The table below gives you some approximate annual running costs for a range of types and sizes of different heating options:
Small room (10-15m2)
| Suitable heater types | Energy star rating | Annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Small gas (3 kW) | 2 stars | $155 |
| 4.5 stars | $125 | |
| Portable electric heater (2.4 kW) | N/A | $450 |
| Electric split system air conditioner (3 kW) | 2.5 stars | $125 |
| 5 stars | $95 |
Medium room (30-40 m2)
| Suitable heater types | Energy star rating | Annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Medium gas (5.5 kW) | 2 stars | $275 |
| 4.5 stars | $225 | |
| Electric panel or fan (4 kW) | N/A | $825 |
| Electric split system air conditioner (5.5 kW) | 1.5 stars | $255 |
| 3.5 stars | $205 |
Large area (60-70 m2)
| Suitable heater types | Energy star rating | Annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Large gas (8 kW) | 2 stars | $405 |
| 4.5 stars | $330 | |
| Electric split system air conditioner (8 kW) | 1.5 stars | $375 |
| 3.5 stars | $300 |
Whole house (160-170 m2)
| Suitable heater types | Energy star rating | Annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Gas ducted (23 kW) - not zoned | 3.5 stars | $1,055 |
| 5 stars | $980 | |
| 6 stars | $895 | |
| Gas ducted (23 kW) - zoned | 3.5 stars | $790 |
| 5 stars | $735 | |
| 6 stars | $670 | |
| Split system ducted (20 kW) - not zoned | Standard | $1,220 |
| High efficiency | $1,025 | |
| Split system ducted (20 kW) - zoned | Standard | $915 |
| High efficiency | $770 |
* Approximate costs per year, based on 900 hours usage. Based on electricity tariff of 27.7 cents / kWh, and marginal natural gas tariffs of 1.50 cnets / MJ (gas ducting heating) and 1.66 cents / MJ (gas room heating). Actual costs for your house will depend on the area heated, how long you run the heating for, your thermostat settings, how well insulated the house is, your energy tariffs and your local climate.
** Table sourced from Sustainability Victoria (2014).
*** Disclaimer: The tariffs and information above was produced for Victorian residents.
Compare star ratings
In order to find the most efficient gas heater to suit your needs, make full use of the energy rating labels found on gas heaters. Fundamentally, the more stars there is, the more you save. The lower the consumption number, the less energy you use and the more you save. To compare the annual energy consumption, use the number in the energy consumption box.
Buy to save in the long run
In the long run, getting the right sized heater or heating system for your needs and room sizes could benefit you and your family tremendously. Ducted heating can save you a lot as it will warm more rooms at the same time. Another way to save is when buying a gas space heater or a gas ducted heating system, make sure it is at least 4 stars. Lastly, do buy a unit with a thermostat and timer as you will see its benefits in the long run.
