Does ducted gas heating have a lower running cost vs. reverse cycle?
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option for heating in your home, two of your top options are gas heating and reverse cycle heating. While both have benefits and features, it is important to analyse both alongside each other to ensure you are getting the best value for money for your property in Adelaide.
Gas heating is as the name states run using natural gas as a fuel while reverse cycle heating is run using electricity. Both options have benefits and features, which will be explored in this article. If you want to find out which heating option offers the lowest running costs it’s important to analyse the features of both, calculate the running cost of each, explore the costs for the units and installation and a range of other factors before you make a decision.
Features of gas vs. reverse cycle
Reverse cycle heating is generated via a heat pump whereas gas heating is created by heating air using gas combustion. At the end of the day, both heating options do provide comfortable heat however they use different ways to create the heat for your property.
Gas heating offers a range of benefits to uses including low running costs, zoned capabilities, fast heating, energy efficiency, superior performance in colder weather and flexible zoning options, in the case of ducted gas heating systems. On the other hand, reverse cycle heating offers the same benefits, however, does have a higher running cost and the heating can be a little slower. As well as this, a heat pump in used to run the heating system as opposed to natural gas.
All in all, if your decision for ducted gas and reverse cycle is to be made on the cost of running the system, it’s important to calculate the cost of running the system and compare it with another system to get a fair indication of the on-going running costs you will be experiencing for your heating system.
Cost of running gas vs. reverse cycle
The calculations outlined below help to provide a clearer picture of the running costs of gas systems vs. reverse cycle cycles.
Note that each state will have variances in the cost of running the systems due to the fact that the cost of electricity and gas is based on the tariff rate from the provider and this can vary.
Tips for gas heating cost calculator:
– Determine the gas consumption in mega joules per hour on the unit (MJ/h) – this will usually be listed on the unit
– Refer to your bill or gas provider for the tariff rate, which is the amount per unit and use this for the calculation in the next step
– Multiply the gas consumption by the tariff to calculate hourly running cost
– To calculate the daily running cost of the heater multiply the hourly running cost by the average number of hours per day you use it
– based on this calculation, you will have an indicative price for your gas heating system to compare to reverse cycle heating
Tips for reverse cycle cost calculator:
– Find out the appliances input power in kW
– Check your bill for the energy tariff rate which is outlined in per units of electricity
– Multiply the input power by the energy tariff – providing an hourly running cost for the system
– Next, if you would like a daily rate you can calculate this output rate by the number of hours you plan to run the system
These two calculations will provide you with an indicative price for your heating system so you can compare the two and determine which is more affordable for your needs.
You should also keep in mind that there is also a range of things to consider when installing a heating system such as installation costs, the cost of the unit, ongoing servicing and maintenance costs and any other things you may need to incorporate to install the system into your home or property.
How to improve the effectiveness of your heating
Climate controlling your home with heating and cooling can account for up to 40% of your energy usage, so if you are trying to ensure your running costs are kept to a minimum, you can use the tips below to help you save costs on heating where possible.
Top tips for improving the effectiveness of your heating:
– If it is sunny, use the natural sun to heat the home for free – while it’s important to close windows and blinds during the evening to keep heat in, if the sun is shining you can use the heat of the sun to naturally warm your home without the need for heating. Move any external shading to help you get as much free and natural light into your property.
– Zone control your home – using zoning you can heat the areas that need it and turn off heating in areas that don’t. Dividing your home into zones will help to lower heating costs and ensure that you are only heating areas that need heat and not wasting energy.
– Adding insulation where possible keeps in heat – if you are building your home or renovating adding in extra insulation will work to ensure heating does not escape from the windows, ceiling, walls, floors or any air leaks within the home or property. Interestingly, 60% of heat can be lost through ceilings and walls of poorly insulated homes making it a viable option to ensure you have adequate insulation to keep heat in where it belongs.
– Set up draft proofing in your property – there can be gaps in your home around doors and windows which can contribute to lost heat during the winter and lost cooling during the summer months. Using draught excluders such as door snakes, sealing strips and filling in any gaps can help with your heating and cooling and ensure you are keeping your costs to a minimum without unnecessary loss.
How to choose the lowest cost heating for your needs
Whether you use ducted air conditioning or reverse cycle, it’s important to be aware of energy efficiency labels to compare the efficiency of a range of models. The labels will outline the rating for you at a glance, however, it is important to have a clear understanding of what this will mean for you as a consumer.
Electric appliances energy ratings
Electric appliances have an energy rating label in Australian that will outline the energy performance for the system. While higher-rated models may be more expensive, the higher the star, the better when it comes to buying the best system for your needs.
Energy rating labels are mandatory for appliances including televisions, computer monitors, air conditioners, clothes dryers, washing machines, freezers and more, and it is important to be aware of the energy rating stars and the super efficiency star ratings to get a detailed understanding of how the system’s kW output suits your needs and budget.
The sticker will provide a guide to energy consumption per year and will allow you to calculate the total approximate price ahead of making a decision.
Gas energy ratings
While in the gas industry the energy rating is not mandatory like electric appliances, the Gas Energy Rating Label does exist and is available for comparing items such as a gas heater.
The system is voluntary, so it is important to note that while you will be able to get comparable rates of energy consumption, not all system will come with a star rating for gas systems.
Things to consider when buying your air conditioning system
As well as calculating the energy usage based on the approximate consumption you should be aware of the following factors below purchasing your air conditioning system.
– Local climate – where you live plays a part in how long the heating system will take to warm up and work for you. Gas starts basically instantly while reverse cycle heating may take longer the colder it is outside.
– Room and house size – your floor plan and the square metres your system needs to heat will play a part in the heating of your home.
– Ceiling height of your property – the ceiling height should be taken into account for your heating and cooling – if you have high ceilings, you will need to adequately heat your property and take this measurement into consideration.
– Area of windows and the insulation in your property – this should be taken into consideration when heating your home and the area you need to will be affected by the amount of insulation and glass in your property.
Whatever decision you make when it comes to gas heating or reverse cycle, it’s important to be aware that both have many benefits and features and you should make your decision based on your property specifically. Engage the services of a qualified heating expert to visit your property and provide a detailed quote for services to get a better understanding of what is required and the best options for your individual needs.
Rite Price Heating & Cooling offer affordable heating options for a wide range of systems for customers across Adelaide. Call the team to arrange a free onsite quote to discuss your heating requirements today.