With so many options, it’s hard to decide on the right heating solution to keep you warm through winter. Gas heating and split system air conditioning are two popular heating systems in Australia – but how do you know which is best for you?
Consider the pros and cons of each option and understand what your home requires. Just because one of the options works better for others does not necessarily mean it will for you.
With that, let’s dive into what’s the difference between the two.
1. Gas Heater vs Split System Air Conditioner: What’s The Difference?
Gas Heater
Gas heaters work by using natural gas to heat indoor or outdoor spaces. They come in different shapes and sizes and have traditionally been a popular choice for Australian households because of their efficiency.
The way they work is simple – the heater burns gas, which then produces heat and is released into the room by fans. These heaters require a gas connection to function.
Split System Air Conditioning
Split systems are wall mounted air conditioning units that work to condition the air in a single space/room. Not many people know this but split system air conditioners can provide both cooling and heating solutions. Unlike gas heating systems which require a gas connection to operate, split systems need electricity to run.
2. Pros And Cons Of Gas Heaters and Split System ACs
To help you get a better idea of what each system can do, we’ve put together a list compiling the pros and cons of each. We’re considering energy usage, costs, installation and other factors.
| Gas Heater | Split System Air Conditioner | |
| Energy usage (~3 months of winter) | 4,050MJ – 6,750MJ | 224kWh – 478kWh |
| Running costs (~3 months of winter) | $96 – $327, depending on size of heater and energy star rating | $57 – $121, depending on capacity of air conditioner |
| Efficiency | Uses 3x more energy than air conditioners to produce same output | 3x more efficient than gas heaters. |
| Effectiveness in cold weather (important to note) | More effective in extreme cold weather because they’re not impacted by outside temperature | Less effective in extreme cold weather |
| Ease of installation | Easy to install, especially if you already have a gas connection | Relatively straightforward to install but requires specialist knowledge and skills |
| Safety (families with children etc.) | Risk of faulty heater spilling carbon monoxide in your home, which could make you seriously ill or kill you.
To mitigate this:
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Old air conditioners can be a breeding ground for bacteria and be a fire hazard
To mitigate this:
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| Other benefits |
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| Disadvantages |
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3. How To Decide Which Is Best?
Costs
Split system air conditioners tend to have higher up front costs compared to gas heaters. However, split systems become more affordable to maintain in the long run.
| Gas Heater | Split System Air Conditioner | |
| Purchasing + installation | Unflued: < $1,000
Flued: $1200 to $2500 |
$1,500 – $5,000 |
| Servicing cost | $150 – $300 (once every 1-2 years) | $190 – $ 200 (once every year) |
Weather
During extremely cold months, you may find yourself intending to leave your heater system running all day long. In this case, a split system air conditioner would be the more cost effective option.
Gas heaters use 3x as much energy than split system air conditioners to generate the same output, making them less efficient. This is because split system air conditioners use electricity to generate thermal heat while gas heaters burn gas to produce heat.
Heating And Cooling Features
Split system air conditioners are versatile as they can provide both heating and cooling. This makes it easy if you’re trying to save on space and additional installation costs.
Also, in some cases if heaters are left unused for several months they may require maintenance to function properly. Having a single system that you’re using all year long would prevent this problem from happening.
Size Of House
When deciding to get any heating system, you should first know how much power you require for your space. If you’re looking to provide heating just for several different rooms, you can choose to get a few units of split system air conditioners or gas heaters.
However, if you’re looking to heat your whole house, you might want to consider getting a ducted split system or gas heater. A ducted system can work to sufficiently heat larger spaces.
Gearing Up For Winter
Gas heaters used to be really popular when gas prices were lower but moving forward, split system air conditioners seem to be the way to go. They use less energy and work more effectively in the long run.
Thinking of upgrading or replacing your heating system? Speak to our trained technicians to find out what would be the best solution for you.
