Heating the whole premises

When it comes to heating your whole premises, these are the options available to your business:

• Zoned ducted reverse-cycle air conditioner. Zoning your central heating means that you can heat specific areas of your business and not just the whole premises. This will save you money. To maximise energy efficiency, make sure that this type of system is custom-designed specially for your building.
• Ducted central gas heating. With ducted central heating, gas is the best option. If you’re purchasing this type of system, take into account gas price increases when assessing lifetime running costs. If gas is not available, you can use electricity too.

Further information on heating systems

The YourHome.gov.au website has a good PDF booklet about heating. Although focussed on home heating, much of the information is relevant for small businesses: EnergyCut.info/yh-heat-cool. 

Sustainability Victoria has a a very useful table that gives approximate annual running costs for a range of different heating options. You can check it out at EnergyCut.info/heating-costs. They also have a useful guide to choosing heaters at EnergyCut.info/choosing-heaters.