The Cost of Heating
Gas Heating
Gas heating tends to be more expensive than electric heating overall. There is the initial cost of the unit and the ongoing gas expense. If you are looking at bottled gas as opposed to mains this increases the costs again. There are also moving parts including valves, ignition components, moving parts and burners to consider that will need ongoing maintenance and replacement over time.
Electric Heating
Electric heaters are efficient and easier to operate and maintain. Electric heaters are over 90% efficient and are perfectly safe for use indoors or outdoors. They are also economical to operate and require little maintenance beyond periodic cleaning. Electric heaters do not produce any sound, odours or emit harmful gases.
Wood Heating
Wood fired heater are atmospheric, alluring and expensive. The current ca ost of cubic metre of wood is $160. You also need to ask yourself, if the wood was your only source of outdoor heating, would you use the area as much as you would if you had already had installed electric heating? Probably not. Wood is wonderful and romantic but think of the practical side of the area you are looking to heat.
How to work out the cost of electric heating
- Find the wattage of the appliance your heater on the serial number plate
- Multiply wattage by the number of hours used each day
- Divide that result by 1,000
- Multiply your answer by the number of days you will use the heater
- Multiply the cost of electricity per kWh.
Heat Source: Chimenea
Fuel: Wood
Heated Area: 2-3 metres
Efficiency: <50%
Costing: Current wood charges
Heat Source: Wood Pit
Fuel: Wood
Heated Area: 2-4 metres
Efficiency: <50%
Costing: Current wood charges
Heat Source: Portable
Fuel: Gas
Heated Area: 2-3 metres
Efficiency: <50%
Costing: Current gas charges
Heat Source: Strip
Fuel: Electricity
Heated Area: 3.5 x 3.5
Efficiency: 90%
Costing: Based on supply charge
So as you can see, the Cost of Heating can really add up if you’re running an inefficient way to warm those large living areas. Make sure you consider all your options, including the type of heating you’re going to use, where it will be used and if it is the best option when it comes to being efficient about it.
For businesses, there’s a great article to read when it comes to keeping you customers warmer over the colder months: Heating Restaurants & Cafes
