Heating a large room or open-plan area

When it comes to heating a large room or open-plan area, these are the options available to your business:

• Reverse-cycle air conditioner. When it comes to heating a room – and not just a single person – a reverse-cycle air conditioner is more energy efficient than the options above. One of the other advantages of a reverse-cycle unit is that it provides cooling as well as heating. But when purchasing one, make sure it has the most energy-rating stars – this is a guaranteed way to reduce your running costs. Buying one with natural refrigerants will be more energy efficient too. 

• Off-peak electric storage heater (also known as ‘heat banks’). Storage heaters use cheap off-peak energy at night to heat up a special heat-retaining material (usually bricks). It then releases this heat during the day.^[1] This is a very economical way of heating a room. However, you may need an additional heater for the evening if the stored heat has run low.^[2]

• Flued or unflued natural gas heater. Flueless gas heaters require ventilation, so bear this in mind if you’re choosing this option. Also check if there are restrictions in your area on using flueless gas heaters.