Home heating is one of the biggest costs for any family or business, but there are ways to minimise the expense.

 Gas consumption in Australia is falling faster than anticipated, with green energy from wind and solar sources having a big impact sooner than expected. The Australian Energy Marketing Operator (AEMO) has stood by its previous warnings that a structural deficit in gas supply is due to emerge from 2028.

Electricity bills in our area, however, are going up from July 1. There will be an increase of 9.1% ($219 per year) for households and 7.1% for small businesses. The Australian Energy Regulator says the increase is necessary to reflect rising wholesale and network costs. The increase for regional and western NSW is the state’s highest. 

There is also the initial installation price (of appliances) to consider as well. This fact-checked research by Finder compares different 4 Star models of both gas and electric energy sources.

Per household their research shows the average cost is $249 ($2.48 per day). The average cost to use electricity is $241, compared to gas at $301. A reverse-cycle electricity system costs about half the price of the average gas system.  

Comparing gas to electricity

There is also the initial installation price (of appliances) to consider as well. This fact-checked research by Finder compares different 4 Star models of both gas and electric energy sources.

Per household their research shows the average cost is $249 ($2.48 per day). The average cost to use electricity is $241, compared to gas at $301. A reverse-cycle electricity system costs about half the price of the average gas system. 

Source: Finder https://www.finder.com.au/energy/winter-heating-costs

But, what does all this mean when it comes to consumer choice? The following explains all  the current available home heating options.  

Research from the Australian and NSW governments & consumer advocate groups all mark gas down when it comes to safe, efficient and affordable home heating, with many negatives outweighing any positives. Like gas in the kitchen, harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde, are associated with respiratory problems including asthma, and potentially carbon dioxide poisoning. It can lead to lung cancer and other long term health problems as well. Environmental concerns include greenhouse gas emissions.

What’s available?

The Energy Democracy Central West NSW Renewable Energy Co-operative successfully reached the community fundraising goal of $1.35 million to secure ownership of the park. The project also benefited from a $3.5m grant from the New South Wales Government’s Regional Community Energy Fund in 2020. The program was designed to assist local communities to participate in innovative and dispatchable renewable energy.

Space heaters:

These are portable and often used to heat small areas or rooms, they come in various forms like fan heaters, ceramic heaters, and radiant heaters. 

• Fan heaters use a fan to circulate heated air, offering quick warmth thus using a lot of energy. 
• Ceramic heaters produce fast and even heating. They can reach their target temperature very quickly and cool down just as fast, making them an energy efficient choice. 
• Convector heaters heat the air by convection, gradually raising the temperature of a room. 
• Oil-filled radiators have a heating element to warm oil, which then radiates heat, providing a gentle and consistent temperature. Given they retain heat, they are efficient to run.
• Radiant bar heaters: These heaters radiate heat (through infrared rays) outward generated from some bars integrated into the heater. Radiant heat, heats objects not the air. They can also be used to heat large spaces, for example offices, classrooms, churches.

Baseboard heaters:

Mounted on walls, they provide consistent heat and are often found in older homes. 

Electric storage heaters:

These heaters store heat during off-peak electricity rates and release it when needed.

Underfloor heating:

Embedded in floors, these systems provide a uniform heating solution so can be expensive to operate.

Reverse cycle air conditioners:

These are highly energy-efficient, offering both heating and cooling. The outside unit essentially sucks in air, either warming or cools the air and it into a building, feeding it through ducts. They are the most energy efficient options on the market, especially considering how ducting works to heat different areas of your house. 

Hydronic heating:

Hydronic heating is a system that uses water to distribute heat, offering efficient and comfortable warmth without the need for forced air. It operates by heating water in a boiler (gas or electric powered) and then circulating it through a network of pipes to various heat emitters like radiators or underfloor heating. 

The systems have a high initial cost, yet are the most efficient to run. Systems on a gas boiler are more expensive. However, systems run on heat pumps make it a very efficient option.