Heaters
Choosing the Best Heating for Your Australian Home
When it comes to heating systems, there are several types to consider. Electric heaters, such as fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, and convection heaters, are generally affordable and easy to use. However, they can be expensive to run. Gas heaters, available in both portable and fixed varieties, are effective but come with concerns about carbon emissions and require proper ventilation, plus gas is becoming increasingly expensive and is being phased out gradually. Reverse-cycle air conditioners offer both heating and cooling, and are more energy-efficient in the long run despite higher upfront costs. While wood heaters provide a cosy atmosphere, they need a steady supply of firewood and proper chimney maintenance, plus they are inefficient and not very environmentally friendly either.
There are some factors which will effect your choice when you are choosing a heating system. The size of the room you want to heat is most important, and will depend on the area you’re looking to heat. So you might need more powerful heating systems such as the ducted or reverse-cycle air conditioners, which will also mean you need professional installation and ongoing maintenance.
There are also factor like ongoing running costs, and the environmental considerations too. Gas heaters release emissions and the wood heater which burns firewood, are now becoming the more expensive option. The electric heater or split-system heating on the other hand which is powered by rooftop solar power is fast becoming the greenest and cheapest choice for those wanting to maximise long-term running costs.
Above all, the heating system you install will be determined by what you can afford today – but it’s important to remember to take account of running costs, too, and to strike the right balance between upfront investment, operational efficiency and comfort, which will give the best return overall.
Top 5 Professionally Installed Heating Systems Options
Choosing the perfect type of heating system for your home in Australia can be a mind boggling exercise. Here are the best five professionally installed heating systems ranking highest in terms of efficiency and comfort.
- 1. Ducted Heating Systems: Ducted heating is ideal for warming whole homes, and electric reverse cycle systems are a great all-in-one solution. These heating systems provide homeowners with consistent, energy-efficient heat through a network of ducts installed by professionals.
- 2. Hydronic Heating Systems: Heated water circulates through wall-mounted panels or underfloor pipes in this heating system. Silent, even and conducive to maximum comfort, the system should be installed by qualified experts for it to operate optimally and last long.
- 3. Split-System Heating: Split systems combine heating and cooling into a single unit, which is ideal for individual rooms. They are energy-efficient and versatile. Expert installation can make sure it is installed correctly so it will be efficient and last longer.
- 4. Gas Log Fires: Although Gas log fires are more aesthetically pleasing, they are slowly going out of fashion due to the environmental impact they have and the fact they are becoming more expensive, although handy for the fireplace look and with the benefit of gas heating, it is best to get them installed by the professional to make them safe and efficient.
- 5. Underfloor Heating: This type of heating is gentle and constant, perfect for tiled or hardwood floors, and brings the luxury of space-saving elements. In a way, it makes you feel like you are in a luxury hotel. Professional installation means that the insulation and setup will be done properly, making it energy efficient.
Deciding to install a heating system professionally ensures you’re comfortable and warm at home. With the rising price of gas making gas heaters expensive to run and earth-damaging, it’s wise to consider better alternative options such as electric ducted, hydronic, split-system and underfloor heating that are renewable energy compatible and cheaper to power with solar pv.
Electric Heaters vs. Gas Heating:
The Clear Winner for Modern Homes
Heating a house is a matter of weighing upfront costs against future costs. For a larger space, gas heating has been usually seen as a cheap way to go, because gas heaters can warming up large rooms quickly and efficiently. However, they come with their drawbacks. The initial cost of buying and installing gas-powered heaters can sometimes be lower than that of buying an electric heater, but the with cost of gas is rising they are fast becoming the more expensive long-term option. More importantly though, gas heating is very harmful to the environment. The carbon emissions of burning natural gas pollute the air and contribute to the climate crisis. Moreover, there will be plenty of health problems when we burn gas inside your home. Nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are the are produced when gas is burnt to create heat, and many homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned with being exposed to those pollutants for a long time.
On the other hand, electric heating are advanced technology. Though they can in some instances cost more to run, the higher costs are offset by lower purchase prices and easy installation. Electric heaters can be portable and can be moved from one place to another and used in different areas inside the house, and have a wide range of forms such as ducted reverse-cycle, split-system, convection, radiant and fan heaters to choose from.
One of the strongest points in favour of electric heating is the rise of solar energy. As more homeowners look to install photovoltaic (PV) panels, the running costs of electric heaters are significantly lowered in the daytime during the sunshine hours. Moreover, as people become less dependent on the national grid, their energy bill will be slashed, making electric heaters a more affordable and eco-friendly choice and a better return on your investment.
Finding Budget-Friendly Big W Heaters & Kmart Heaters
In contrast to the older days, nowadays, anybody can afford to buy a modern heater for home thanks to stores such as Big W and Kmart. These chains sell reputable and cost-effective heaters and they stock many models from compact fan heaters. Depending on what you need, you can buy a Kmart heater and Big W heater in a range of different shapes and sizes, and these heaters also have typically have reliable product warranties and various features to suit modern houses.
But how efficient are they? Although these heaters might look appealing due to their low price, some of the cheapest models might not be highly energy-efficient, meaning that your running costs could end up being higher over time. Energy ratings and customer reviews can give you a good idea of a heater’s efficiency and dependability, and so it’s important to do your research prior to purchase. Consider opting for units with auto shut-off features, and with adjustable thermostats and other options for even heat distribution.
Although there might be savings offered by low-priced heaters, higher electricity bills later in life might cancel out those initial savings. Overuse of low-efficiency heaters can lead to non- uniform heat distribution and more power usage, affecting both your wallet and comfort.
You can therefore get a heater that is not expensive but effective and will keep your house warm and cosy, and it might be the best option for you if you’re renting or needing to heat and cool particular rooms in your home. Like anything, if you consider spending a little extra money upfront on higher energy-efficient models, you can save you a lot more money in the long run.
Eco-Friendly Heating Options for Australian Homes
Nowadays, as environment-related issues are becoming more and more widespread, most Australian homeowners and renters are more actively searching for eco-friendly heating, in order to reduce the consumption of the energy and lower energy bills and do their bit to help the environment. Energy-saving heating devices, like power saving heater with high energy star ratings, are a great way to lower your energy bills and lower the carbon footprint of your family. Eco-friendly power-saving models are not only capable of lowering the power consumption of your heater, but they also providing more features which can help to use the heater in a more eco-friendly way to reduce energy waste and inefficiency.
When coupled with renewable energy electric heaters powered by solar pv panels, electric heaters can be the greener way to keep our homes warm. In many instances it might be slightly more expensive to install electric heaters and solar system upfront, but the rewards becomes attractive in the long term, both in terms of running cost savings and environmental impact. Another option is heat pumps, which again can also be more expensive upfront, but take much less electricity to move heat than to generate it and so these too end up saving you more in the long run.
If you’re budget constrained, gas heaters can be part of a green strategy if they’re used efficiently and are properly maintained. With programmable thermostats, and the effective use of zoning, you’ll be able increase the efficiency, decrease heat loss, and maximise the benefits of gas heaters.
So by investing in heating models with a higher efficiency, you get a solution which is much cheaper to run o. At the same time, high-efficiency heaters will help you reduce the carbon footprint, making them an eco-friendly solution too. Finding a balance between initial investment cost, long-terms savings and environmental impact will allow you to get the best bang for your buck.
Reducing Winter Heating Costs with Solar Power
Heating a house in Australia during the winter usually mean higher power bills both for your pocket and the environment. Luckily, you can offset the costs of running a home heating system by using solar power. Clean solar energy is not only the perfect solution to significantly reduce winter heating bills during the daytime hours, but it will also help create a greener planet at the same time.
Solar energy is simply the harnessing of sunlight by photovoltaic (PV) panels to produce electricity you can use to heat your home using electric heaters and heat pumps. Other devices, such as solar water heaters, use sunlight to heat water, which can then be circulated through radiant flooring or radiators. These devices are effective even in the colder southern states, providing consistent warmth along with drastically reduced dependence on traditional energy sources, which will lower your utility bills.
Environment-wise, solar energy is a great option. It is a clean, green source of energy and it drastically reduces your carbon footprint at home. As opposed to gas heaters which release harmful air pollutants into the atmosphere, solar-powered systems do not emit any harmful emissions and are environmentally compatible. Moreover, solar energy makes you independent from the grid, protecting you from the fluctuations of the energy market and giving you more control over your energy costs.
Further, financial incentives mean that the switch to solar is even more enticing. In Australia, rebates and incentives abound for the installation of solar panels, making the initial outlay more manageable and more financially viable.
Using clean solar energy one can compensate for the heating costs in winter. Especially, those people who live in Victoria, South Australia or Tasmania where the winters are much colder, will find installing solar power as a part of their heating as an environmental friendly option that will save you money.
FAQ - Heaters & Heating
Are Any Heaters Safe to Leave On Overnight?
It depends on the type of heater, and generally electric ones with built-in safety features such as timers, overheat protection and automatic shut-off are safe to use overnight. Those are equipped to help prevent risks of overheating or fire hazards. However, you should never leave a gas heater on while you sleep because of the carbon monoxide poisoning risk and the need for ventilation. Always follow manufacturer recommendations, and never leave any heater unattended for an intermediate period of time without safety features.
Which Heater is the Cheapest to Run?
If looking purely at cost then the most cost-effective heater depends on the cheapness of the energy source and the efficiency of the appliance, though reverse-cycle air conditioners and modern electric heat pumps tend to be the best heating option in terms of value for money, especially in the context of well-insulated homes. These appliances are very efficient and, providing there is a reasonable amount of solar power panel coverage, they will give more ‘heating’ kW per unit of electricity than other options. Of course, if you have a solar panel array then you’re effectively using your own power and this makes reverse-cycle air conditioners and heat pumps a good environmental as well as financial way to go.
Are Oil Column Heaters Expensive to Run?
Oil column heaters can be comparatively expensive to run, particularly when they are used without interruption over a long period. Whilst being great for providing radiated, sustained heat they can be quite inefficient from an electrical point of view, and thery could make your energy bills spike. Usually, it’s advisable to use them for small to medium sized room and if you will use them with a thermostat to set a comfortable temperature and steady readings, avoiding wasting energy. It’s definitely worth to keep an eye on their operating costs, since a too high expenditure could overshadow the heat they generate. Other kinds of heaters, such as electric panel and oil baseboard might actually be more efficient.
What Type of Heater is Most Energy Efficient?
Reverse-cycle air conditioners and electric heat pumps are among the most efficient heating technologies we have. This is because they move heat instead of making it, so they give more heating power per unit of electricity than most other forms of heaters. Their efficiencies are even greater when they are powered with renewable energy, further reducing their operating costs and environmental impacts. They also offer year-round flexibility since they can provide cooling as well as heating.
How Many Hours a Day Should I Put My Heating On For?
It actually depends on how many hours you want your heating to be on, which will depend on your comfort and outside temperatures. You should heat your home efficiently using programmable thermostats or timers, targeting times that you’re home and awake, and reducing the temperature when you’re away or sleeping. This setup should allow you to maintain comfortable temperatures while also keeping costs and energy usage low. Often, 6-8 hours per day should suffice, but that can vary with personal preferences and climates.
Can You Leave Heating On When Not Home?
In general, it is not advisable to have your heating left on when you are not in the house or it is not being used, not only is it a waste of energy and money, it could also be a safety hazard. Instead, engage with a heating professional to use technology like programable thermostat or a smart heating systems to bring the house up to temperature just before you’re set to arrive home. This way, not only is energy saved but the home will also be comfortable when you walk in the door. Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely and this allows you to manage your heating system from away from home, allowing you to manage your energy use efficiently, and reduce it when you are not there
What Is the Ideal Heating Schedule?
The perfect heating schedule would have the house warm when it is used, and cool when you are not around and at night, when you are asleep. Programmable thermostats make it easy to come close to that with lower heating costs, since your system will deliver heat when it will work for you and will turn down the rest of the time. Early morning and evening heat with a turn down at night and at work is a good standard schedule. Figure out what schedule works best with your schedule and local climate so you are warm when you need to be and comfortable when you are not there, while using and paying for as little energy as possible.
What to Know When Buying a Heater?
Make sure you know the size of the room you need to heat, look for energy efficiency and running costs, and check for safety. Energy ratings can be a good indicator of the operational efficiency of the heater, but ultimately you want something that you can programme to heat your space only when you need it. The type of heater you choose will depend on what you actually want to do. If you need something quick, localised heat then you might want to go for a fan heater. A more sustained warmth might be best achieved with an oil filled radiator. Make sure it has overheat protectors and auto shut-off devices. If you dig just a little, you can also have a look at what other people think.
What Temperature Should Heater Be in Winter Australia?
In Australia, the recommendation for winter is to have your heater set between 18°C and 20°C. This temperature range is just right for one’s comfort and also provides the best energy efficiency for the heater. This temperature is appropriate to maintain comfort without using much more electricity than is necessary because the equipment would become overworked. Therefore, it is an effective way to reduce the electricity bill by using the equipment within the optimal range for a long period. A programmable thermostat which is capable of setting the heating system to automatically adjust temperature at different times according to your schedule, might be useful in maintaining this range of temperature, and will shut off when no one is at home.
How Does Insulation Affect Heating Efficiency?
Insulation contribute to heating efficiency by keeping heat inside your house when it is winter and keeping it outside your house when it is summer. It also can help to reduce the amount of energy your heater needs to utilise in order to maintain a comfortable temperature, which will cut down your bill and improve the effectiveness of your heating system. Without sufficient insulation, it will cause your heating system to work harder and be less economical. A good quality of insulation materials will help you to move towards the path of financial savings, a comfortable living environment, reducing energy consumption and being beneficial to your money and the earth.
How Can I Lower My Heating Costs in Winter?
There a several way of lowering your heating costs, like for example, getting a programmable thermostat to set schedules based on your routine – such as lowering the temperature at night, reducing it during the day when you’re away, and programming it to warm up the house while you’re on your way home – reduces heating costs. Similarly, improving the insulation of your walls, roofs and floors will help keep heat inside your home. Also, sealing drafts will further decrease heat loss. Instead of radiators, use reverse-cycle air conditioner or electric heat pump; if you combine your heating with solar power, the cost will be virtually free during the daytime hours too.
How Do I Improve Air Circulation When Using a Heater?
Better air circulation around your heater also makes it more efficient and keeps your home evenly heated with less energy. Turn a ceiling fan to ‘medium’ speed or slower and set it to spin clockwise. This will pull warm air downwards. Make sure air vents and radiators are not obstructed, and keep interior doors open to allow air to flow from room to room. Regularly replace or clean the filters in your heating system. These tips will help the heat distribute itself evenly around your home, making it feel more comfortable and reducing your heating bills.
What is the Difference Between Radiant and Convection Heaters?
Radiant heaters warm objects and people directly by emitting infrared radiation into the air. They act quickly and focus the heat on areas where you need it the most. Often used in spot heating, they are great when you want warmth right away. Convection heaters warm the air in smaller rooms by circulating it over a heated surface, creating consistent room temperature. They are particularly effective when used over longer periods to heat large interior spaces. For quick, localised warmth, choose a radiant heater; for slow, even heating across a room, choose a convection heater.