Your Complete Guide to the Most Cost-Effective Gas Heating Systems
Choosing the most cost-effective gas heating system for your home to lower energy consumption is important since it locks in your heating costs for years to come. Chopping and changing your heating system only costs more in the long run, so it’s wise to choose the right energy-efficient heating system from the start.
Gas systems are more energy-efficient than electric heaters or wood for lowering heating bills, with low running costs and low greenhouse gas emissions. They can be the most cost-effective way of heating a room.
Finding the Right Gas System For Your Needs
Depending on your available fuel, gas is an efficient home heating system that generates warmth with natural or LPG fuel.
The type of heating you choose also depends on the size of the area you wish to heat. There are two energy-efficient heater types to choose from:
Central heating
Space or room heating
Central heating would score more on energy efficiency if you need to heat your whole house, ideally, with a zoning capability that allows you to heat only certain home areas. If you need to heat one room, then a gas room heater would be the ideal energy-efficient choice.
At Gas Safe Heating & Cooling, we can send a professional around to advise you of the most cost-effective heater Australia offers. We also help you weigh up which energy-efficient system is best for you.
Getting the right advice can save you money since it will cost more if you choose the wrong sized system, which won’t heat your space efficiently, with no energy savings.
Buying a New Heater
Should you want to buy new, or replace an older gas heater, choose heating appliances with good energy star ratings for the most cost-effective home heating system. If you’re opting for a gas ducted system, it’s always worth paying extra for a high-efficiency heater with five or more stars. You will save more money in the long term, especially if you choose a system capable of zoning.
Popular Central Heating Options
Gas ducted heating:
This system is the choice for many discernible homeowners for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The system works by drawing air from inside the house, heating it in a gas furnace, and then blowing it through ducts leading to outlets in chosen rooms. The following pros and cons give you an idea of what to expect from ducted gas heating:
Pros
Can heat your home quickly
Some systems can be zoned so that you only heat areas you’re using
In some cases, separate zones can be controlled by different thermostats
Cons
The air circulation fans consume a fair bit of electricity
Usually operated on natural gas, and cost more if run on LPG
More expensive than a gas space heater to install and operate
Gas Fired Hydronic Heating:
The way gas-fired hydronic systems function is via a gas boiler that will circulate hot water through one of the following:
Radiators
Fan-coil units
In-slab heating (pipes embedded in the concrete slab)
Pros
Radiators are better for people with asthma or allergies since they don’t blow dust and heated air through the home
In-slab systems are a cost-effective way to use underfloor heating. And both radiator and in-slab systems provide a less drying, comfortable heat
They can be zoned to heat only the spaces you’re using
In-slab and radiator heating systems are quiet
Cons
Installation is more expensive due to the cost of radiator panels and pipework. Although the initial upfront cost will save money in the long run
They usually run on natural gas and cost more if operated on LPG.
Slabs take longer to heat when first turned (such as the first time for the day) on but maintain the heat and warm up quickly when required
Popular Room Heating Options
Gas room heaters are cost-effective heating solutions often fixed and designed to heat an open plan area or single room by burning LPG or natural gas. Gas heaters can be the most cost-effective home heating system to warm living areas, provided the heater is:
High on energy efficiency
Operated on natural gas, mainly if you use natural gas for cooking and heating water
There are two kinds of energy-efficient heaters:
Radiant gas heaters (convection heaters) that use a combination of radiated heat and heated air
Convection gas heaters that only heat the air and blow it into the space you want to heat
New Unflued Gas Heaters
Since unflued heaters run on gas and produce a lot of water vapour that can cause condensation resulting in mould, there are restrictions on their installation if they are operated on natural gas in Victoria
At Gas Safe Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our professionals are qualified gas fitters who can attend to any of your heating and cooling needs. So, call us on 0459 788 870 today or fill in the convenient online form for advice on energy-efficient heating, and we’ll get back to you pronto.