Keep Cosy This Winter: A Buyer's Guide to Heaters
How to shop for heaters, including style, fuel, and safety
Pia Sinha
2 July 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former Chief Copy Editor of GoodHomes, India Magazine. I write professionally about design and decor. Personally too, I am a big fan of design that marries functionality with elegance. At home, I use a combination of striking patterns, colourful prints and natural materials for some chutzpah and cheer!
Houzz Australia Contributor. Former Chief Copy Editor of GoodHomes, India Magazine.... More
With temperatures plummeting, investing in a heater feels like the best thing to break the chill. But it also begs the question: which heater will work best for my spaces? Selecting a heater from a range of options can be daunting, that’s why we’ve put together a guide tohelp you navigate through some of the most popular choices available today, with relevant tips and ideas, so you can make an informed decision about your purchase.
What to Do First
Consider improving your home’s insulation. According to the Government of South Australia’s Energy Advisory Service, “60 per cent of your home’s heat can be lost through ceilings and walls”. If you rent, it’s wise to ask your landlord if they are willing to install or replace the existing insulation. Even windows can facilitate heat loss, so consider opting for thicker curtains or blinds.
Note: Self-contained systems that work to heat single enclosed spaces are referred to as space heaters.
How to heat your home for less
Consider improving your home’s insulation. According to the Government of South Australia’s Energy Advisory Service, “60 per cent of your home’s heat can be lost through ceilings and walls”. If you rent, it’s wise to ask your landlord if they are willing to install or replace the existing insulation. Even windows can facilitate heat loss, so consider opting for thicker curtains or blinds.
Note: Self-contained systems that work to heat single enclosed spaces are referred to as space heaters.
How to heat your home for less
What Are Your Options?
Broadly, there are three popular categories of heaters available: electric, gas and reverse-cycle air conditioners.
Electric
Radiant heaters: These function well as spot heaters, but are not especially efficient at heating an entire room. Radiant heaters are the least expensive and can be floor or wall-mounted.
Note: Since radiant heaters offer exposed heating, they could pose a safety hazard especially if you have children or pets around.
Broadly, there are three popular categories of heaters available: electric, gas and reverse-cycle air conditioners.
Electric
Radiant heaters: These function well as spot heaters, but are not especially efficient at heating an entire room. Radiant heaters are the least expensive and can be floor or wall-mounted.
Note: Since radiant heaters offer exposed heating, they could pose a safety hazard especially if you have children or pets around.
Column/oil heaters: According to Nancy Humphreys, senior category manager at Kambrook, “Oil heaters are ideal for heating medium-sized living spaces. Though they may seem quite bulky and heavy, they’re safe to have around children and pets. They provide both convection and radiant heat, meaning that they are better suited to heat the air and the objects in the room gradually.”
That said, with the room taking longer to heat, you’re looking at more power and energy spent, thus lowering the overall energy efficiency of the product.
That said, with the room taking longer to heat, you’re looking at more power and energy spent, thus lowering the overall energy efficiency of the product.
Panel heaters: Electric panel heaters can help heat a single room efficiently and cost-effectively. They are typically lighter and more portable than their column counterpart. Heating is even and quick.
Note: Those with smaller rooms need not invest in panel heaters, since they can be more expensive to run.
Fan heaters: As the name suggests, a fan heater is designed to blow hot air to heat your room. They are usually smaller and more portable than any other electric heater. A fan heater is also well suited for heating small rooms for shorter time periods.
Note: Those with smaller rooms need not invest in panel heaters, since they can be more expensive to run.
Fan heaters: As the name suggests, a fan heater is designed to blow hot air to heat your room. They are usually smaller and more portable than any other electric heater. A fan heater is also well suited for heating small rooms for shorter time periods.
Electric fireplaces: Electric fireplaces will offer the old-world charm of a traditional fireplace without the smoke or mess. They add oodles of character to living areas or bedrooms. Remember to test the heater’s action before purchase.
Gas
A gas heater is can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. It will also require that your home has a gas mains supply. And, while this can be expensive to get at first, it can be more affordable to run in the long-term. But first, there’s a question you’ll have to answer: to flue or not to flue?
A flue is the pipe that helps carry all the exhaust gases from the heater to the outdoors. With un-flued heaters the exhaust gases will find their way back into your room.
See more ribbon fireplaces
A gas heater is can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. It will also require that your home has a gas mains supply. And, while this can be expensive to get at first, it can be more affordable to run in the long-term. But first, there’s a question you’ll have to answer: to flue or not to flue?
A flue is the pipe that helps carry all the exhaust gases from the heater to the outdoors. With un-flued heaters the exhaust gases will find their way back into your room.
See more ribbon fireplaces
Un-flued heaters: Un-flued heaters are usually portable and work well for instant heating. According to consumer association Choice, “Almost 90 per cent of the energy is converted into heat. What’s more, the un-flued heater produces only a quarter to a third of the carbon dioxide of an equivalent electric heater.” They are also pocket-friendly to run when compared to portable electric heaters.
The downside is that you cannot use them in bedrooms and poorly ventilated spaces since the gases could pose certain health problems, particularly for those with medical conditions. Different states and territories have varying regulations and guidance about the use of un-flued gas heaters. Click here for information on NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, ACT, WA, Tasmania and here for NZ.
The downside is that you cannot use them in bedrooms and poorly ventilated spaces since the gases could pose certain health problems, particularly for those with medical conditions. Different states and territories have varying regulations and guidance about the use of un-flued gas heaters. Click here for information on NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, ACT, WA, Tasmania and here for NZ.
Flued heaters: Since flued heaters eject all the exhaust gases outdoors, there are no emissions in your home. However, it can be less efficient at converting gas into heat in comparison to its un-flued counterpart. Remember to hire a licensed gas fitter to ensure that the heater is installed correctly and safely.
Hydronic heating
If you’re looking for a centralised and highly efficient heating solution for your home, then hydronic heating can be the way go. The system uses a variety of fuels, such as gas or a heat pump, to distribute heat. This then moves through radiator panels or underfloor heating pipes to warm your spaces. The cost to install hydronic heating is relatively high, but the cost of running the system is dependent upon which fuel you choose.
Tip: A gas system uses up to 70 per cent less energy in comparison to the electric reverse cycle systems.
Is hydronic heating right for you
If you’re looking for a centralised and highly efficient heating solution for your home, then hydronic heating can be the way go. The system uses a variety of fuels, such as gas or a heat pump, to distribute heat. This then moves through radiator panels or underfloor heating pipes to warm your spaces. The cost to install hydronic heating is relatively high, but the cost of running the system is dependent upon which fuel you choose.
Tip: A gas system uses up to 70 per cent less energy in comparison to the electric reverse cycle systems.
Is hydronic heating right for you
Reverse-cycle air conditioners
A ducted reverse-cycle system will provide a more permanent solution for your heating and cooling requirements and can be a more energy-efficient choice when compared with other electric heaters. However, installation costs are high.
Tip: For open-plan living areas and bedrooms, reverse-cycle air conditioning is highly desirable. But, if you experience a mild winter at best, or if you’re renting, this is not for you.
A ducted reverse-cycle system will provide a more permanent solution for your heating and cooling requirements and can be a more energy-efficient choice when compared with other electric heaters. However, installation costs are high.
Tip: For open-plan living areas and bedrooms, reverse-cycle air conditioning is highly desirable. But, if you experience a mild winter at best, or if you’re renting, this is not for you.
Before You Shop
Consider the size and space of your room
If you’re looking for a space heater, take into account elements such as the total area you’re looking to heat, climate, ceiling height and insulation.
Size calculator
For a well-insulated room with a standard ceiling height (2.4 metres) Choice suggests calculating based on 100 watts of power for every square metre of space. For a room that measures 12 square metres, you will require a 1,200 watt (1.2kW) heater.
Often when shopping for gas heaters, you’ll find that output in kWh (kilo watt per hour) is not available. What you’ll find instead is heat input in megajoules (MJ). According to LPG Gas suppliers Elgas, 1kWh output = 3.6 MJ input at 100 per cent efficiency. However, no appliance is 100 per cent efficient. And since this calculation is only an indicator of the amount of gas the heater uses, it’s best to refer to the heater’s star rating for more clarity on efficiency.
Consider the size and space of your room
If you’re looking for a space heater, take into account elements such as the total area you’re looking to heat, climate, ceiling height and insulation.
Size calculator
For a well-insulated room with a standard ceiling height (2.4 metres) Choice suggests calculating based on 100 watts of power for every square metre of space. For a room that measures 12 square metres, you will require a 1,200 watt (1.2kW) heater.
Often when shopping for gas heaters, you’ll find that output in kWh (kilo watt per hour) is not available. What you’ll find instead is heat input in megajoules (MJ). According to LPG Gas suppliers Elgas, 1kWh output = 3.6 MJ input at 100 per cent efficiency. However, no appliance is 100 per cent efficient. And since this calculation is only an indicator of the amount of gas the heater uses, it’s best to refer to the heater’s star rating for more clarity on efficiency.
While You Shop
Star ratings
Energy-efficient appliances will ultimately help reduce your energy bills. More stars equals more bill savings.
Tip: Always choose a heater that’s the right size. Large heaters in small rooms can mean a lot of energy wasted and with that, money.
Another way to optimise energy usage is to invest in a heater with a thermostat or timer controls. With a thermostat, your heater will automatically switch off when the ideal temperature has been reached.
Star ratings
Energy-efficient appliances will ultimately help reduce your energy bills. More stars equals more bill savings.
Tip: Always choose a heater that’s the right size. Large heaters in small rooms can mean a lot of energy wasted and with that, money.
Another way to optimise energy usage is to invest in a heater with a thermostat or timer controls. With a thermostat, your heater will automatically switch off when the ideal temperature has been reached.
Safety Matters
While heaters are designed to warm you up, there’s no reason for a fire hazard. Consumer Reports suggests “investing in space heaters that switch off, in the event of over-heating or tipping over”.
Tip: When you’re out shopping, invest in a heater that has the label of a recognised testing laboratory. Don’t forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels before commencing use.
While heaters are designed to warm you up, there’s no reason for a fire hazard. Consumer Reports suggests “investing in space heaters that switch off, in the event of over-heating or tipping over”.
Tip: When you’re out shopping, invest in a heater that has the label of a recognised testing laboratory. Don’t forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels before commencing use.
Our Verdict
Invest in a heater that is tailored for your home. Bedrooms, small living rooms and study spaces will benefit from a panel, column or electric fire heater. For personal heating, radiant heaters are most effective. Also, if you are looking to heat your rooms for only a couple of hours everyday, it makes more sense to go with a small panel or fan heater.
That said, electric heaters don’t make for the most efficient of choices. Gas heaters, on the other hand, can convert up to 90 per cent of energy used into heat. And, while installing a gas mains supply feels expensive at first, running costs can be significantly lower in the long run. An article on the Alinta Energy website comparing gas and electric heaters further adds that, “Portable natural gas heaters can help save up to 40 per cent in running costs when compared to similar electric heaters.”
With reverse-cycle air conditioning, you are guaranteed more efficiency compared to other electric heaters, particularly for heating larger spaces. Try not to cut corners by investing in a cheap model. This may save you a few dollars now, but can be more expensive to run in the long term.
Tell us
Did you find this guide helpful? Share your experiences of shopping for a heater, and what you recommend. Comment below to let us know.
More
Browse images of cosy fireside spaces
Invest in a heater that is tailored for your home. Bedrooms, small living rooms and study spaces will benefit from a panel, column or electric fire heater. For personal heating, radiant heaters are most effective. Also, if you are looking to heat your rooms for only a couple of hours everyday, it makes more sense to go with a small panel or fan heater.
That said, electric heaters don’t make for the most efficient of choices. Gas heaters, on the other hand, can convert up to 90 per cent of energy used into heat. And, while installing a gas mains supply feels expensive at first, running costs can be significantly lower in the long run. An article on the Alinta Energy website comparing gas and electric heaters further adds that, “Portable natural gas heaters can help save up to 40 per cent in running costs when compared to similar electric heaters.”
With reverse-cycle air conditioning, you are guaranteed more efficiency compared to other electric heaters, particularly for heating larger spaces. Try not to cut corners by investing in a cheap model. This may save you a few dollars now, but can be more expensive to run in the long term.
Tell us
Did you find this guide helpful? Share your experiences of shopping for a heater, and what you recommend. Comment below to let us know.
More
Browse images of cosy fireside spaces
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Hi Pia,
Should you require any further information on Hydronic Heating then please do not hesitate to contact us. As Australias largest supplier of hydronic heating, we would be happy to answer any questions that may assist with ongoing articles on hydronic heating.
Thanks,
Sophie Okill
sophieo@huntheat.com.au
Thank you Sophie!
After a great deal of research for a new home my decision was reverse cycle with no ducting. Heat pumps are reverse cycle AC. Something everyone should consider. I wanted to heat the room without polluting the environment. Cheaper in the long term and avoiding ducts and downlight meant my insulation works better, meaning less heating and cooling dollars spent. Do your research.