Case Studies
Retirement Village Living with Purmo
GemLife Resident Case Study: Staying Warm in Woodend
When Brian and his wife made the move from Melbourne to GemLife in Woodend, they were ready for a quieter, easier lifestyle. Nestled at the base of Mount Macedon, the over-50s community offered everything they wanted, except one thing: reliable heating.
“Woodend is beautiful,” says Brian, “but it gets seriously cold. We knew winters would be chilly, but we didn’t realise how bad it would be.”
Each villa in the GemLife estate was fitted with a reverse-cycle air conditioner as standard. While this worked fine in summer, Brian found it less than ideal in winter. “Once the temperature dropped below five degrees, the system went into defrost mode and started blowing cold air. It was like a fridge running in reverse.”
Discovering a Better Way to Heat
Brian began searching online for something better. Mains gas wasn’t available, and hydronic systems were too invasive and costly to retrofit. He and his wife were already using portable column heaters to get by, but they weren’t practical for whole-of-home warmth.
That’s when he came across Thermosoft Australia.
“I liked that the heaters worked in a similar way to hydronic radiators, but with a modern, efficient design, and no pipes, no boiler, and no complicated installation.”
Designing Comfort for the Golden Years
Brian’s villa featured three bedrooms, a spacious living and dining area, and high ceilings which is typical of the homes in the GemLife community. He reached out with floor plans already marked up, ready to find a solution.
After a virtual consultation with Matt from Thermosoft, a system of six electric radiators was recommended to comfortably heat the entire home. “I was surprised,” he says. “I thought we’d need a lot more. But the panels are slim, efficient, and they just work.”
The couple already had underfloor heating and heated towel rails in their bathrooms, so the new radiators focused on the main living areas and bedrooms. Installation was seamless, with minimal disruption and maximum comfort.
Results That Speak for Themselves
“Now the house is actually warm,” says Brian. “Even when it’s minus five outside, we’re comfortable. And we’re not relying on the oven or makeshift solutions.”
With solar panels already installed, the system also worked well with the villa’s energy setup, keeping costs manageable while ensuring all-day comfort.
Best of all, Brian’s neighbours took notice.
“A few people came over for dinner and were amazed at how warm it was. They said, ‘This is incredible, who did your heating?’ I told them about Thermosoft, and now a few of them have had the radiators installed too.”
A Simple, Smart Solution
For Brian, it wasn’t just about finding the best heater. It was about finding peace of mind.
“We’re in our 60s now, and we just want life to be a bit easier. This system gives us that. It’s quiet, it’s reliable, and it keeps the whole house warm. It was a no-brainer.”
Interested in Radiant Heating for Retirement Living?
Our range of electric radiators are ideal for downsizers and retirees who want reliable warmth without the disruption of major renovations. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a single room or an entire home, we’ll help you find a tailored solution.
Explore the product range at thermosoftaustralia.com.au/collections
