Central Heating Systems
A central home heating system distributes warmth throughout a house from a single source, using ducts, pipes, or radiators. Heat sources include gas, electricity, wood, and reverse-cycle air conditioning, each with distinct running costs and efficiencies.
A central heating system warms an entire home from one main unit. It typically uses:
- Ducts to circulate warm air (forced-air systems)
- Pipes and radiators for hot water or steam (hydronic systems)
- Floor coils or panels for radiant heating
The system is controlled by a thermostat and may include zoning to heat specific areas.
🔥 Types of Heat Sources
| Heat Source Type | Description | Common Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Gas (Natural or LPG) | Burns fuel to heat air or water; efficient and fast | Gas ducted, gas hydronic |
| Electricity | Powers resistance heaters or heat pumps; clean but can be costly | Electric ducted, heat pumps |
| Reverse-Cycle Air Con | Uses refrigerant to extract heat from outside air (even in winter) | Ducted or split-system air con |
| Pellet Boiler | Burns pellet fuel in a hot water boiler; low fuel costs. | Pellet hydronic, slow combustion |
| Solar Heating | Uses solar collectors to warm water or air; low running cost, high setup | Solar hydronic, hybrid systems |
💰 Running Costs (Annual Estimates for 100 m² Area)
These figures are based on a Melbourne climate and a pre-2005 home. Multiply by 1.5 for colder climates like Ballarat or Tasmania:
| System Type | Estimated Annual Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Gas Ducted (3 Star) | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Gas Ducted (6 Star) | $1,200–$1,600 |
| Gas Hydronic (C Rating) | $2,800–$3,200 |
| Gas Hydronic (A Rating) | $1,800–$2,200 |
| Reverse-Cycle Air Con | $600–$1,000 |
| Electric Resistance | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Pellet Combustion | ~$800–$1,200 |
Note: Costs vary based on insulation, thermostat settings, and energy tariffs. Reverse-cycle air conditioning is often the cheapest to run but has higher upfront costs (up to $15,000 for ducted systems).
🧠 Smart Tips for Efficiency
- Upgrade insulation to reduce heat loss
- Use zoning to heat only occupied areas
- Maintain systems regularly for peak performance
- Consider hybrid setups (e.g., solar + heat pump) for long-term savings