The best central heating solution for your Hawke’s Bay home

There are plenty of central heating solutions available, but how do you know which one is going to be the best match for your home? 

From new builds to solar power, the factors that can influence which solution you choose vary greatly. We’re going to take a look at some common questions and provide answers to help you choose the best central heating solution for your Hawke’s Bay home.

What’s the best central heating for villas or older houses?

The best central heating for older houses tends to be a radiator central heating system. Hydronic/radiator central heating systems deliver static heat which is better suited to the challenges of heating an older home - where greater airflow and higher ceilings can challenge a ducted system. 

In addition a radiator system is easier to size to the heating requirements for the rooms of your villa or older home - making it a more practical and usually more cost-effective solution.

Radiators (hydronic heating) are a practical solution if you want to heat a villa or older home.

What’s the best central heating system for new builds?

The best central heating solution for a new build home is either an underfloor heating and cooling system or a ducted heating and cooling system. 

Most new houses have a lot of window space but not a lot of wall space. That can make heating with radiators a challenge. When the building hasn’t been constructed yet you have the option to do underfloor hydronic heating or ducted heating fitted in the ceiling. With both options you can connect them to a heat pump and enjoy cooling during the warmer months as well.

Many people prefer underfloor heating and cooling because it’s a passive system that doesn’t involve air flow. It either radiates heat or cold and sucks the warmth out to deliver a cooling effect on your home. 

What’s the best central heating system for a modern home that’s already been built?

If you want to put central heating into a modern home that’s already been built; the most cost-effective option will probably be a ducted system - either heat pump or gas furnace powered. There’s the option to put radiators in or retrofit underfloor heating, but because there’s more work involved for installation it’s likely to be more expensive to put in place.

Modern houses are fully insulated and double-glazed, and that tends to ensure that you can enjoy all the benefits of ducted heating with minimal heat loss.

What’s the best central heating system for a low running cost?

The lowest running costs for central heating systems usually come with a heat pump system - either ducted or underfloor. Not many homeowners realise you can actually run radiators on a heat pump as well. 

The cost benefit of using a heat pump is that it's an incredibly efficient way to convert electricity into heat.

What’s the most cost-effective central heating system for all seasons?

If you’re looking for a house that’s warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer, the most cost-effective central heating solution is likely to be either a ducted heat pump system or a hybrid system that comprises a hydronic system with radiators and a couple of heat pumps.

What’s the best central heating system for energy efficiency?

The best energy efficiency comes down to the unit that’s powering your central heating system. Most central heating systems are now up around 90% or higher efficiency, regardless of the source of energy (gas, diesel, electric etc.). Matching the right system to the needs of your home will help you to enjoy the most efficient use of energy.

Maximum energy cost-efficiency will also come from where you’re sourcing your energy supply and how cost-effective that is. Free supplies of wood and solar power both offer the opportunity to access free energy in abundance, delivering cost-efficient solutions for home owners. After these energy sources, natural gas tends to be the most efficient source of energy, but for heating only.

What’s the best off-grid central heating solution?

The best off-grid central heating solution depends on the size of your home and what energy sources you have available to you. Even off-grid, your central heating solution will require electricity to function. 

If you’re generating your own electricity then using a heat pump will be a good solution for your home. 

What’s the best central heating solution for solar power?

If you have access to electricity generated through solar power then heat pumps are going to be the most cost-effective way to heat and cool your home. You can choose between a ducted system or a combination of single units or a split system - to heat and cool more than one room in your home. A ducted heat pump will offer the most efficient way to control the temperature across your whole home.

What’s the best central heating system for a two storey home?

If your home is on more than one level; you’ll find that your central heating options change. Your most effective solution is likely to be a radiator or hydronic system. Asking an expert will help you to match the best solution to the layout of your home.

Ducted heating and cooling solutions are much harder to install across multiple levels. 

Underfloor heating can be a cost-effective solution - especially if you are building a new home.

Ask the Snug experts to help you find the best central heating solution

Our experts have got years of experience helping Hawke’s Bay’s homeowners match the right central heating solutions to their homes. We know that the right choice is a combination of finding the right energy source, understanding the layout of your home and the result you’re looking for, and being experts in the different solutions available.

If you would like to explore heating or cooling your whole home: contact us today. We can help you to explore what’s possible and understand what the right solution looks like for your Hawke’s Bay home.