
Heaters


Common Heater Types To Buy
Heaters come in various configurations to suit different heating needs and room sizes. Electric heaters plug directly into standard power outlets, whilst gas heaters require connection to natural gas or bottled LPG. Below is a breakdown of the most common:
Convection heaters: Warm air circulates naturally through the room
Radiant heaters: Direct heat towards people and objects
Fan heaters: Blow warm air for quick temperature increases
Oil-filled column heaters: Retain heat longer after switching off
Panel heaters: Wall-mounted for permanent installation
Micathermic heaters: Combine radiant and convection heating
Reverse cycle air conditioners cool in summer and heat in winter. Electric fireplaces add ambience alongside warmth. Electric blankets provide targeted personal heating for bedtime comfort.
Room Size And Heater Capacity Requirements
Room heater capacity measures in watts or kilowatts, with higher wattage needed for larger spaces. A general guideline suggests 100 watts per square metre for well-insulated rooms with standard 2.4-metre ceilings. Poorly insulated rooms require approximately 150 watts per square metre.
Capacity by room size:
10-15 sqm (small bedrooms): 1000-1500 watts
20-25 sqm (medium living areas): 2000-2500 watts
30+ sqm (large open-plan spaces): 3000+ watts or multiple units
Ceiling height above 3 metres, large windows, and poor insulation all increase heating requirements. Our heater buying guide provides detailed calculations for specific room configurations.
Safety Features To Look For When Buying A Household Heater
Household heaters should include overheat protection that automatically switches off when internal temperatures exceed safe levels. Tip-over switches cut power immediately if a space heater falls, particularly important for portable models. Below are the common safety features to consider:
Cool-touch exteriors: Maintain lower surface temperatures during operation
Child locks: Disable controls to prevent temperature adjustments
Automatic shut-off timers: Prevent heaters running indefinitely
Enclosed heating elements: Reduce contact burn risks
Stable base design: Minimise tipping likelihood
Flame-failure devices: Shut off gas supply if pilot light extinguishes
Heaters carrying Australian safety certification marks meet local electrical and fire safety standards. Manufacturers specify minimum clearance distances from curtains, furniture and walls to prevent fire hazards.
Rinnai manufactures gas heaters known for efficient performance in Australian conditions. Dimplex specialises in electric heating including panel heaters and electric fireplaces. DeLonghi produces oil-filled column heaters with Italian design aesthetics.
Other leading brands:
Hisense: Competitively priced with modern features
Kelvinator: Options across various heating technologies
Panasonic: Reliable performance across price points
Sunbeam: Personal heating solutions and electric blankets
Our best heater for any room guide compares models across different categories.
Smart heaters connect to home Wi-Fi networks, allowing temperature control through smartphone applications. Remote operation lets you activate heating before arriving home. Voice control integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enables hands-free adjustments.
Other common features:
Weekly timers: Programme different schedules for weekdays and weekends
Occupancy sensors: Automatically reduce output when spaces remain empty
Geofencing: Activates heating when you approach home
Energy monitoring: Tracks electricity consumption in real-time
Digital thermostats: Precise temperature control compared to dial controls
Learning about energy efficient heating helps identify which smart features deliver genuine savings.
Most household heaters require minimal maintenance beyond regular dust removal. Fan heaters benefit from filter cleaning every few weeks during heavy use. Oil-filled column heaters contain sealed systems needing no servicing throughout their operational lifespan.
Maintenance schedules:
Weekly: Dust removal from vents and surfaces
Monthly: Filter cleaning for fan-forced models
Annually: Professional gas heater inspection and servicing
Pre-season: Full inspection before winter heating period
Portable heaters should have vents wiped with a soft cloth when unplugged and cool. Gas heaters require annual professional servicing to check burner operation and verify safe combustion. Our efficient home heating systems article covers long-term maintenance strategies.
Climate zones across Australia vary from tropical northern regions to cold inland locations. Mild coastal climates with minimum winter temperatures around 10°C generally manage with smaller capacity heaters. Alpine and inland regions experiencing frosts below 5°C benefit from higher-capacity permanent installations.
Climate-specific recommendations:
Tropical zones: Minimal heating needs, portable models sufficient
Temperate regions: Medium-capacity heaters for occasional cold periods
Cold climates: Permanent installations with 2000+ watt capacity
Alpine areas: Consider whole-home heating with reverse cycle systems
Humid climates favour heaters that don't add moisture to air, making fan heaters and radiant models preferable. Coastal regions with salt air should choose heaters with corrosion-resistant components. Professional installation services ensure permanent heaters operate safely and efficiently. Browse our full heating and cooling range for options suited to all Australian climate zones.

card media link to /whats-new/best-heater-for-any-room
How to find the best home Heater for any space
June 5•3 mins readForget avoiding entire rooms that become cold boxes when the temperature plummets – the latest heaters are ready to warm every corner of your home (and the cockles of your heart). From portable electric heaters that resemble a crackling fireplace to energy-efficient gas heaters with inbuilt humidifiers and reverse cycle air conditioners for year-round comfort, there’s a cosy solution for every space. Here are our top picks.
Read more.
card media link to /whats-new/efficient-home-heating-systems
Beat the winter chills with these efficient home Heating Systems
March 28•5 mins readAs temperatures start to drop, there’s no better time to prepare for winter and choose the best heating solution for your home, that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for electric heaters, gas heaters or a split system, we’ve got everything you need to ensure you feel comfortable, cosy and warm once winter arrives.
Read more.
card media link to /whats-new/best-cheap-portable-coolers-to-buy
Great value Portable Coolers for every room in the house
February 29•3 mins readSpiking temperatures got you hot, sticky and over it? For beating the heat at home, there are a myriad of cooling solutions; but to chill on a budget, you can’t go past portable coolers. At The Good Guys, we’ve got you covered with energy-efficient, go-anywhere fans, purifying evaporative coolers and portable air conditioners to keep you and your wallet comfortable on those summer scorchers. From knowing what to look for, to the biggest trends and new technology – like coolers that clean the air, too – we’ve got you covered.
Time to buy? Here’s everything you need to know about the best value portable coolers to buy.
Read more.
card media link to /whats-new/best-cheap-air-conditioners
Best value cheap Air Conditioners to buy
January 25•4 mins readBaby, it’s hot outside, but with an air conditioner at the ready you’ve got it made in the shade – in every room of the house. Installing an air conditioner does not need to be a costly exercise. In fact, the best cheap air conditioners are out to impress, with features that make it easy to cool your bedroom, home office or the whole house in a jiffy.
Renting? Put a cheap portable air conditioner on your shopping list and watch the indoor temperature drop! Here’s how to find the best cheap air conditioner to suit your needs.
“Start your search for an air conditioner by measuring the dimensions of the space you want to cool,” says Scott Bazley, The Good Guys Buyer – Seasonal. “You’ll need a unit that’s powerful enough to reach all corners of the room, while still delivering on energy efficiency for ongoing savings.”
card media link to /whats-new/best-value-portable-fans
Best value Portable Fans for cool savings!
February 4•4 mins readThe cost of living is rising and so are the summer temperatures, but you can manage both with a cheap portable fan. Whether you’re cooling the home office with a desktop fan or dropping the degrees in your bedroom with a tower, floor or pedestal fan, summer-proofing your home is easy with these budget coolers.
“Modern and affordable fans are powerful, speedy and energy efficient, plus they’re packed with cool features that you’d once only find in high-end models,” says Scott Bazley, The Good Guys Buyer – Seasonal. “Remote controls, adjustable heights and stylish designs that won’t disrupt your decor – the latest low-cost models offer it all.”
We’ve got all the info you need to find the best-value portable fan to buy in 2025. If you’re keen on savings, you’ll be a fan of these cheap portable fans that more than get the job done.
Read more.

card media link to /whats-new/best-features-reverse-cycle-air-conditioner
What to look for in a Reverse Cycle Split System
February 3•5 mins readIt’s the little things that count when it comes to choosing the right air conditioner. While the simplest reverse cycle split system will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, advancements and extra features can add even further comfort at home and help keep running costs down. Take a look at our top five features to look out for when it comes to buying your reverse cycle split system air conditioner.



























