Authority offers incentive

Press, 22 June 1989, Page 31

Authority offers incentive

Interest-free loans are one of the best ways of carrying out your energy improvements now rather than later.

Your local electrical supply authority will lend up to $2OOO interest-free to approved home owners wishing to convert their home to electric heating or electric water heating. Repayment of the loan can be spread over five years. The loan covers the replacement of your old, inefficient and costly open fire with a 100 per cent efficient economical electric heater.

The only conditions are that the fireplace must be sealed off to prevent future use and the electric heater must be wall mounted, thermostatically controlled and permanently wired. By switching to approved clean air heating you will save money on your heating, your home will be cleaner inside and out and you will have the extra convenience of totally controlled heating without wastage. There is a wide range of electric heaters .to choose from, all of which are approved for use in clean air zones. Convection heaters maintain a steady flow of warm air movement with no visible heat.

Whether of the panel heater type or the fan heater type, a convection heater is most suitable for thermostatic control. Radiant heaters are quick in response and have a polished reflector surface to direct the heat beam.

rather than spaces. They are ideal in the kitchen or bedroom.

Storage heaters are generally connected so that night rate electricity, which is cheaper, is controlled by the electricity supply authority. The stored heat is then released gradually during the day when it is needed. Heat pumps can be ducted to various rooms and are well suited to thermostatic control. They operate very cheaply as the heat yield is up to three times the equivalent energy required to operate the unit.

Whichever type of heating you choose, do not overlook the importance of insulation. You can save up to 50 per cent in heating costs by installing thermal insulation in ceilings and walls. Doors and windows can also cause heat loss. Draught strips should be fitted. Double glazing windows or fitting heavy drapes will also help to reduce heat loss.

Infra-red generates in-fra-red heat very quickly and is most suitable for heating individual objects