Forget the winter cold, alternative heating to keep your home warm

Air conditioners with heat pump function are multifunctional systems that provide both cooling and heating for your home. These units use a reversible air-to-air heat pump, which is able to extract heat from the outside air even at low temperatures. This ensures a constant and comfortable indoor temperature regardless of the outside temperature. Furthermore, it also contributes to the air purification. This makes them not only practical, but also a sustainable option for any household. If you want more information about this type of air conditioner, check out our air conditioner-specialty page.

Infrared heating uses panels that deliver heat directly to objects and people, without heating the surrounding air. This focused heat provides pleasant, direct warming, making it ideal for specific, smaller spaces such as offices or bathrooms. The system is efficient and energy efficient on a limited scale and heats the space quickly. For an entire home, infrared heating is less suitable, as it provides primarily localized heat and is not intended for long-term heating of large areas.

A biomass boiler heats your home by burning natural materials, such as wood pellets or wood chips. This makes it a carbon-neutral solution and an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-fired central heating boilers. Because it uses renewable energy sources, it helps reduce the carbon footprint. However, a biomass boiler does require additional storage space for fuels and a properly installed smoke removal system so that the smoke can be disposed of safely.

An electric central heating boiler heats your home without gas and is emission-free, making it an environmentally friendly option. Because it can be connected directly to existing radiators, installation is often easier than other alternatives. Electric central heating boilers are especially suitable for smaller homes, where heat requirements are limited. However, power costs can increase due to high energy consumption, making them less advantageous for larger households. BUT energy consumption can be high, leading to higher power costs.

A solar water heater converts solar energy into heat that is used for hot water and sometimes space heating. This sustainable system takes full advantage of sunlight and can provide substantial cost savings, especially during sunny periods. In colder months or less sunny days, an additional heat source is often needed to meet full demand. Because a solar water heater is installed on the roof, it is important to check that your roof gets enough sun and is suitable for installation of the panels.

Insulating a home offers many benefits. In winter, good insulation helps your home warm up faster and retain the heat. In summer, it works the opposite way: well-insulated roofs and walls help keep the heat out. Insulating glazing can also contribute to a cooler home.

Cold air can easily enter through doors and cracks, which not only results in the loss of valuable heat, but also creates annoying drafts. A simple and effective way to prevent this problem is to use a draft stopper. This is a relatively inexpensive solution that is not only functional, but can also be a stylish addition to your interior. Draught stoppers are available in a variety of materials, colors and designs, allowing you to choose one that perfectly matches the decor of your home.

A good serviced air conditioner functions much more effectively and delivers better performance in both heating and cooling modes. Therefore, it is essential to clean the filters regularly so that airflow is not obstructed and the system continues to function optimally. Contaminated filters can lead to higher energy consumption and lower air quality in your home.

Consider installing a smart thermostat in your home. This innovative device can contribute significantly to automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on your daily habits and preferences. A smart thermostat learns your routines and adapts accordingly, so you can always enjoy an optimal temperature without much effort on your part. By turning on the heating or cooling only when needed, you reduce unnecessary energy consumption, which is not only good for your wallet, but also for the environment.

Curtains can be a valuable extra layer of insulation that you can cleverly use to keep your home comfortable. During the day, when the sun is shining, it is best to leave your curtains open. This allows your home to fill with natural heat from the sun, promoting a comfortable temperature without additional energy consumption. However, once the sun sets and the temperature outside begins to drop, it is wise to close your curtains. This helps keep the (trapped) heat inside your home and prevents cold air from seeping in. Preferably choose thick curtains or thermal window coverings, which are specially designed to keep the cold out. These types of window coverings not only offer better insulation, but can also contribute to a cozier atmosphere in your interior.

Ventilating while keeping the heat in seems contradictory at first glance. Yet it is important, because during the day there is a lot of CO₂ and moisture in your home can accumulate. An excessive concentration of CO₂ leads to poor air quality and makes it harder for humid rooms to heat up.

Is your seat or table up against the air conditioner? If so, you may be wasting energy. This is because large furniture placed near the radiator absorbs heat and blocks airflow, reducing the efficiency of your heating system. In addition, curtains hanging in front of your air conditioner can also block heat, requiring more energy to keep your home warm.