The Baxi Duo-Tec 1.24GA+ outdoor gas boiler is perfect for residential situations where demand is high and space is limited. This 24kW boiler uses adaptive technology to calibrate and adjust to either LPG and NG automatically. This makes for easy installation and less consumption. The gas adaptive valve eliminates the flue gas analysis meaning installation and commissioning is made much easier. Setting it up is as simple as turning it on and pressing OK when the gas type is displayed. This speeds up the installation time and takes the headache out of boiler commissioning.

The gas condensing technology extracts heat from the burnt gases and reuses it to deliver a rated efficiency of 97%, which makes the  Baxi Duo-Tec 1.24GA+ one of the most efficient and green boilers available on the market today.

Other features of this boiler include:

• Stainless Steel heat exchanger
• 1:7 gas valve modulation ratio
• Requires external room controller
• Wall bracket supplied
• Internal controller
• Market-leading 5 year warranty
• Complete with flue kit
• Digital control panel with LCD display with backlight

Why should you use the Baxi Duo-Tec 1.24GA+?

This boiler will provide you with efficient heating for your central heating or underfloor heating system. If you are looking to save on energy costs, and want to make sure you always return to a warm home, this boiler is for you. For more information, give us a call on 0800 443 284.

We just finished a preslab underfloor heating system installation for a home in Silverdale, Auckland. The is a new home being built, the perfect time to get underfloor heating installed.

Our specialist laid underfloor heating pipe on top of mesh and used wire tie downs to keep the pipe in place.
The system consists of 2x circuits of pipe:
Circuit 1 approx 85 meters
Circuit 2 approx 100 meters

Correct spacing of the pipe  is critical to avoid cold spots and even heat distribution. This is critical for a quality heating system. As you can see in this install, the pipe covers the whole floor very evenly and will ensure there is consistent heating all throughout the house. In general areas such as bedrooms for the lounge the pipe is laid at 200mm centers. Smaller areas such as bathrooms and kitchen are laid at 100-150mm centers. This enables maximum heat output in smaller areas whilst larger areas can be comfortably maintained.

Once the pipes were laid and the manifold and valves installed, the system was pressure tested with water to ensure there are no leaks and that it will operate correctly. It rated at 1000kpa.

Are you interested in an underfloor heating system? Underfloor heating is an excellent solution to efficient home central heating. Advantages include the fact that it is completely hidden (no radiators or vents to see), extremely efficient, provides even heating and can be designed specifically for your needs. If you are building a new home or renovating, speak to us about an underfloor heating system now!

If you are looking to install or upgrade your central heating, no doubt you want the most bang for your buck. This means that you will need to consider what is the best option for your installation and your needs. There are various systems types to choose from and knowing the benefits of each can mean the difference between a system that costs your more money to run and one that saves you money.

Types Of Systems

Central heating systems can come in a number of types, but all broadly fall into one of the following categories:

• Wet systems – involving a boiler or heat exchanger and radiators
• Warm air systems
• Storage heaters

Wet Systems
Wet systems work by circulating hot water through a system of pipes that connect the radiators throughout the house. A boiler, the center of the system, burns a fuel such as LPG to heat the water. Sometimes there is a heat exchanger and this heats the water instead of the boiler. It is also possible that a hot water cylinder is connected to this system. This type of system is the most popular type of heating system in the UK.

The boilers can use a selection of fuels to heat the water, The most common are natural gas and LPG, with some using heating oil. Rare instances use coal but these days these systems are uncommon. Electric central heating boilers are also another popular option.

The radiators, despite their name, don’t actually give off radiant heat, but rather deliver most of their heat through convection. Air warmed by the radiator usually rises and cooler air falls relative to it, resulting in warm air circulating within the room or space being heated.

Warm Air Systems
Warm air systems heat air by a boiler, usually fueled by gas such as LPG or natural gas, and are fed by means of ducts doing to rooms around the home. The warm air enters the room through a wall or floor vent. These systems are particularly popular in North America and are also commonly used in many commercial buildings, however mostly serve as cooling systems (air conditioning). For residential buildings and homes, wet systems have generally replaced these types of systems.

Storage Heater Systems

Storage heaters work by heating water overnight during off-peak electricity hours, then release the heat gradually during the following day. The storage heater will normally have at least two controls, one for controlling how much electricity is used which will determine how much heat is generated for storage, and another for controlling how much heat is released. This means that you can set it to release the heat when you need it, so if you are out during the day, you are not wasting heat when you are not there. More advanced systems also have thermostatic controls. In some cases, storage heaters can also serve as direct electric heaters, providing heat directly from electricity without going through the storage stage.

So now that you know about the different types of systems, what are the costs?

Storage heater systems are almost always more expensive to run than an equivalent wet heater system. They are really only best used if you have no access to gas supply or if you are on solar and have excess electricity that won’t cost you to use. The advantage of a storage heater system is the installation cost and hassle is a lot less than the wet systems.

Wet systems that run on gas will typically cost more to install, however you can save up to 50% or more on operating costs with an efficient gas heating system when compared to other central heating systems. One thing to bear in mind is gas systems do need regular servicing to keep them in 100% operating condition, so factor this into your yearly operating cost.

Are you looking at getting a central heating system installed in your home? If you would like to improve your heating system but don’t know where to start with all the options, get in contact with us now! We will help you determine what your requirements are and which system will suit your needs and budget best.

Everyone loves traditions. They can signify a belief or behaviour with its roots steeped in history of years or people long gone but not forgotten. Unfortunately, one such tradition in New Zealand is leaving around 95% of our population living in cold, draughty homes and suffering from a slew of health related problems. What tradition is this? The one of viewing household heating as a luxury and only heating one room at a time.

If you have grown up in New Zealand or in fact, spent any decent length of time in a New Zealand home built in the 80’s or earlier you will have experienced being indoors with all doors and windows closed in the middle of winter and still feeling a draught around your ankles or shivering as everyone huddles around a heater.

Kiwis are a strong resilient people but sometimes traditions need to be broken. No longer do we have to sit huddled in the lounge everyone trying to get a portion of the heat from a single heat source – be it an open fire, a gas heater or an oil fin heater.

Central heating has long been established in Europe and Canada as being the best form of home heating. Because people and governments have seen the positive impact of having people live in warm, insulated homes the cost of installing central heating has reduced dramatically in these colder climates and it is a given that a home will provide an ambient all year round temperature.

New Zealand on the other hand often has a misconception about it that our temperatures are sub-tropical and we don’t have a need for central heating. The truth is though, that still a large proportion of our homes are not air tight and still remain with poor and inadequate insulation.

We can no longer rely on chopping the nearest tree down to provide fuel for a winter fire as many cities and regions in New Zealand have either phased out open fire places or are in the process of doing so.

What seems to be missing from the New Zealand market is a central heating system that is affordable for the average homeowner, and that is specifically designed with New Zealand’s temperatures and families in mind.

The reality currently faced by many who would like to have central heating in their homes is that they simply cannot afford the $8000 and $15,000 it requires for a central heating system to be purchased and installed to heat their homes.

Central heating has the ability to provide heating throughout your entire home. It is not limited to just heating one area. Because all central heating systems come with a thermostat and a timer the control and convenience is all yours. You can set the system to turn on at set times and to turn off or reduce its use when the family is outside the home following other pursuits like work, school or recreation. Many central heating systems now come with zone control which allows you to control the ambient temperature for certain parts of your home.

What is gaining popularity within New Zealand is the installation of heat pumps. Unless temperatures drop below zero (which can happen but not very often) heat pumps are an energy efficient and economically viable option to keeping your home warm and your family healthy.

If you are worried about your families health and comfort for this coming winter – give one of our consultants at Central Heating a call today. We can arrange a site visit to your home and discuss the options available for your home and area and explain how our products can let your family enjoy winter again in your home. If health issues are paramount in your family – perhaps asthma is a winter nightmare for you or your children then do not hesitate to make contact. With a range of systems and a wealth of experience behind our knowledge Central Heating can custom design a home heating package for you that will fit your budget and your lifestyle.

Summer was more than a tad strange this year! While there were places in New Zealand that basked in the long drawn out hot days of a traditional summer, most of us were left wondering if it would ever truly arrive, and when it did show up for 2 or 3 days at a time, just how long it was going to stay around.

The days are certainly starting to cool off and with the change of Daylight Savings just around the corner, winter is apparent.

Assuming winter won’t come with the same nonchalance that summer did, winter in New Zealand is long, cold, and most definitely wet!

Is your home up to the task of keeping your family warm and healthy during this bleak season? Not only is warmth necessary for a happy family but many places in New Zealand suffer from dampness and the associated growth of mould and mildew.

The beginning of autumn, which is where we currently are, is a great time to consider how you are going to heat your home this winter and by what means. Growing up, we used to all huddle around a single heater that was based in the lounge, or if we were lucky mum or dad would start and then stoke the open fire so that the whole home would feel warm (unless you were one of the unlucky ones with their bedroom at the back of the house!).

In 2017 your heating options are many and varied.  Central heating is becoming more and more popular as a way of keeping your home warm and dry, therefore damp free. It is no longer something only considered by the rich and famous.

Central heating systems warm every room evenly so that the four-seasons-in-one-day weather stays outside, not inside. If you’re looking for a clean, efficient heating system with reasonable running costs, central heating is your answer.

Central heating can be achieved in a number of ways. We can provide you gas, diesel, heat pumps, radiator heating and underfloor heating options.

No matter the size of your home, big or small, or the size of your budget, we can get your home feeling roasty-toasty before winter.

Just imagine coming home from a day out and about to a home that is temperate. No longer do you need to keep extra layers and thick socks and slippers on. You can pad about your home in ultimate comfort.

Don’t let winter 2017 creep up and take you by surprise. Be like a boy scout and be prepared! If you have dismissed central heating before, maybe 2017 is the year you investigate it properly and make comfort a way of life for you and your family.

Central heating systems over the years have moved with the times, form the first systems used by the romans to modern condensing technology. Steadily moving with advances in technology offering users extra levels of comfort and control.

So what’s next in the world of comfort heating?

These days the majority of us use a Smart phone on a regular basis whether we order a taxi or a pizza. We expect a sleek modern approach from services and goods. Now the central heating companies have moved with the times offering app controlled heating control at your fingertips.

Offering the ultimate in control with intuitive user control and smart design App control will become the norm.

With rising fuel prices globally managing your consumption is as important as ever. Controlling room temperature and time settings enable the consumer to have a real effect on usage.

Additional benefits from using smart phone technology is the ability to analyse weather real time which adjusts the Heating to suit conditions in real time. Coming in for a cold snap don’t worry the app takes care of it. Keeping the home warm and comfortable without the need for intervention.  Alternatively, if you have a nice sunny home, when the suns out in the winter and the house is warm the heating app will switch off or down to save you money.

With many companies getting in on the heating technology revolution Smart heating is now a realistic affordable option for most heating solutions.

Having the added benefit of “controlling your home heating anyway” no longer will you have to worry about leaving the heating on when you leave the house. Many systems offer a Geo caching option which tracks your movements and builds a heating profile based on your habits. Making sure you only use heating when you need it. Leave the house every day at approximately 7.30 am the system will learn to turn it off at 7am using you less energy. Stuck in traffic on the home commute the system will wait until your near home.

Older style heating control programmers and thermostats are often confusing to set up and use. sometimes needing a heating specialist to set up, which can lead to additional cost when times and settings need changing. Today’s Smart phone apps are designed with this in mind offering users of all levels the ability to control their heating to the degree they are comfortable with, young old Tech Geek or technophobe, Modern Smart phone apps get over this hurdle with their ease of use and one tap design.

With a flurry of new systems on the market there is a heating controlled app system for all types home.

Systems like Honeywell EVO offer Smart heating control with the addition of individual Thermostatic Radiator Valve control taking smart heating control to the next level, offering 12 Zone control from a centralized control panel giving home temperature control like no other.

Smart Heating controllers can be fitted as part of a new full central heating solution or as a “retro fit option” bringing older systems into the now.

System Like TADO offer the consumer greater flexibility of which styles of System they wish to control. Coupling systems together to control Heating as well as Cooling systems. Giving the home complete flexibility and comfort when it comes to Temperature control. Keeping you warm or cool as you need.

Smart App Heating control has had an unexpected advantage. The ability to control heating form a remote location has enabled consumers with vulnerable relatives the ability to control the comfort and wellbeing of the Elderly or infirm. Particular vulnerable people who live alone often with an illness or disability. Relatives or careers are able to monitor heat within the home ensuring their loved ones stay warm or cool.

A success story of this technology improving lives, was that of an elderly couple who both suffered from Alzheimer’s. who would regularly turn off their heating and not realize, their son who lived on the other end of the country. would need to travel sometimes over night to ensure his parents kept warm. The addition of a smart heating controller alleviated a stressful situation enabling the son to monitor his parents’ home with complete peace of mind.

Not just for the tech Savvy among us Smart controlled app Heating isn’t a solution for the future but is a solution for now. Controlling your heating this way will become standard with this generation expecting a better experience and level of comfort not see in past generations.

You suddenly feel the cold snip one morning and decide.. “I want central heating”. Next thing you do is go to your preferred search engine and start searching for a central heating installer or supplier.

The results are overwhelming and most likely not what you were actually looking for.

In principal searching the term “Central Heating” is a good idea, the only problem though, is that not many companies actually specialise in all forms of central heating.

So let’s try to clarify what’s what and differentiate some of these systems readily available in New Zealand.

The term Central Heating itself is a noun and in general refers to one system that is designed to heat a whole house or building. So to clarify, a heat pump or air conditioning unit is not a central heating system because such units are only designed to heat the room or space they are actually installed in.

To classify as a central heating system all areas need to be heated by the same heat source.

So what types of central heating systems is there in New Zealand?

Auckland being the largest city in New Zealand, offers the largest selection of central heating.

Some of which include:

• Ducted Central Heating systems, these systems transfer heat by mass motion of air via a ducting system.
  Available heat sources included: Gas powered and electrical. Ducted Central Heating can be retrofitted into most existing homes.
• Electric Underfloor Heating, (also called under-tile heating) is typically installed in smaller areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. Low profile pre-formed cable mats or cables can be installed under tiles, carpets or wood. In most cases electric underfloor heating is not a desirable total home heating solution due to electrical running costs.
• Hydronic Underfloor Heating, is strongly recommended when building new. The cost to install the pipework into the concrete slab is a fraction of the ROI. These systems can be powered with gas boilers, heatpumps, solar, electricity, wood or thermal energy. Pex pipe is installed above the building mesh (in some cases below) before the concrete is laid. The energy source will heat water which will then circulate in the pipe generating radiant central heating energy. This system will maintain an even spread of heat throughout the home without drafts and is easy to control and manage. Underfloor heating systems are low temperature systems.
• Hydronic Radiator Heating, works the same way as underfloor heating with the difference that you have good looking radiators on the wall (typically positioned under windows) instead of pipes in the concrete slab. A Radiator may vary from steel to slick aluminium and comes in many sizes to suit any situation. Radiator heating can be retro-fitted into existing homes and is currently the most popular form of heating in the Auckland areas due its low installation and running costs. Radiator hydronic heating is the most popular form of heating in Europe and the UK.
  Radiator systems are high temperature systems and cannot be run with heat pumps.

Selecting the one of above systems will fully depend on whether you are building new or not, your circumstances, expectations, site conditions and availability of energy sources. This could be Gas, diesel, wood, solar, wetback or even thermal energy.

Why not speak to the professionals about a key turn solution tailored to your needs.

There are mainly two types of radiator heating. Floor and wall in a form of a radiator. In a hydronic radiant floor system, it pumps heated water through tubing placed in a pattern underneath the floor. The water can be heated by an oil fired burner, a gas fired burner or kerosene, gas or solar water heater.

They use little electricity. Used with foil it makes the heating even more economical. Placing foil in the joist cavity decrease heat loss, prevents hot spots and decreases boiler loads. The aluminium reflects radiant heat. It is used on conjunction with a water or oil boiler. It continuously moves the liquid through the pipes so the heat is stable throughout the home. It is best operated with a time and temperature controls that keep the home in each room at the desired temperature. There is no need to turn it on and off as it is best when on automatic. This type of heating is gaining popularity especially for those suffering from asthma and allergies as there is no air flow that can move dust and allergens though the home.

A wall heater (radiator) can either be water or oil filled. It works on convection. They use convection to transfer the heat from the radiator to the air around it. They simply draw up heat from the bottom, warm the air over the fins, and the warmed air comes out the top. They are the safest to use. Again it radiates the heat so it does not blow the heat which makes it great for allergy sufferers or asthma sufferers. Just set the temperature you want and it will gently heat the room it is in. They can now come with timers too so you are in complete control of when and where you want the heat.

Now a day there are many types of radiant heating. From wall to floor but also skirting board heating where the radiator is inside the skirting board, baseboard central heating, portable and more. Radiant heating is healthier, safer, more economical, they are controllable and stylish. Central Heating in New Zealand supplies the world-renowned DeLonghi radiator range. Because of their low water content, they have a faster heat up time than most other radiators. DeLonghi radiators are designed to produce the greatest heat output from the most compact surface area. They are completely silent when operating. A wide range of DeLonghi radiators are available and come with a 25 year guarantee.

An oxygen barrier pipe in short protects your water heater from rusting also any other system components such as valves etc. Corrosion can happen and cause damage in as little as one to two years unprotected. The oxygen barrier pipe prevents oxygen from penetrating the material of the central heater system thus reducing greatly the risk of damage and rust. The pipe is either a cross linked polyethylene or polybutylene.

The rifeing oxygen barrier pex tubing comes in sizes from 3/8″ to 1″ and works with crimp, clamp, compression pex press and sharkbite press connections. It’s maximum temperature is of 180’f up to a pressure of 100psi or up to a pressure of 160psi at 73’f.

Pex A grade tubing is the highest grade available and can be used in closed loop hydronic heating systems. It comes in sizes from 5/16′ to 4′ and has a thermal memory so you can repair any kinks in the pipe by heating it and it will return to its original form. It is also freeze resistant. It works with all types of pex connectors up to 1″. But only proper expansion fittings and shark bite fittings work with connections from 1 1/4″ to 2″. It has a maximum temperature of 200’f up to a pressure of 80psi or 160psi at 73’f.

So if you want to protect your water heater from damage and rust thus saving you time and money and also frustration give us a call and we can wrap it up. We only use superior products so they can be fully relied on. We are fully licensed and guarantee our work so not only can you trust our materials but you can trust us to do a good job. Our certified installers are fully trained to offer expert advice on the job. Once your happy, we are happy.

Winter is slowly approaching, book your service and be ready.

Yes friends we are talking about the W word, winter is coming quicker than we all like unfortunately. As the proverb says we need to “make hay while the sun shines”. The last thing you want to do is to be in the middle of winter when heating prices are at there peak and availability is slim and everyone is too busy to see you today. Did you know that in the middle of summer all of New Zealand had sold out of fans and those that didn’t think ahead were left sweating or living at friends places? So friends why not avoid the rush, and save some pennies and think of your winter heating. Now is prime time to get it sorted. Central Heating are a big enough company to respond quickly with all the perks but not too big so you get lost in the crowd.
Our fully licensed team can do it all without the need for trying to organise different companies to do different things. In our country a warm home is vital, a cold house leaves you open to mould and dampness that can get into your lungs and cause all sorts of illnesses, especially in our younger or older generation.

Central Heating are a big fan of radiant heat over convected heat and let me tell you why. Radiant heat is healthier for one, especially for those with asthma and allergies. Convection moves dust and allergens around and the air is warmed unevenly. Radiant heat is a constant quiet warmth, a natural gentle feeling. Radiant heat is also much more cost effective, it’s more efficient, it’s more flexible and is quicker. If you don’t have a system we can retrofit existing homes with a hydronic central heating system and get you ready for the coming cold. Cheap products are around but they are cheap for a reason, these companies just want a quick buck but when it comes to claiming warranty they disappear. We however have a solid background and reputation. We only use top quality and stand by our extensive warranties. So give us a call and lets get you set for the coming winter.