An energy efficient heating system can help you stay warm during the winter while saving you a lot of money and reducing your carbon footprint. Here’s all you need to know about energy efficient heating systems. Energy consumption in Australian homes In Australia, heating and cooling consume the highest amount of energy in most households (up to 40%). Water heating takes up 21% of the energy, domestic appliances use up to 33%, while the remaining 6% is used for lighting. The amount of energy used in most homes can be reduced if more efficient heating systems are used. This means that most Australians can spend less on energy and significantly reduce their carbon footprint just by choosing the right heating system for their homes.
Types of energy efficient heating systems
The energy efficiency of a heating system depends on the fuel/energy source of that system and its working mechanism. Fuel types include solar energy, gas, solid material, and electricity. All types of solar heating systems are considered energy efficient because they utilise renewable sources of energy. Most types of gas heaters, including gas furnace and hydroponic heating systems, are also fairly energy efficient. Gas heaters that run on LPG are expensive to operate in the long run. Heating systems that use solid fuels vary in their levels of efficiency. The slow combustion heaters are extremely efficient, while fireplaces and pot bellied stoves are very inefficient. Electrical heating systems including reverse cycle air conditioners and off-peak heat banks have a reasonable level of energy efficiency. However, other electrical heating systems such as in-slab heaters, radiant bar heaters, convective fans and oil column heaters are highly inefficient.
How to choose the right heating system for your home
Choosing the right heating system for your home involves picking a system that uses an efficient fuel source, and using it for the right purpose so as to ensure that it remains efficient and effective. You also have to consider the frequency with which you intend to use your heating system. If you only plan to use your system for a couple of hours a few times during the whole year, it makes more sense to invest in an affordable electrical system that may not necessarily be too energy efficient. However, if you are a heavy duty user, you should probably invest in the most efficient heating system in the market. If you are looking for a highly efficient central heating system, you should consider a ducted-heating natural gas system or a hydroponic-heating natural gas system. If you are looking for a very efficient space heating system, you should consider a natural gas space heater, a slow combustion wood heater, or a reverse cycle air conditioner.