I came across this very informative article on a South Australian Government
website. I think they make some good points to consider when trying to decide on what heating to use in your home.
Before you select a heater, you should make sure you do not waste valuable heat and energy in your home as this could add to your energy bills.
There are many ways to both reduce your need for heating and minimise the energy use of the heater, including:
making the most of natural heating from the sun
installing insulation and draught proofing - see the size of the area you want to heat for a table showing the affect of insulation on heater size
zoning your home.
The most energy efficient heater for your home is one that can provide you with a comfortable environment at the lowest cost.
There are five main considerations for selecting the right heater for your needs:
available fuel sources
what you want to heat
the size of the area you want to heat
how your choice in heating complements your existing and future cooling needs
purchase, installation and running costs.
1. Available fuel sources
There are three main energy sources used in household heating:
electricity
gas
wood.
The availability, cost and greenhouse gas emissions for each of these energy sources should be considered before choosing a heating appliance.
2. What do you want to heat? Heating a person, room or whole house
Heating the smallest possible area is more energy efficient than heating multiple rooms or the whole home.
If heating a person or small room consider a:
portable electric radiant heater
portable electric convection heater.
Portable electric heaters work best in smaller areas - eg bedrooms or small living areas. The maximum heating capacity of a portable heater is generally 2,400 W. Use the size chart in step 3 to see if the capacity of the heater is adequate for the room you want to heat.
If heating a large room or open plan area that is insulated and draught proofed consider a:
reverse cycle air conditioner
off-peak electric storage heater
flued or unflued gas heater
slow combustion wood heater.
If heating the whole house consider:
ducted reverse cycle air conditioner
ducted gas central heating
slow combustion stove with heat shifters.
3. Choosing the right size heater for the area you want to heat
You should have the areas you want heated sized by a heating specialist to ensure the most efficient heater is installed in your home.
A system that is too small will not be able to achieve comfortable temperatures and will lead to large heating bills.
The size of a heater refers to its output power and is the amount of heat energy an appliance can produce in watts (W). The input energy is also given in watts and can be used to determine the maximum hourly running costs. Energy efficient heaters provide the same level of heat for a lower input wattage.
The following table can be used as a guide to work out the heat output required per square metre of your home:
Home type Required heater output per square metre of floor area
Uninsulated home 130 watts or 0.47 megajoules per hour
Insulated ceiling only 100 watts or 0.36 megajoules per hour
Insulated ceiling and walls 80 watts or 0.29 megajoules per hour
Energy efficient home 60 watts or 0.22 megajoules per hour
The figures are based on rooms with 2.4 metre ceilings. A heating specialist will be able to provide more accurate sizing information for your particular situation.
4. How your choice in heating complements your existing and future cooling needs
Heating can be used for a period of six months while cooling can be as little as ten to fifteen days a year. This means your choice of heater should be a greater priority.
Installing heating and cooling systems that complement each other can help to reduce:
running costs
installation costs
greenhouse gas emissions.
For example, an evaporative cooling system paired with a gas space heater or a reverse cycle air conditioner for both heating and cooling.
5. Purchase, installation and running costs
Your choice in heater will also be affected by purchase, installation and running costs.
When shopping for a heater, obtain three quotes and compare prices. Keep in mind the cost of installation.
When comparing two equally sized appliances, choose the heater with the highest star rating - it will be cheaper to run.
Ask about running costs and any ongoing maintenance costs. Maintaining your heater is important to keep it safe and efficient.
Using your heater efficiently
The following tips will help you to use your heater efficiently and assist in reducing your heating related costs.
Set heating thermostats as low as you feel comfortable with. 18°C to 21°C is comfortable for most people. Every 1°C higher adds 10% to the running costs of your heater.
Adjust louvres towards the floor as hot air rises.
Maintain efficient performance of your heater by following the manufacturer's instructions. Keep reflectors dust free and clean air filters regularly.
Running costs of heating appliances
Running costs for radiant heaters can be calculated using the input wattage or megajoules of the appliance.
For convective heaters, calculating running costs based on input wattage or megajoules can give you a rough guide to the maximum hourly running costs. The actual running cost depends on:
the size and efficiency of the appliance
the size of the area you're trying to heat
the temperature set on the thermostat
if your home is insulated and draught proof.
This article made me feel so guilty I went and turned down my heater
.
Choosing a Heater
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