praise the cost-effectiveness of them. Some even said they could heat their entire home for the cost of two conventional heat pumps.
Cost savings, efficiency and reliability can be significant drawcards, so when you require heating in your home, it’s worth paying close attention to what gas and diesel boilers can offer.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to enjoy reticulated natural gas or LPG, then Vaillant ecoTEC gas boilers are a sound option. They are whisper-quiet and use advanced combustion technology that puts their running efficiency up to 112%. They can be an ideal option for underfloor heating and domestic hot water systems.
Vaillant ecoTEC gas boilers are a premium quality, high performance condensing boiler packed with features which result in the most reliable and lowest running cost boiler available today.
For domestic hot water and underfloor heating, Grant Vortex diesel boilers are a desirable option – particularly in areas of the country lacking reticulated natural gas. The Irish-made boiler runs on diesel, burns cleanly, and operates at 97% running efficiency. What’s more, they are quiet and feature an advanced digital control panel to switch from hot water production to heating and back again.
When you factor in the operating costs of air-to-water heat pumps and boilers, not to mention their overall efficiency, it’s clear to see these heating and cooling options stand out from the crowd. Could it be time to get in touch with a heating and cooling expert to find out if you could benefit from a temperature-regulated home year-round?
