With winter setting in, Australians can expect more than 40% of their household energy bill to be attributed to heating. It is a constant dilemma within households – how they can continue to stay warm without harming the environment and having to pay extortionate amounts on bills.
On the one hand, natural gas and gas ducted heating systems provide complete comfort and run efficiently. On the other hand, electric heaters are sustainable but can cost an arm and a leg to run efficiently. In this article, we will explore the options of each heating type and discuss the benefits of both electric and gas heating to help you make an informed choice about what to install.
What is a gas heater?
A gas heater is a heating system that is connected to a gas fuel source. In Geelong, the most common type of fuel used is natural gas but some heating systems can also be run on LPG, butane and propane. These systems typically draw air into a furnace and combust before expelling the warm air throughout your home and the toxic materials outside.
It is a more traditional and trusted source of heating because of its ability to provide complete comfort.
What is an electric heater?
Electric heaters typically heat homes via convection and radiant heat however there is a rising trend in electric heat pumps. Electric heat pumps are not a new technology but they have recently been revamped and with the introduction of government rebates they’re becoming a popular heating option for homeowners. They are a sustainable option because they absorb the heat from outside and distribute it throughout the home via ducts.
How do the two heating systems compare?
Affordability
With inflated costs in 2023, money is on everyone’s mind. The most affordable appliances will win but when it comes to heating systems costs are hard to compare. On the value front, electric heaters are inexpensive to buy compared to the upfront costs of a ducted gas heating system. But gas heaters can be cheaper to run throughout your home as electric heaters are only efficient in smaller enclosed spaces.
When it comes to electric heat pumps they can be cheaper to install and cheaper to run if you consider them at the start of your build before laying a slab, otherwise, there can be additional building and surveying costs to install them.
In the end, it comes down to the lifespan and purpose of your heating system. If you require whole-home comfort, gas heaters are the way to go. Outside of the upfront costs they are cheaper to run in Geelong (as most homes have gas connections) and last upwards of ten years.
Performance
How quickly your home can be heated and how warm your home can be heated are also two major factors when considering a gas or electric heating system. Gas heaters can provide instant heat to the whole home whereas electric heaters rely on the weather outdoors. In colder weather, electric heaters can take longer to heat a space as they have to work twice as hard.
Both heating systems have zone technology allowing homeowners to choose what part of the home is heated which can help determine the level of comfort within your home. However, electric heaters can be very effective when chosen as floor heating in addition to split system gas heating in the main rooms.
Sustainability
A big ask of a heating system in 2023 is for it to be sustainable. Gas heating has often received a bad reputation for not being as sustainable as electric heating. Electric heat pumps are the most sustainable systems on the market because they utilise a heat exchanger and the outdoor conditions (whether that be air, water or ground) to create a warm environment. However, sustainability ratings are measured by cost per usage (CPU) and many gas-ducted heaters achieve high 5 and 6-star ratings for their ability to maximise heat using the least amount of energy. This makes gas heaters some of the most energy-efficient appliances on the market.
The Verdict
When it comes to choosing a heating system that is going to heat your whole home, is energy efficient and isn’t going to put a dent in your winter budget, gas heating is the preferred choice. At North West Heating and Cooling our team are local professionals in recommending, installing and servicing your gas heating to ensure your home stays warm all year round. If you are looking for a new heating system in your home this year, get in touch with our team to learn more.