Choose the right heater for your needs

There are two main types of heating:

• Radiant heaters predominantly heat people and objects by direct radiation of heat
• Convective heaters warm and circulate the air in a room

They’re best in different circumstances:

• in larger rooms with high ceilings, a combination of radiant and convective heating is best
• in small rooms, space convective heating is effective
• in larger draughty rooms or bathrooms, radiant heating works best

The best type of heating will depend on your circumstances. Before buying a new heater, think about:

• Does the room need mechanical heating or will it be enough to eliminate draughts, improve insulation and dress warmly?
• How many rooms need to be heated and how big are they? • How much will the new heater cost to run?
• How often and for how long will you need heating?
• What options do you have for powering the heater?
• Does the heater come with a timer so that you are only heating the room when required?

Your Energy Savings (Australian Government) provides a good list of the heating choices available to you.

Reverse-cycle air conditioners (or heat pumps) are the most energy efficient type of electric heater.

Installation of reverse cycle / split-system air-conditioners often affect common property because one part is outside the lot with pipe connections also penetrating common property walls.

Be aware - unflued gas heaters must have adequate ventilation. They can cause indoor air pollution that may affect your health. The NSW Health Factsheet—Unflued gas heaters outlines important health information.