Comparison report on heating systems

Comparison report on heating systems

A report was prepared for the Department of Contract and Management Services in Western Australia, by consulting engineers in 1999, to examine the range of options available for electric and gas heating for a typical school learning area.

Report Assumptions
- Number of classrooms = 6
- Area of each classroom = 75sqm
- Hours per day for which heating is required = 6 hours
- Number of days fro which heating is required p.a. = 100 days
- Cost of electricity = 0.16$/kWh
- Cost of gas = 0.03$/unit

Comparison overview
EFH - Electric fan heating
ECH - Electic ceiling heating
FH - Floor heating
GH - Gas heating

 

 EFH

 ECH

 FH

 GH

Estimated capital cost

 $9000

 $19800

 $15300

 $15300

Estimated total operating costs per annum

 $2765

 $1728

 $1512

 $1110

Estimated maintenance cost per annum

 $700

Nil

 Nil

 $300

Estimated operating & maintenance cost p.a.

 $3465

$1728 

$1512 

 $1410


Based on the findings, the Electric fan heaters have the lowest capital cost compared to other heating options, however they have the highest operating cost. Gas heaters are the most economical to operate.

However, electric floor heaters offer advantages over the other electric heating options and are comparable to gas heaters in terms of capital costs and running costs. The electric floor heaters are also a viable option in rural areas where a gas supply may not be available.