Heating

In modern Australian homes, fireplaces are a highly desired feature because of the natural fire element. It is this same fire element that necessitates careful specification of fire-resistant building materials when designing fireplace surrounds and enclosures. There is often confusion regarding the difference between “non-combustible” and “heat-resistant” materials in relation to the materials on, around or near a fireplace.

Australian architects have declared a climate and biodiversity emergency. Globally, buildings and construction account for roughly 40 percent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, whilst also having a significant impact on our natural habitats. To secure the future of our planet, there needs to be a shift in the design, delivery and performance of the built environment.

The benefits of a more sustainable building are endless, but it can be hard to know where to begin. At Schneider Electric, we are experts in sustainability and energy efficiency, and we want to help you retrofit your healthcare facility in three easy steps: Strategise, digitise & decarbonise.

Fireplaces remain a popular feature of many households for the relaxing ambiance they create and the heating they provide. However, with increasing pressure to improve the energy efficiency of Australian homes, it is important to understand the key differences between “high-efficiency” gas fireplaces and traditional open fireplaces, especially in relation to heating capacity and output.

Energy input is necessary for heating an interior space, so if this can be controlled and reduced, there are opportunities to make significant energy savings. Combining a heat pump with hydronic underfloor heating can provide unmatched comfort while minimising energy consumption. However, while the benefits of these solutions are indisputable, they need to be considered early in the design phase.

Modern fireplaces have become the focal point of both indoor and outdoor environments, creating a warm, inviting space for family gatherings and social connection. As the market moves away from gas appliances, and with the emergence of highly-efficient solutions with ‘smart’ technological features and realistic flame patterns, the future of fireplaces may be electric.

The shift away from fossil fuels has begun, but renewable energy sources are not yet an option for many Australian homes. When it comes to specifying heating and cooling systems, designers must balance meeting immediate user needs with providing enough flexibility to adapt to future changes to the energy landscape.

All the backyard inspiration you need is here. Get inspired to step up your outdoor space with the Escea Outdoor Fireplace Lookbook. A curated collection of architecturally designed homes across New Zealand and Australia, all featuring an Escea outdoor gas or wood fire.

Providing warmth, ambience and a mood of relaxation and calm, a fireplace can raise the character of any residential and commercial space. However, in many applications, wood-burning or gas fireplaces are simply not practical. With an electric fireplace, it is possible to utilise fire’s sensory properties to elevate the design of modern spaces.

As the climate crisis worsens, the environmental impact of fossil fuels as energy sources for heating in Australian homes has come under the microscope. As the cleanest fossil fuels available, natural gas and LPG are not only more efficient than coal or oil power, they result in fewer emissions and air pollutants.

The economic and environmental benefits of improved energy performance are changing the needs of homeowners. Specifiers are under increased pressure to identify heating solutions that meet modern design, efficiency and aesthetic requirements. Download this whitepaper to see how stringent efficiency and emissions requirements and current design trends change the way you specify wood heaters.

Against the backdrop of changing climate and the market’s desire for environmentally friendly design solutions, architects, designers and specifiers are seeking efficient indoor climate control solutions that deliver maximum comfort. Hydronic floor heating systems have emerged as effective solutions that are both sustainable and cost efficient. Download this whitepaper for a concise guide to hydronic floor heating specification and what it takes to create comfortable, sustainable interiors.