Gas Space Heaters vs Ducted Heating
When it comes to heating homes in Australia, two popular options are gas space heaters and ducted gas heaters. Both provide warmth and comfort but differ in functionality, installation, and cost.
Choosing the right heating system is crucial for energy efficiency and long-term savings. Understanding the pros and cons of each option can help homeowners make an informed decision. This article delves into the key aspects of gas space heaters and ducted heating, comparing their efficiency, costs, and suitability for various home types.
Overview of Gas Space Heaters
Gas space heaters are a popular choice for many Australian households due to their efficiency and ability to provide quick, targeted warmth to a single room. These heaters operate by burning natural gas to generate heat, which is then circulated within the room.
There are two main types of gas space heaters:
- portable gas heaters
- flued gas heaters
A portable gas heater is convenient and can be moved between rooms as needed, making it ideal for smaller spaces or temporary heating needs. However, they require proper ventilation to avoid the build-up of harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
Flued gas heaters, on the other hand, are fixed in place and have a flue or chimney to expel combustion gases outside the home. This makes them safer for prolonged use and more suitable for larger rooms or continuous heating. Both types are favoured for their quick heating capabilities and cost-effectiveness, especially in comparison to electric heaters.
Overview of a Ducted Gas Heating System
Gas ducted heating is widely appreciated for its ability to uniformly heat an entire home. These systems typically use a central heating unit, which can be powered by natural gas or electricity, to warm air that moves through ducts in the roof and is distributed through vents installed in select rooms throughout the home.
There are two main ducted gas heating system types:
- gas ducted heating
- ducted reverse cycle air conditioning
Gas ducted heating uses a gas furnace to heat the air, providing consistent warmth throughout the home. This type is particularly effective for larger homes where individual room heaters would be less efficient.
Reverse-cycle air conditioning systems keep your home warm just like ducted gas heaters do. However, they also provide year-round climate control with the added function of cooling your home in the warmer months.
Efficiency and Running Costs
When considering heating options, efficiency, energy prices and running costs are crucial factors. Both gas space heaters and ducted heating systems have unique advantages and cost implications.
Natural Gas Heaters
Gas space heaters are known for their high efficiency, especially when used to heat specific areas in the colder months, rather than the entire home. They boast energy efficiency ratings of up to 90%, meaning that they convert most of the consumed gas into heat. The cost of operating a gas space heater depends on the price of natural gas or LPG and the heater’s efficiency. Generally, they are more economical than electric heaters, particularly in smaller spaces where their quick heating capabilities can be fully utilised.
Portable gas heaters can be more cost-effective due to their flexibility in heating only occupied rooms, reducing unnecessary energy use. While purchase and installation costs can make flued gas heaters initially more expensive, they offer safer and more consistent heating. This can translate into long-term savings.
Gas Ducted Heating
Gas ducted heating systems are efficient for larger homes, providing whole-home heating with zoning capabilities to optimise energy use. These systems typically have efficiency ratings between 80% and 95%, similar to gas space heaters. Despite potentially higher running costs due to heating multiple rooms, the efficiency of a centralised system can be more economical for large properties compared to multiple individual heaters.
Reverse cycle air conditioning systems, though more expensive to install, offer both heating and cooling, making them cost-effective in the long run. The choice between gas space heaters and ducted systems depends on home size and specific heating needs.
Environmental Impact
When selecting a heating system, considering its environmental impact is crucial. Gas space heaters, especially portable models, emit greenhouse gases directly into the home, though modern models keep those emissions to a minimum.
Flued gas heaters reduce indoor pollution by venting gases outside but still contribute to carbon emissions. Ducted heating systems, particularly those using natural gas, also produce greenhouse gases but can be more efficient for larger homes. Reverse cycle air conditioning systems that use electricity may have a lower carbon footprint if powered by renewable energy. Their environmental impact, however, depends on the regional electricity generation methods.
Choosing energy-efficient models and using renewable energy can help mitigate the environmental impact.
Gas Space Heaters vs Ducted Heating: Which is Better?
Deciding between gas space heaters and ducted heating depends on various factors such as home size, heating needs, and budget. Each system has its strengths and ideal use cases.
Gas space heaters are well-suited for smaller homes or individual rooms, offering quick, targeted heating. They are typically more cost-effective to install and run in smaller spaces. Portable models provide flexibility, while flued versions offer safer, consistent warmth.
Ducted heating systems excel in larger homes, providing uniform heat throughout multiple rooms. Gas ducted heating is efficient and effective for whole-home heating, while reverse cycle air conditioning offers the added benefit of cooling in summer. Though more expensive to install, ducted systems can be more economical for continuous, extensive use.
Ultimately, the choice hinges on specific needs. For smaller, targeted heating, gas space heaters are ideal. For comprehensive, whole-home comfort, ducted heating is the better option. Homeowners should consider their living space and heating requirements to make an informed decision.
Choose the Perfect Heater for Your Home!
Choosing between gas space heaters and ducted heating systems depends on individual needs and home size. Space heaters are ideal for smaller spaces, offering quick, efficient heating with lower installation costs. They are particularly useful for targeted heating in specific rooms.
Ducted heating systems, on the other hand, provide uniform warmth throughout larger homes and can offer both heating and cooling with reverse-cycle air conditioning. While they have higher initial costs, their efficiency and comprehensive coverage make them a viable option for extensive use. Ultimately, understanding your specific requirements will guide you to the best heating solution for your home.
Please note: Thank you for reading our blog “Gas Space Heaters vs Ducted Heating”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See After Hours Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.