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Staying Warm

The arid zone of the Territory deals with extreme heat during the summer and freezing temperatures during the winter.

Heating is used in most of these homes during the winter. The heaters range from gas, bar, fan, oil and even wood fired heaters. Split system reverse cycle refrigerative airconditioners can also work as a heater.

These tips will helpyou stay warm in the winter in the most efficient way.

Use passive design to increase comfort and reduce the need for heating. If you’re building a home, speak to anarchitect or
building designer about incorporating passive design principles.
Insulate your home.
Draw curtains across the windows wherever possible. Heavy curtains with pelmets reduce heat loss through windows the best.
Close doors to rooms which are not being used.
Block airconditioning outlets and vents during the winter.
Install draft stoppers on appropriate doors. Alternatively, use a ‘door sausage’ to block the drafts.

Heater Type	Cost in cents per hour
Wood	20 cents
Gas (LPG)	60 cents
Fan heater or bar heater	40 cents
Reverse cycle air refrigerative conditioner	16 cents
Oil heater	43 cents
These prices are indicative only, and are based on the same heat output.

Green Guide References: Synergy Energy, Aurora Energy, The Australian Greenhouse Office, CoolMOB Northern Territory

All costs included in the Green Guide are guides only. Actual costs will vary according to size and brand of appliance as well as where and how the appliance is used.

November 2007