Design trends in home heating

GET THE LOOK: A heater can be a feature in your home.

If trends in the UK are any indicator, a gas fire is the next must-have home accessory. There are now many designs to choose from, and, with its live flame, an authentic-looking gas fire provides most of the aesthetic qualities of an old-fashioned fire, but with none of the chopping or polluting. Craig Pye, owner of Auckland-based Fusion Architecture says gas fires are increasingly popular and are "a good choice for people who want to make a feature of heating''.

Europeans are warmer in their centrally heated homes than New Zealanders, despite colder temperatures. Central heating is the preferred method of heating for two thirds of the world and is beginning to catch on here because of its ability to heat an entire house or, with zoned systems, selected areas. Hot water is piped around the house and warm air is emitted through radiators installed in rooms.

In the past, radiators may have looked better hidden behind couches, but the new generation being imported from Europe stand up as design pieces in their own right. European imports may be mistaken for a stylish shelving unit or an elegant mirror, while retaining all the functionality of their predecessors. Created for modern interiors, the piping of the radiator plays with light, casting curvilinear shadows on the wall.

Lyall Smith, director of Central Heating New Zealand, describes them as being "like an art form in Europe and North America''. Customised finishings range from polished stainless steel to colours including traditional muted shades and bright reds and blues.

Central heating has an adjustable thermostat and provides almost instant warmth. Most systems incorporate a timer that can be set to run automatically, say, for two hours in the morning while you get ready for work, then to start again in time to make the house nice and cosy for your return. The optimum temperature for living areas is considered to be 21C, and 18C for hallways and bathrooms.

Although not quite so responsive, radiant underfloor heating relies on a similar system of piping hot water around the house, also heating every room, but with the added luxury of the warmth radiating up from beneath your feet. The only truly invisible option, it doesn't detract from the room design. Although relatively inexpensive to install, underfloor heating remains more popular in properties at the high-end of the market.

A layer of piping distributes hot water beneath the floor, leaving no dangerous hot spots or cold corners. It is suitable for use with most types of flooring, and in North America it is also popular to use outdoors to melt snow on driveways.

As every home's heating needs are different, choosing an appropriate method is important. Priorities may vary from creating a design feature for the home to saving money or lessening the impact made on the environment, but in each case insulation is the key to maintaining a comfortable home all year round.