Heaters and heating systems - concealed or on show-play an important role in establishing the ambience and appearance of a room. Fireplaces and heaters provide an enticing and nostalgic focal point at all times, and bring an interior to glowing life when in use. Underfloor or ceiling heating systems obviate the need for usable heating a desirable option in situations where an even heat is required over a large area with no visual intrusion.
Recognized as the most Cost effective solution for heating apartments and townhouses, the NOBO N4X System is ideal for open areas were more than one heating panel is required. The panels are without individual thermostats, but combine as a system with a multi-programmable thermostat/timer. Available from Veetemp Heating Australia.
* VERSATILE RANGE
With ten models available, the Jetmaster range of wood and gas fires can be adapted to most existing fireplaces. In this setting a larger model is used, suiting the proportions of the room. The log storage under the fire meets practical requirements as well as providing an additional visual focus. The fires are designed to be easy to light, and the logpan needs cleaning once or twice a season.
* SEE THROUGH
With its two-way view, the Jetmaster 700 see-through fireplace makes an ideal room divider. In the setting shown here, it separates formal from casual living without closing off either space. The self-contained Jetmaster system includes a damper, a smoke shelf and a double-skinned flue, obviating the need for a double brick chimney.
* GRATE CHARM
The Farrington burnished steel fire grate is from the extensive range of grates and fire dogs designed by Lasting Impressions. The Farrington employs a stylishly simple Georgian motif, suitable for contemporary or period interiors. Available from Lasting Impressions.
* BASICALLY BEIDERMEIER
The Brazier fire grate recalls the scroll motif of the Beidermeier period, with clean contempory lines for today’s interiors. Available from Lasting Impressions.
* NEW WAVE
At the 1999 French Design Institute awards, this towel and bathroom heater wan the Janus Award for product innovation. The Monalisa combines European elegance with enough heat to warm towels, and the room. From Atlantic.
* BATHROOM BEAUTY
This chrome towel warmer creates an attractive focal point, as well as warming towels and adding to the overall warmth of the room. Available from Earp Brothers Hardware.
* COSY CONTEMPORARY
This open fireplace from Jetmaster is quite at home in its contemporary setting. The flue, designed to render a traditional brick chimney unnecessary, is concealed behind the plaster wall in keeping with the room’s streamlined style. The log storage echoes the simple lines of the fireplace, adding an extra visual element.
UNDER CARPET COMFORT
The Riviera under carpet heating system features a woven element sandwiched between PVC sheeting for moisture protection. The element sits between the underfelt and the carpet and is spaced at 6 cm intervals, which allows for rapid, even heating. The elements are so thin and flexible, they sink into the underfelt to leave the carpet smooth. Inquiries to Riviera.
* ON THE WALL
In apartments and townhouses where space is limited, wall-mounted heaters are a sensible option. This wall mounted panel heater provides high quality, dust free warmth, with no fan noise. Available from Atlantic Australasia.
* VISIBLE WARMTH
The Diamond Insert woodheater is designed to provide maximum heat output and long burn periods per fuel load. Features include a wide self-cleaning glass door and a deep ash bed for convenient ash retention. Firebrick lining on the sides and back of the firebox enhances combustion efficiency. Available from Eureka Heating.

Arms loaded with groceries, you unlock the door and make your way into the kitchen. But before you get there, sirens start to sound. You just set off your new home-security system. Once the noise stops and you square things away with your monitoring service or the police, you probably don’t give your little goof another thought. After all, it happens to everybody.

Unfortunately, this is too true. False alarms happen far too often, according to police chiefs and alarm industry experts. They say that between 90 and 95 percent of all alarms that are reported don’t indicate a break-in or attempted burglary. Falling prices and an increasing interest in home protection may be bad news for burglars, but also add up to more false alarms than ever before. If you own or are thinking about buying an alarm system, you can prevent false alarms. The National Fire and Burglar Alarm Association says 76 percent are caused by user error. Here are some tips to avoid accidentally tripping your own security system.

Get into the routine

The most important step to avoiding false alarms is getting used to your alarm system. After your whole family is trained by the installer, it will take some time to get used to the added step of turning the alarm on and off. Many families post notes inside the door to remind each other that the system is armed. You might also try tying a red ribbon to the doorknob as a more subtle reminder.

Training is critical

Anyone who has a key to your house should also be trained to use your home-security system. Using the system will become second nature for you, but not for the neighbor who brings in your mail while you’re away for a few days. Give detailed instructions to anyone who has a key to your house, and also give them a mini training session. Call your monitoring company to tell them you’re training a new user, then watch over the person’s shoulder as he or she practices arming and disarming the system.

Changing your life

A change to your lifestyle may also make you more prone to accidentally setting off your alarm. If you change work hours, for example, you’ll have to fit the alarm into your new routine. Cats and dogs can set off some security alarms, too, so if you get a pet, be sure to call your installer before you set your alarm. Your installer may have to adjust the motion sensors or replace them with pressure sensors that pets won’t be able to set off. An elderly parent who comes to stay with you may also need help getting accustomed to using your alarm system.

Check the system

Finally, have your alarm installer come back and inspect the system once a year or any time you think it might not be working correctly. Generally, the electronics are very reliable, but now and then a system will be installed incorrectly or will simply wear out. Both are causes of false alarms that can be easily avoided.