Heating cost comparison
How does this compare to my current energy use?
Please note: This is a guide only and will depend on the appliances that you choose. For example natural gas appliances have an average efficiency rate of 80% compared to some electrical appliances (such as heat pumps) that can have an efficiency rate of 300%. That is for every 1 kWh of energy that is used you will get the equivalent of 3 kWh of energy.
| Heater | Capacity | Efficiency | Max/hour | Thermostat effect (21°C) | Average cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7am-11pm | 5pm-11pm | |||||
| Heat Pump1 | 6kW | 300%2 | 30.31¢ | 70% | $3.40 | $1.27 |
| Heat Pump Geothermal1 | 6kW | 400%2 | 22.74¢ | 70% | $2.55 | $0.95 |
| Wood1 | 6kW equivalent output |
60%2 | 34.76¢ | N/A | $8.345 24h output |
$2.096 |
| OffPeak Heating1 | 6kW equivalent 24h output |
100%2 | 45.76¢ | 70% | $7.694 24h output |
$7.694 24h output |
| Natural Gas1 | 6kW equivalent output |
80%3 | 60.75¢ | 70% | $6.80 | $2.55 |
| Ceiling Heat7 | 6kW | 100% | 90.94¢ | 70% | $8.737 | $3.277 |
| Fixed Fan1 | 6kW | 100% | 90.94¢ | 70% | $10.19 | $3.82 |
| Portable1 max 3 needed | 6kW equivalent ouput |
100% | $1.51 | 70% | $16.89 | $6.33 |
| Oil Heater1 | 6kW equivalent output |
70%2 | $1.29 | 70% | $14.43 | $5.41 |
| LPG1 | 6kW equivalent ouput |
80%2 3 | $1.48 | 70% | $16.53 | $6.20 |
The above table is to be used as a guide only based on 60m2 or 6.5 squares. Costs may vary depending on room size insulation heat-loss the actual heater and usage.
- Service charges and metre costs are not included. Electrical heating prices are based on Aurora Tariffs – Aurora Heating Discount residential rates – Tariff 31 and Tariff 61 as at July 2009. Aurora natural gas prices current as at July 2010. LPG cylinder price $112.50 calculated at 16 February 2009. Oil prices are based on current heating oil prices in Hobart 16 February 2009 of $1.57 per litre. Wood cost at $140 per tonne based on average advertised newspaper prices in Hobart February 2009.
- Different models will have different rates of efficiency.
- Unflued heaters which are not recommended by Aurora can have an efficiency rating of 90 per cent. Flued gas heaters have efficiency ratings that vary from 60–90 per cent. Flame-effect heaters can have an efficiency rating as low as 50 per cent.
- OffPeak heating is on for a set period during the overnight/afternoon OffPeak times and offer 24-hour heating. Prices are based on Aurora’s Tariff 61.
- Over winter stay-at-home couples like to heat their home from early in the morning turning on at 7am and switching off just before they go to bed at 11pm (16 hours total). To enable this a woodheater needs to be left on for 24 hours. OffPeak heating can be on for a maximum of 10–12 hours.
- Over winter working couples rarely turn the heater on before going to work. After work they go home and the heater stays on till they go to bed at 11pm. To enable this a woodheater needs to be left on for at least six hours. OffPeak heating can be on for a maximum of 10–12 hours.
- Running costs for ceiling heat at 18°C.