When you turn up the heat on a chilly day, you probably aren't thinking about carbon emissions — but your home heating system plays a big role in them. If your system runs on gas, oil or other fossil fuels, it could release more greenhouse gases than you realise. That's why homeowners are paying closer attention to how their homes affect the environment.
Choosing a more efficient or low-emission system helps the planet, lowers energy bills and makes your space more comfortable year-round. To create a more sustainable home, starting with your heating system is one of the smartest, most impactful moves you can make.
Why heating systems matter in the fight against emissions
Traditional systems like gas furnaces, oil boilers and propane heaters might keep your home warm. Still, they also release significant greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These systems burn fossil fuels to generate heat, producing carbon dioxide and other emissions that directly contribute to climate change. In fact, electricity and heat productionmake up the largest share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
How you heat your home has a bigger environmental impact than you might think. For homeowners — especially during colder months when use spikes — this becomes a major concern. These systems increase your carbon footprint and can lead to higher energy bills as fuel prices rise. Switching to cleaner, more efficient options is one way to take control.
Common types of home heating systems and their impact
You're not alone if you use a gas or oil furnace to heat your home. It's one of the most common systems out there. However, these traditional furnaces burn fossil fuels, releasing greenhouse gases every time they run. That adds up quickly during winter when your system works overtime.
Portable electric heaters are another popular choice, especially in Australia, where about 36% of households rely on them to stay warm. They're clean at the point of use and easy to plug in, but they still draw power from the electricity grid. If your local grid runs on coal or gas, those clean-looking heaters might leave a bigger carbon footprint than you think.
All-electric furnaces or boilers are a bit more efficient. They can convert 95% to 100% of electricity into heat. However, with the high cost of electricity in many areas, they're not always the most budget-friendly option for whole-home heating.
Choosing a greener heating option
If you're considering upgrading your home system, several smart, eco-friendly options go beyond traditional setups. Electric heat pumps are one of the most efficient choices available today. They work by transferring heat rather than generating it, which uses far less energy and produces fewer emissions.
Using your efficient reverse cycle air conditioner on warm or solar resources are other great options, especially if you already have solar panels or plan to install them. Radiant floor heating offers a comfortable and even warmth, and when paired with clean energy sources, it's luxurious and sustainable. You might also consider an EPA-certified pellet heater, which burns compressed wood pellets and offers between 73% and 80% efficiency. This makes it a cleaner alternative to traditional wood-burning stoves.
Choosing any of these systems can lead to long-term benefits like lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions and a boost in your home's resale value. Heating and cooling can account for 20% to 50% of the energy used in Australian homes, so a more efficient system makes a big impact.
When shopping for a new setup, look for products with Energy Star certification, which signals strong energy performance. It's also worth checking with your local council or utility provider for rebates, tax credits or other financial incentives that reward sustainable upgrades. These options help the planet and make your home more comfortable while saving you money in the long run.
Small changes that make a big difference
You don't always need a full upgrade to make your home systems run with less emissions. Small changes in managing your space can sometimes lead to real energy savings and lower emissions. These simple tips are easy to implement and can help you get more out of your current setup:
- Install a smart thermostat: These let you schedule your heating, avoid wasting energy and adjust temperature remotely from your phone.
- Seal gaps and cracks: Use weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Insulate your home properly: Roofs, floors and walls lose a lot of warmth if not well-insulated. This helps your heater work less and save more.
- Close doors and vents in unused rooms: Directing heat only where needed reduces energy use and improves efficiency.
- Use ceiling fans in reverse: In winter, set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise to push warm air back down into the room.
Time to rethink how you heat your home
Take a moment to look at how your current heating system is performing and what it's costing you in terms of energy, comfort and emissions. Upgrading to a more efficient option could be one of the smartest steps toward a more comfortable home.
Guest Blog written by Jane Marsh
Jane is the editor-in-chief at Environment.co, specializing in sustainability, climate change, and renewable energy. In her free time, she enjoys nature trails, eco-friendly DIY projects, and volunteering with environmental groups.
Header image from Pixabay.