All information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing (July 2024)
Gas Heater Buying Guide: Types, Sizing and Running Costs
30 June 2024Blog7 min
Choosing a gas heater for an Australian home depends on the rooms you want to heat, your home’s layout and insulation, local climate, existing gas infrastructure and installation requirements.
Key summary
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Compare gas heater types: Assess ducted heating, wall heaters, space heaters, gas fireplaces and hydronic heating against room size, layout, insulation and climate.
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Confirm capacity: Ask a licensed gasfitter to assess the required MJ/h capacity based on room dimensions, ceiling height, insulation, glazing and local climate.
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Follow safety advice: Install a CO alarm, maintain ventilation and never use an outdoor gas heater indoors or in an enclosed space.
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Check local rules: Rebates, eligibility and gas connection rules vary by state and may change; review current terms before purchase.
This guide compares gas heater types and explains the factors that affect sizing, installation and running costs. Before purchasing, ask a licensed gasfitter to assess your property, ventilation, flueing and installation requirements. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and maintenance.
Before installation, discuss your home’s needs with a licensed gasfitter. Correct sizing, professional installation and maintenance in line with the manufacturer’s instructions can support safe operation and help maintain your system over its service life.
To help you work out what’s best for your place, we spoke to heating expert Brent Vrdoljak of gas heating retailer Rinnai. With his help, we put together this handy guide with things you need to know about buying a natural gas heater.
Types of gas heaters
Common gas heating options include ducted systems, wall and space heaters, gas fireplaces and hydronic heating. Each has different installation, ventilation, flueing and maintenance requirements. A licensed gasfitter can advise which type may suit your home and local requirements.
| Heater type | Typical application | Key considerations |
| Ducted gas heating |
Heating multiple rooms throughout a home
|
Ductwork, zoning options, system sizing, insulation and home layout
|
| Gas wall or space heater |
Heating a single room or defined area
|
Room size, appliance placement, ventilation requirements and flueing (where applicable)
|
| Gas fireplace |
Room heating and ambience
|
Location, room size, ventilation requirements and flueing
|
| Hydronic heating |
Homes seeking lower air movement from heating systems
|
Building design, heat source, pipework or radiators, and system configuration
|
| Outdoor gas heater |
Outdoor use only. Never use indoors or in an enclosed space.
|
Must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and not in enclosed indoor spaces
|
Ducted gas heating
Ducted gas heating uses a central unit and ductwork to distribute heat to multiple rooms. Some ducted systems offer zoning, which allows selected areas to be heated at different times. Ask a licensed gasfitter to confirm the suitable appliance type, placement and installation requirements for the room.
Gas space heaters and gas wall heaters
Gas space heaters and gas wall heaters are designed to heat a single room or defined area. Their suitability depends on room size, appliance placement, ventilation, flueing requirements and how the space is used. Installation requirements and suitability depend on the building design, system configuration and advice from appropriately licensed professionals.
Gas log fire
Gas fireplaces, sometimes called gas log fires, are designed to provide room heating and a flame-effect feature. Before choosing one, discuss room size, location, flueing, ventilation and installation requirements with a licensed gasfitter.
Hydronic heating
Hydronic heating circulates heated water through radiators or pipework installed beneath the floor. Because these systems do not use fans to distribute heat, they may suit households that prefer lower air movement. System design and installation requirements depend on the building layout, system configuration and advice from appropriately licensed professionals.
Outdoor gas heaters
Outdoor gas heaters use radiant heat to provide warmth in outdoor areas. They are available in different sizes and styles, but must only be used outdoors.
Outdoor gas heaters use radiant heat to give warmth to outdoor spaces.
Brent Vrdoljak explains that there are pros and cons for each, and your choice will depend on factors such as budget, whether you own the property and the space you’re warming.
‘If you’re in the market for a ducted heating system, my biggest tip is to look for one with a simple, easy to use control wall. People get so confused by the little icons, and probably lose the manual after a few years, that they’re not even using many of the features.
‘A gas fireplace is also a great option if you’ve got an existing space you’d like to revitalise.’
What size gas heater do I need?
Are you trying to warm an open plan living room or your entire home? Larger areas generally require more heating capacity. The appropriate capacity depends on the space being heated, room dimensions, ceiling height, insulation, window area, local climate and the desired indoor temperature.
Brent Vrdoljak says the place to start is with the space you’re looking to heat.
'People are embracing an open-plan living style more than ever, but heating large spaces like these can be a real challenge. Gas heating is a great solution in these types of applications because it allows you to heat the space quickly and effectively.'
The room size and your local climate will determine what size heater you need for the job. An appropriately sized gas heater is important. Heater capacity for gas heating systems is commonly measured in megajoules per hour (MJ/h). A heater with lower capacity may take longer to reach the desired temperature, depending on the room size, insulation and climate. A licensed gasfitter or qualified appliance professional should assess the space and confirm suitable capacity before installation.
What affects gas heater sizing?
Brent Vrdoljak says there are several structural factors that can contribute to your home heating’s energy and cost efficiency. These will influence the size of the heater your installer recommends for you.
The following factors will play a part:
- Roof and wall insulation
- Floor and window coverings
- Whether your house is on a concrete slab or stumps
Before you kick off your quest for the best gas heater, we recommend saving yourself time and getting in touch with an appliance retailer. They’ll be able to answer any questions you might have, measure up your space, and make a product recommendation for you.
If you’d like to find out more about what’s involved in getting natural gas heating installed at your place, check out our list of appliance retailers who can assist you in making your purchase decision. Gas heating systems must be installed by an appropriately licensed gasfitter. Ensure proper ventilation and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
How to estimate gas heater running costs
Running costs depend on the heater’s gas consumption, hours of use, gas tariff and supply charges. To estimate usage costs, check the appliance’s gas input consumption and your retailer’s usage tariff. Use matching units and state your assumed operating hours. Identify any supply charges separately. Actual costs depend on operating patterns, thermostat settings, insulation and the tariff that applies.
Note: Gas connection availability varies by state and local regulations. In Victoria, gas connection rules vary by property and planning requirements. Check current Victorian government and AGN information before making building or renovation decisions.
Rebates
From time to time, AGN may offer rebates on eligible natural gas heating systems with higher energy efficiency ratings. These rebates are designed to encourage the installation of more energy-efficient appliances.
Rebate availability, eligibility criteria, approved appliances and participating locations vary between offers. Always check the current rebate terms and conditions before purchasing a new heating system. Offers are subject to T&C. For more information click here.
FAQs
Victoria: Gas heaters themselves are not being banned outright, but the state is moving towards electrification. From 1 January 2027, all new homes must be all-electric, meaning no new gas connections for heating, hot water, or cooking. For existing homes, gas heaters can still be repaired, but rental properties must replace gas heaters with electric options at end-of-life from March 2027. Owner-occupiers can keep and repair existing heaters, but when they fail beyond repair, replacement with electric is encouraged, not mandated (except for rentals).
Other states: No equivalent phase-out policies have been announced yet, but ACT and some councils are considering similar measures. NSW and SA currently allow new gas connections.
Reference:
Gas hot water systems to be phased out of Victorian homes under new energy reforms - ABC News
Victoria’s New Gas Ban: What It Means for Property Investors, Renters & the Future of Housing
Victoria extends gas ban to all new homes and hot water systems, sets strict rules to electrify rentals
Generally no, if a planning permit is required. Since 1 January 2024, new homes, subdivisions, and apartments that need a planning permit cannot connect to the gas network.
Exceptions:
- Homes that don’t require a planning permit can still connect.
- Existing homes and renovations are unaffected.
Future trend: From 2027, all new homes must be all-electric, regardless of permit status.
Reference:
Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap
Gas Ban In Victoria: If You're Affected
Questions Answered, New Connection | Australian Gas Networks
It depends on location, cost, and convenience:
Natural gas:
• Delivered via pipelines, so it’s continuous and low-maintenance.
• Generally cheaper per unit of energy than LPG if you’re already connected.
• Lower carbon emissions than LPG.
LPG:
• Portable and ideal for rural/off-grid areas.
• Burns hotter, so it can heat faster.
• Requires cylinder refills and monitoring.
Cost: Natural gas and LPG differ in supply arrangements, availability, pricing structure and appliance requirements. Compare appliance compatibility, installation requirements, usage charges and any network or cylinder fees for your location. Ask a licensed gasfitter which appliance types are suitable for your property
Reference:
Natural Gas vs LPG: Which Is Best For Your Home? - Hardie & Co
LPG vs Natural Gas in Australia: What You Need to Know
What Is LPG? | Canstar
Yes, if installed and maintained correctly by a professional. For indoor heating, flued gas heaters are the safer option. They use a vent or flue to direct exhaust gases outside, unlike unflued types that release gases indoors.
Safety measures:
- Use only heaters certified for indoor use.
- Ensure proper ventilation, especially for unflued heaters, which release combustion gases into the room.
- Install a CO alarm, ensure adequate ventilation and arrange servicing by a licensed gasfitter at the interval recommended by the manufacturer or installer.
- Never use outdoor heaters indoors.
Risks:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, gas leaks, and fire hazards. CO is odourless and can be fatal in high concentrations.
Reference:
Are Gas Heaters Safe To Use Indoors?
Gas heating - health and safety issues | Better Health Channel
25 Gas Heater Safety Tips
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