Your Essential 2025 Gas Heaters Buying Guide

Natural gas heaters deliver instant, reliable warmth; perfect for those crisp winter nights that are not too far away. While snuggling under a blanket is cosy, an energy-efficient gas fireplace or space heater keeps your living room comfy without sending your gas bills through the roof.

Before you explore the crowded home heating market, let’s look at how to choose the best gas heater for your home. It’s important to consider factors such as capacity, location, flue type and running costs so your final decision ticks all the necessary boxes.

Why Gas Heaters are Better Than Electric Models

So, why do many homeowners across Australia favour gas over electric when it comes to heating their homes? Here are the key reasons.

Efficiency and running costs

According to noted consumer website Choice, modern gas heaters convert up to 90% of the energy they consume directly into heat. This far surpasses many electric heaters that first warm internal elements. In most states, one megajoule (MJ) of natural gas still costs less than an equivalent kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. Because heating and cooling devour more than 40% of household energy, switching can slice annual power bills.

Environmental impact

Burning natural gas produces around half of the CO₂ that coal-fired electricity does, offering a greener footprint until large-scale renewables become more affordable for every home.

The Main Types of Gas Heating

Choosing the right form of gas heating for your home is serious business, so it pays to know what options are available to you. In no order of preference, these are among the most common in the wide range you can choose from:

Gas Space Heaters

Compact space heaters shine when you want affordable, targeted heating. Brands such as Rinnai offer bayonet-fitted models you can detach and store over summer. Wherever regulations allow unflued units, make sure you use them in a well-ventilated room and always install a carbon-monoxide alarm.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas log fires or log heaters recreate the aesthetic charm of real timber but swap wood for clean-burning gas. Freestanding models radiate from all sides, while in-built styles look sleek and save floor space. Factor in a suitable flue and, if required, a fresh air intake for airtight homes.

Ducted Gas Heating

A ducted gas heating system features a central furnace mounted in the roof or under the floor. This central heating unit draws air, warms it and distributes it via ducts. Zoning lets you tailor temperatures for different rooms. It gives you a highly energy-efficient and economical solution that lets you shut off heating to rarely-used areas in the house.

Wall Furnaces

Wall furnaces sit lower on the wall than a split-system and stay cool to the touch. Some double-sided units heat two back-to-back rooms simultaneously. Because of this, they’re ideal for semi-open-plan layouts where a big furnace might feel intrusive.

Hydronic Heating

A gas boiler heats water that circulates through radiators or underfloor pipes, delivering even, gentle warmth with minimal air movement. If allergies plague your household, hydronic heating reduces dust circulation and operates almost silently.

Sizing Your Gas Heater Correctly

When it comes to choosing a gas heater, size matters in this instance. It’s important to choose the right capacity so you stay warm without wasting fuel:

• 13–15 MJ/h – small bedroom or study

• 16–22 MJ/h – medium living room

• 23 MJ/h and above – open-plan or multiple adjoining rooms

It’s well worth considering factors such as ceiling height, insulation, window size and local climate. Over-sizing causes hot, stuffy air and higher bills, while under-sizing leaves chilly pockets.

Flued vs Portable Gas Heaters

Portable unflued units are convenient, yet they release small amounts of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide indoors. By contrast, a flued heater channels combustion gases outside via a slender flue.

Note that Victoria and Tasmania mandate flued systems; these states have banned the use of unflued portable heaters in homes. Other states, such as New South Wales, limit the capacity of unflued models to less than 27 MJ/h and with stringent ventilation rules.

For ultimate peace of mind, you’re better off installing a flue wherever possible and placing a carbon-monoxide detector nearby.

Key Features to Compare

With such a wide range of gas heaters on the market, each boasts numerous unique features designed to enhance safety and performance. Here are some well worth your consideration.

• Star rating – Higher stars equal better efficiency and lower running costs.

• Thermostat & timer – Precise control prevents overheating and wasted gas.

• Fan speed settings – Faster warm-up, quieter night-time operation.

• Safety shut-off – Cuts gas if the pilot light goes out or oxygen drops.

• Smart connectivity – Adjust temperatures from your phone so the house feels warm the moment you arrive.

• Warranty & after-sales support – Trusted brands like Rinnai, Braemar or Bonaire offer solid backup across Australia.

Keep these features front of mind and you’ll choose a heater that keeps you snug, safe and energy-smart for many winters to come.

Installation Essentials

With any new gas heater, or any gas appliance for that matter, you’re required by law to always use a licensed gasfitter for its installation. To ensure your heater offers optimal performance and complies with Australian standard AS/NZS 5601.1: 2022 Gas Installations, they will:

• Check capacity against room size and insulation.

• Place the heater to maximise airflow and minimise obstructions.

• Install or inspect a flue, ensuring adequate clearances through the roof.

• Perform a leak test and commission the unit so you stay happy with safe, efficient performance.

Remember that gas heaters work best with routine servicing every two years (yearly for unflued units) to maintain energy efficiency and the manufacturer’s warranty.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Efficiency

Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid faults, preserve the efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your gas heater. Get the best out of your appliance by following these tips:

• Vacuum vents and grills each season to remove dust.

• Replace or clean filters as the maker recommends.

• Keep the external flue terminal clear of leaves and spider webs.

• Test your carbon-monoxide alarm monthly.

• If you find soot marks, unusual smells or yellow flames, turn the heater off and call a technician.

Follow these simple checks and your heater will reward you with safe, steady warmth this winter and well into the future.

Are Gas Heaters Worth the Investment?

With lower running costs, rapid heat and smaller carbon footprints than many electric options, gas heaters remain a smart choice for Australian households aiming to stay warm without busting the budget. Whether you crave the flicker of a sleek gas log fire or whole-home comfort from ducted heating, today’s units are designed to deliver safe, efficient warmth for years.

If you wish to learn more or enquire about having a new gas heater installed for winter, contact the experts at Metropolitan Air Conditioning. Our team of experienced technicians can discuss the best heating options for your home.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Your Essential 2025 Gas Heaters Buying Guide”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.