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This page provides approximate annual running costs and greenhouse gas emissions for a range of types and sizes of heating options.
These should be used as a guide only. Energy costs will depend on:
- the area being heated
- how well insulated your house is
- your thermostat settings
- the amount of time the heating is run
- your local climate
- your energy tariffs.
The calculations are based on an average 2-star house in a Melbourne climate.
To estimate the running cost for a cold climate, such as Ballarat, multiply these figures by 1.3. For a warm climate, such as Mildura, multiply these figures by 0.7.
To estimate the running cost for a 5-star house in a Melbourne climate multiply these figures by 0.4. For a 6-Star house multiply these figures by 0.3.
The calculations for slow combustion wood heaters only include greenhouse gas emissions. Wood heaters can also produce smoke pollution.
Read EPA’s advice on reducing wood smoke pollution.
Central heating
Small house 100m2
| Heater type | Energy star rating | Annual energy cost | Annual emissions (kg/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas ducted | 3 star | $835 | 2,810 |
| 4 star | $735 | 2,470 | |
| 6 star | $635 | 2,135 | |
| Gas hydronic | European C rating (84%) | $675 | 2,250 |
| European A rating (92%) | $620 | 2,055 | |
| Electric ducted reverse-cycle | 2 star | $840 | 3,415 |
| 4 star | $585 | 2,380 | |
| Electric multi-split reverse-cycle | 2 star | $730 | 2,965 |
| 3.5 star | $580 | 2,355 | |
| Electric in-slab | No ratings | $1,955 | 11,185 |
| Slow combustion wood heater | Standard | $760 | 200 |
Medium house 160m2
| Heater type | Energy star rating | Annual energy cost | Annual emissions (kg/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas ducted | 3 star | $1,250 | 4,500 |
| 4 star | $1,095 | 3,955 | |
| 6 star | $950 | 3,415 | |
| Gas hydronic | European C rating (84%) | $1,005 | 3,595 |
| European A rating (92%) | $920 | 3,285 | |
| Electric ducted reverse-cycle | 2 star | $1,295 | 5,270 |
| 3.5 star | $990 | 4,030 | |
| Electric multi-split reverse-cycle | 2 star | $1,140 | 4,640 |
| 3.5 star | $915 | 3,720 | |
| Electric in-slab | No ratings | $3,120 | 17,865 |
| Slow combustion wood heater | Standard | $1,215 | 320 |
Large house 220m2
| Heater type | Energy star rating | Annual energy cost | Annual emissions (kg/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas ducted | 3 star | $1,645 | 6,185 |
| 4 star | $1,445 | 5,435 | |
| 6 star | $1,250 | 4,695 | |
| Gas hydronic | European C rating (84%) | $1,325 | 4,945 |
| European A rating (92%) | $1,210 | 4,515 | |
| Ducted reverse-cycle | 2 star | $1,750 | 7,120 |
| 3.5 star | $1,360 | 5,535 | |
| Electric multi-split reverse-cycle | 2 star | $1,555 | 6,315 |
| 3.5 star | $1,250 | 5,080 | |
| Electric in-slab | No ratings | $4,280 | 24,515 |
| Slow combustion wood heater | Standard | $1,670 | 440 |
Room heating
Small room 12m2
| Heater type | Energy star rating | Annual energy cost | Annual emissions (kg/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas room heater | 3 star – natural gas | $125 | 345 |
| 5 star – natural gas | $105 | 290 | |
| 3 star – LPG | $265 | 395 | |
| 5 star – LPG | $225 | 335 | |
| Electric room reverse-cycle | 2 star | $120 | 485 |
| 5 star | $70 | 285 | |
| Electric portable heater | No ratings | $330 | 1,340 |
| Electric fixed heater | No ratings | $330 | 1,340 |
Medium room 30m2
| Heater type | Energy star rating | Annual energy cost | Annual emissions (kg/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas room heater | 3 star – natural gas | $295 | 845 |
| 5 star – natural gas | $250 | 720 | |
| 3 star – LPG | $655 | 970 | |
| 5 star – LPG | $560 | 830 | |
| Electric room reverse-cycle | 2 star | $270 | 1,080 |
| 5 star | $170 | 695 | |
| Electric portable heater | No ratings | $810 | 3,285 |
| Electric fixed heater | No ratings | $810 | 3,285 |
Large room 60m2
| Heater type | Energy star rating | Annual energy cost | Annual emissions (kg/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas room heater | 3 star – natural gas | $530 | 1,680 |
| 5 star – natural gas | $455 | 1,440 | |
| 3 star – LPG | $1,305 | 1,935 | |
| 5 star – LPG | $1,115 | 1,655 | |
| Electric room reverse-cycle | 2 star | $555 | 2,245 |
| 5 star | $380 | 1,535 | |
| Electric portable heater | No ratings | $1,605 | 6,525 |
| Electric fixed heater | No ratings | $1,605 | 6,525 |
| Slow combustion wood heater | Standard | $545 | 145 |
