3 Heating Options for the Allergic

For those who tend to get allergic reactions, pulling out heaters can result in an unpleasant drying of eyes and extra dry skin. You probably also avoid wood fires with aggravating ash and dust. If you want to keep warm but keep allergies at bay, consider one of these options instead.

Gas heating

Gas tends to burn very cleanly, with little particle matter coming off the burning elements although some people with allergy-prone skin can find the blast of the heating element aggravating. Try a fan forced model to keep the air moving, and you'll also be able to run the heater at a lower setting. If you find the air excessively dry and aggravating try running a humidifier alongside, keeping the room humidity at 30-50%.

Gas heating is not a suitable option for bedrooms in most cases, and unflued gas heaters should not be installed in bedrooms due to the dangers of carbon monoxide inhalation.

If your gas heater lives in the shed over summer, make sure to store it wrapped up to avoid it getting dusty and gross when it gets fired up at the start of winter.

Reverse cycle heating

Reverse cycle system can provide both heating and cooling functions. They control to a set temperature, and tend to have a gradual control adjustments so don't have the 'blast' of heat of some heating options. They tend to be an economic option, and can be installed through the house to work in all seasons. They have a large initial cost but often prove to be a great investment for homeowners. For people with allergies, this can be a sensible option. 

Make sure to get your reverse cycle system serviced once a year to keep it working in perfect condition.

Oil heaters

Radiators provide a gentle and warming heat. These can be a comfortable option for people with allergies as they provide slow and gentle adjustments to the heat and do not dry the air out. They are also very affordable to purchase initially. However the running costs of radiators tends to be high in Australia, where few houses have central heating installed.

If you are prone to allergies it is important not to overheat your house, as dust mites thrive in high temperature, high humidity environments like 16-30 degrees Celsius. Not only is overheating expensive, it's likely to send your allergic system into overdrive too.

If you are looking to install heating that won't aggravate you allergies you should contact a heating installation company like Middleton's to learn more.