Why Choose Us?
“I can highly recommend Glow HCE. The technicians arrived on time, office staff were really friendly and helpful and everything went smoothly. They made the whole process of replacing my air con really easy. I will definitely use Glow for all our air con needs in the future. Thanks Glow!“
Alice H
Google review
What We Offer
What’s the difference between ducted reverse cycle and evaporative air conditioning?
The fundamental difference between these two systems is that evaporative systems cool only, whereas reverse cycle systems will both heat and cool. However, you can have the best of both worlds by combining gas ducted heating or a wood fire with evaporative air conditioning. Evaporative cooling systems work by drawing the warm air from water soaked pads, thus cooling the air. This method works particularly well in drier climates like South Australia. As they only require power to run the pump and a fan, the running cost of an evaporative air conditioner can be as low as running a light globe. They are a less complex system to build making them cheaper to buy at roughly half the cost of a reverse cycle unit. They’re also easier to maintain and repair, and more environmentally friendly.
Reverse cycle air conditioning cools or heats the air inside your home and then recycles the air inside through a filter called the ‘return air vent’. External windows and doors must be closed in order for a reverse cycle system to work efficiently. With evaporative air conditioning, you need to leave a window or screen door open to expel the warm air from your home and prevent a build up of moisture.
Some people feel that constantly changing air is a good thing, however others – particularly those who suffer from allergies – prefer recycled filtered air. Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning works well in both dry and humid conditions. Whilst they do cost more to install, you will benefit from the convenience of heating and cooling from just one unit. It also means just one lot of ductwork and grilles, and the option to zone parts of your home so that you only cool or heat the parts you are using at the time.
Whichever system you decide on, invest in a quality brand that is backed with a reputable manufacturer’s guarantee. It’s also important to choose a reputable and experienced installer who will not only get the job done right but offers good after-sales service too.
What’s the difference between hydronic and electric underfloor heating?
There are two major kinds of radiant heat that can be installed beneath the floors of your rooms: electric and hydronic. In electric underfloor heating systems, cables are installed underneath the floor. These cables are heated by electricity, which warms the floor, and then the room. In hydronic underfloor heating systems, a series of tubes is used instead of electric cables. Heated water flows through these tubes providing effective heating to your rooms.
The heating coils used in electric underfloor heating systems are different from the ones in a space heater or other electric heating device. Instead, they’re resistance wires. In many systems, these wires are embedded in a mat, which is then laid out in the area to be heated. Flooring material, like tile or carpet, is installed over top. Electricity is run through these coils, and they heat up. That heat is transferred to the flooring in the room above, and from there, it dissipates into the room, warming it.
In hydronic underfloor heating systems, tubes or small pipes beneath the floor are used to circulate heated water throughout the area. As the water flows through the system, the heat is released. Water can be heated in a number of different ways, which means that you’ll have many energy options when choosing hydronic radiant heat, such as gas fired boilers or electric heat pumps.
Choose electric underfloor heating if the area you want to heat is relatively small – like a single master bathroom – or you prefer a simple installation that can be performed alongside flooring renovations.
Choose hydronic underfloor heating if you want to heat your entire home and like the idea of being able to choose the energy source for your home’s heat. It’s also a good choice if you don’t mind significant renovations in order to benefit from the increased consistency and efficiency of radiant heat.