When cold weather sets in, it’s time to turn up the heat in the home, but users want to be certain user’re choosing the best system.
With steadily rising utility bills and the cold months rapidly approaching, it may be worth examining how much user’re spending on the heating and whether it may be time to seek alternative means of warmth.
choosing a heating system
Whether user’re contemplating ducted heating, wall panel heaters, reverse cycle heating, or need guidance on the ideal heating element, choosing between gas or electric heating is a major decision.
This is why Aust Climate helps users choose the right type of heating system, steer users to the best option that supports the heating requirements, and draw an evidence-based comparison between gas and electric heating costs.
What is a Gas Heater?
Fuelled by butane, propane, liquified petroleum gas, or natural gas, gas heating systems are connected to a gas source. A valve controls gas flow, igniting heat via a pilot light or electric filament. Gas heating options include:
- Gas-ducted heating with innovative temperature controllers for comfort in the office and at home.
- Gas-ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling can give users total control over the property’s temperature, with a quiet, even heat distribution. Users can heat or cool the areas they use for work and entertainment.
Generally better suited for larger spaces, gas heating comes in many sizes and shapes. Connected to the gas mains, heating is a popular option for quickly warming inside and outdoor spaces. Over 2 million Victorians use gas-based heating systems and appliances in their homes or businesses, and although Victorian governments want to phase gas out in new residential properties or build, it can still be a worthwhile option for users.
What is an Electric Heater?
Electric heating and cooling systems pass electricity through different materials to create heat, don’t need ventilation, and require an easy installation process. Electric heating systems include:
- Heat pumps and reverse cycle systems. These heat small and large rooms are ideal for singles in units or large families with multiple rooms.
- LG, Daikin, and Panasonic split system reverse cycle heating are available for families looking for high air quality and climate control. Panel wall heaters are also excellent for heating small spaces.
These heating options are an excellent way for the family to stay cozy overnight and are arguably exponentially cheaper annually than relying on a gas connection. In any case, always speak to a heating and cooling professional when weighing the property requirements.
Gas & Electric Heating – Considerations
Regardless of what users are planning to purchase, there are a few key considerations to ensure users are investing in the best for the family space! Let’s take a look.
1. Energy Efficiency
Although different types of heaters have their energy ratings, it is important to consider what rating is more energy efficient for the space. This can be the difference between hiked energy bills or less expensive options, saving users money for the long term.
- The efficiency of a gas heating system depends on the age, condition of the equipment, and the type of burner or combustion technology used. Electric heating converts electricity into heat, so they are 100% efficient at the point of use.
- The cost of gas versus electric heating depends on the area’s natural gas, propane, and electricity prices. This can change based on market conditions and energy policies.
- Electric heating is considered more environmentally friendly as the electricity can be generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. Contrarily, gas heating produces emissions during combustion, impacting air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Safety Features
Safety features play one of the most important roles in any appliance, especially if users have children or pets. Gas heaters can be risky–depending on whether they’re flued (allows fumes to exit the house) or unflued (traps fumes in the house)–if excess gas is leaked into a room.
- Safety features of a gas heating system: include a pressure relief valve that stops over-pressurisation and equipment damage, exhaust systems that remove combustion by-products, CO detectors, and automatic fail-safes in the case of a system malfunction.
- Safety features of an electric heater include circuit breakers or proper wiring to counteract short circuits, electrical fires, and shocks. Thermal shut-offs stop overheating, and unsafe temperatures, and safety certifications assure user of their safety features and performance.
3. Installation Costs
It is important to consider where the user wants the heater installed. Whether user’re searching for a permanent heating solution or need heating for a short period, there are things to consider in terms of installation costs:
- The cost of equipment: A higher fee may be required upfront, but generous long-term savings exist. Think about what works for the user financially.
- Wiring and electrical connections to the main control panel are critical: Wiring upgrades and modifications can impact the installation expenses, though the user only needs to consider it if installing electrical heating.
- Ventilation systems: Gas heaters need suitable ventilation to dispel combustion gases, so installation vents, flues, and exhaust pipes need to be considered.
- Thermostat installation: For electric heaters, a smart thermostat improves energy use and comfort.
- Permits and inspections: Both electric and gas installations may need permits or inspections to ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards in the area.
4. Operating Costs
The cost efficiency of gas or electricity depends on lifestyle, fuel available to the user
Locking in the heating costs for over a decade, a heating system is an important decision. In terms of gas and electricity costs, what can users expect with both gas and electric heater systems?
The cost efficiency of gas or electricity depends on lifestyle, fuel available to the user, how much space the user wants to heat, market rates, limitations of the property, and how energy-efficient the appliance is.
- Energy-saving
The Australian Energy Regulators’ annual retail markets report in June 2020 states gas and electricity usage prices in four major states. Victoria is 3c/MJ for gas and 36c/kWh for electricity, so overall, electricity is cheaper to run.
For most Victorians, electric reverse-cycle heating systems are the most energy-saving, inexpensive option with the lowest greenhouse emissions, and rebates are available to assist with making this change. Speak to a heating and cooling expert at Australian Climate Systems for more information.
5. Environmental impacts
Environmental impacts of gas and electric heating systems depend on energy sources, system efficiency, emissions, and the energy policies in the area. Nowadays, many people find themselves concerned with their impact on the world’s climate. If this is a concern for the user, consider the following points:
- Gas heaters produce carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and trace amounts of other pollutants, affecting air quality.
- An electric heating system’s environmental impact depends on the electricity generation source. When generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind, this heating is environmentally friendly, typically 100% effective at its point of use since it converts electricity into heat.
- Equipment extraction, production, distribution, operation, and disposal must be considered. Overall, the environmental impact varies on electricity generation and transmission. If user’re unsure of what will work for user, contact the heating and cooling experts at Australian Climate Systems.
6. Maintenance Requirements
Like any regularly used household appliance, gas, and electric heating have regular maintenance needs, but what should users expect?
- Annual inspections. A qualified HVAC technician ensures the system is functioning safely in the home or commercial building. A technician will inspect the burner, ignition system, gas valve, pressure regulator, combustion chamber, flue, and ventilation for gas heaters to prevent leaks. As for electric heating, system troubleshooting, complex electrical repairs, checking components for damage, and safety inspections are essential.
- Periodic cleaning. Gas heating systems must be cleaned with gas burners, heat exchangers, and ventilation components to prevent carbon build-up or blockages that affect performance. Filters may also need a replacement to maintain airflow.
- Electric heating systems need thermostats calibrated and tested periodically for accurate temperature control, and safety checks such as circuit breakers, ground fault circuit interrupters, and temperature limits need frequent testing.
- Maintenance costs. Gas heating can have higher costs from regular professional inspections, cleaning, and potential repairs related to combustion components. As for electric systems, these costs are lower but vary based on the complexity of the system and the need for professional services.
Heating and Cooling – Considerations For the Home
- Do users live in a small apartment or a four-bedroom home? Think about the space requirements and if the heater of choice is powerful enough to keep it warm during cold nights.
- Make sure that the heating system isn’t too small or too large. Users don’t want to pay excessively or have an underperforming appliance.
- How are users using the thermostat during the colder months? For every degree increase, energy use can go up as much as 10%, so set the thermostat between 25 to 27 degrees in summer and 18 to 20 degrees in winter.
- Electric split systems are cheap options for the space, with low overall running costs.
Whether the preference is central heating for the home or space heating for the bedroom, zoning options are excellent considerations as users can save money instead of heating rooms user don’t use.
What’s the verdict?
Gas Substitution Roadmap is guiding the state to net-zero emissions while offering broader choices
Consider the conversion to electric heating and cooling, ideally a reverse-cycle system, as it is beneficial throughout every season. According to this article by Planning Victoria, the Gas Substitution Roadmap is guiding the state to net-zero emissions while offering broader choices and cheaper energy bills.
The Department of Transport and Planning aims to transition to cleaner energy with support from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Affordable, clean, and efficient
Since January 2024, the Victorian State Government has planned to phase out gas installations in all new homes, such as apartment buildings, new dwellings, and residential subdivisions that require planning permits.
This will make energy prices more affordable, cleaner, and efficient for everyone. These requirements apply only to natural gas, not Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG). With this in mind, the family is still free to use gas–especially if the existing home has a gas connection–but there are more benefits to converting to electricity and even more savings if users own solar panels!
Choose Australian Climate Systems
Australian Climate Systems understands how Australian consumers appreciate a warm, inviting home as the weather drops. If users are concerned about indoor air quality, installation, and maintenance costs, the user should always seek professional advice on what works best for the user, the home, and the lifestyle. In some
Operating in Melbourne for more than 25 years, the locally owned and operated business specializes in selling, installing, maintaining, and repairing electric heating and cooling solutions that work.
