Heating your home safely this winter

Besides rugging up with layers and blankets, how else can you stay warm in winter? Well, there are three main types of heating – gas, electric and natural. We’re not going to go into the pros and cons of each, but we do have some practical tips on how to make the most of the warmth they produce, and some simple safety precautions you can take to heat your home safely.

Gas heaters 
Available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, gas heaters can be fuelled by butane, propane, liquified petroleum gas or natural gas. A home with a gas heater will usually have either a ducted system or a flued system. 

Electrical heaters 
As the name suggests, an electric heater uses electricity to create heat by transforming watt energy into thermal energy. They come in a variety of sizes and can be portable or fixed.

Wood fireplaces 
Nothing beats the sound of a crackling fireplace on a stormy winter’s day, but wood heaters aren’t just loved for their cosy ambience. Freestanding or inbuilt, wood heaters offer an energy-efficient heating solution through the natural combustion of wood.

According to Fire and Rescue NSW, the cooler months see a 10% increase in the number of home fires, with heaters and electric blankets the common culprits – but gas and wood heaters pose their own threats, too. Here’s what you need to know.

Gas heater precautions 
Gas heaters can create carbon monoxide, a gas you can’t see or smell that can cause illness or death. However, there are steps you can take to help ensure your gas heater is safe.

• Have it serviced by a qualified gas plumber at least every two years.

• Never use outdoor heaters inside, and always follow the operating instructions.

• Consider buying a carbon monoxide alarm that meets EU or US standards – this can help alert you to a leak.

Electric heater precautions 
Whether you’ve got a portable heater or a fixed appliance, there are some standard safety measures worth keeping in mind.

• Don’t put other items like furniture or clothes too close to a heater.

• Keep portable electric heaters away from wet areas.

• Avoid connecting heaters to extension cords and power strips as these can overheat.

• Avoid running a heater at a high temperature for a long period of time.

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions of operation and keep up with regular maintenance/servicing.  

Wood fireplace precautions 
Wood burning heaters can cause air pollution and can also pose a fire hazard if they’re improperly used or poorly maintained. 

• Only burn untreated wood.

• Ensure flues and chimneys are regularly cleaned.

• Have the unit serviced by a professional technician every year.

• Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire. 

• Keep wood and other items at least one metre away from the fire.

• Extinguish all embers before leaving the room or house, and before going to bed.