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A correctly sized heating system will ensure household warmth and energy efficiency. Systems that are too large or too small for a household’s size and demands are often inefficient, ineffective and expensive. Heaters are generally sized according to the amount of heat needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature on a cold winter day.
The size of a heating system should be based on:
- room dimensions
- insulation levels
- window areas and coverings
- construction materials
- ventilation rates
- climate and average indoor and outdoor temperatures
The tables below provide some general size and efficiency guidelines.
Your installer should carry out a heat load calculation and advise you on the correct size for your household.
| If you need to heat… |
| Only living zones |
Use one or more high efficiency space heaters |
Living areas for long periods,
sleeping areas for short periods |
Use high efficiency space heaters for living zones and electric 'spot' heaters for sleeping areas, or a zoned central heating system |
| Living and sleeping areas for long periods but at different times of the day |
Use a zoned central heating system |
| Living and sleeping areas both for long periods at the same time |
Use a zoned central heating system |
| Bathrooms/ensuites |
Use radiant heaters, e.g. strip heaters or infrared lamps |
| Home |
Heater output required per m2 of floor area* |
Energy efficient Home |
60W |
| Insulated ceiling and walls |
80W |
| Insulated ceiling only |
100W |
| Uninsulated home |
130W |
*For Melbourne climatic conditions. Allowances should be made for colder areas. |
