On this page:
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.
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 |
