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Most people have realised that one of the things that can help them maximise production in their business and even live a healthy life is maintaining the right atmosphere. To this end, they have resorted to using appliances such as air conditioners.
Different types exist, such as split systems or reverse-cycle air conditioning systems. Whatever type you choose, they can help you control your environment's temperature. Although different options are available in the market, reverse cycle heating and gas heating are two of the most common.
As you may know already, each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Still, you need also to understand the costs associated with either of these options so that you can make a well-informed decision.
Factors that Affect Heating Costs
The costs of heating are always different and usually vary according to various factors. Some of the factors include energy tariffs, usage patterns, the type of heating system, the climate and the insulation of the building. If you can compare the cost of gas heating with reverse cycle heating, you should be adequately informed on which option is the more cost-effective for you.
Some people may already have realised that it is typically cheaper to install gas heating than a reverse-cycle air heating system. However, you should remember that the gas supply cost is never stable and can fluctuate according to market forces. In addition to this, there is the possibility that you will find out that gas heating systems are not as efficient as reverse cycle heating systems.
This could mean you will have to deal with higher energy bills in the long run.
In case you are wondering why many people are installing reverse cycle heating systems, it is because these people have discovered that despite the fact that they are more expensive to install, there are many benefits for them to enjoy.
These systems can be more cost-effective and efficient over the long term. Generally, these systems extract heat from the outside air and transfer it into the home or any space where they are installed. This makes them the right choice for moderate to mild climates.
Factors to Consider Before Making the Purchase
If you are stuck between choosing either gas heating or reverse cycle heating, there are some critical factors you should consider as they will help you to make up your mind quickly. Factors such as your budget, your energy usage patterns, and the climate of the area you want to make the installation are strong factors that can help you in this regard.
When you understand the factors that can affect heating costs, you will be better able to make decisions that will make you comfortable in your space and help you keep your energy bills as low as possible.
Gas Heating Vs. Reverse Cycle Heating
As a homeowner, you can choose to have gas or reverse cycle heating from the various heating options available today. There are some differences between these two heating systems, but the major ones are how they produce heat and the cost implication of installing them.
Some of the other differences include the following;
Upfront costs
The initial cost that comes with installing a gas heating system is relatively lower than that of installing a reverse cycle heating system. To have a gas heating system, you would need a gas connection and piping to be installed. In the case of reverse-cycle heating systems, what is required is the installation of reverse-cycle air conditioners. To become fully functional, outdoor units and internal ductwork must also be installed.
Running costs
There is generally a higher running cost attached to gas heating systems when compared to reverse-cycle heating systems. With fluctuations in gas prices that market conditions may cause, there may be higher bills to contend with. The amount of gas used will depend on the level of usage as well as the size of the heating system.
On the contrary, reverse-cycle heating systems use electricity to power the system. Compared to gas heating systems, this can make them more stable in pricing, and there may be more economic sense to install them instead.
Maintenance and repair costs
A gas heating system requires a gas heater, and this needs more frequent maintenance and repair than what is required by a reverse-cycle heating system. Gas heating systems are made up of different mechanical components. These mechanical components require regular cleaning for the system to function correctly.
Where adequate maintenance is not carried out, gas leakages may occur, which can be dangerous if not attended to promptly. There are fewer maintenance requirements for reverse-cycle heating systems, and some money may be saved here. However, the cost of repairs can be higher as a result of the complexity of the system.
Environmental impact
Gas heating systems give off carbon emissions that are harmful to human beings and contribute to global warming. While this is not a financial cost, it is a cost in terms of what damage it could do to the environment.
Reverse-cycle heating systems do not produce such emissions because they use electricity. This electricity can be made from renewable sources such as wind and solar power.
Pros and Cons of Gas and Reverse Cycle Heating
The advantages and disadvantages of gas heating and reverse cycle heating systems are worth considering before you finally decide. Some of them include the following;
Gas heating system
Advantages
- There are lower upfront costs
- Faster heating is possible
Disadvantages
- There are usually higher running costs
- There are carbon emissions
- More maintenance and repair are required
Reverse cycle heating
Advantages
- There are lower running costs
- There are no or little carbon emissions
- Less maintenance is required
Disadvantages
- There are usually higher upfront costs
- There is slower heating
It is vital to consider these factors when choosing between gas heating and reverse cycle heating, as they can have quite a significant impact on both the environment and your wallet. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
There are still some other essential factors you should consider. Some of these factors are so important that they will affect you and other people if care is not taken. For this reason, you should consider other people before you make your final choice, especially those living with you in your immediate environment.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
You should thoroughly examine the energy ratings of the different heating options. This is important because energy efficiency will not only affect your finances but can impact the environment.
It is generally believed that reverse cycle air conditioner heating is more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient than gas heating. This is so because it is capable of using renewable green energy sources such as solar power.
Building Envelop and Heating Requirements
The different heating requirements people have and the size and layout of the building they live or work from are some of the factors that can determine the choice of the heating option they make. Gas heating may be suitable for heating smaller spaces with less insulation. On the other hand, reverse cycle air conditioning heating may be the right choice for heating large areas.
Consult A HVAC Professional
A lot depends on your heating requirements, and you should identify your needs before anything else. It is equally vital for you to evaluate the different factors that have been explained while looking to see which of the disadvantages you can live with.
A significant deciding factor is the budget you intend to use for the installation process because it lets you know what you can afford. However, if you need more time to decide what should suit you best, you should discuss it with a professional HVAC technician who can give you the best advice based on all the factors pointed out already.
