Switch your business to energy efficient heating and cooling

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Whether it’s heating your shop or office or providing heating and cooling to an industrial process, electric is the way to go. The days of cheap gas are gone and we’re now in an era of increasingly cheap and abundant renewable electricity.

Gas is inherently inefficient, with heat escaping up the flue resulting in less than 100% energy usage. In contrast, electric heat pumps are highly efficient, typically delivering 4 to 5 times the energy they consume. They achieve this by transferring heat from one location to another rather than generating heat by burning non-renewable resources. Most heat pumps are air-sourced, meaning they are moving heat to and from the outside air.

Additionally, gas systems for heating, cooking, and industrial processes can have health impacts, which businesses must consider under their occupational health and safety (OH&S) responsibilities.

Types of electric heating

Not-for-profit Renew’s guide to Staying warm this winter tells you everything you need to know about the many electric heating systems that are available. While aimed at residential use, the basic principles and technologies are the same as for commercial situations.

Sealed and Controlled Environments

For spaces like offices, shops, and restaurants, heat pumps are the best option. Choosing between split, ducted, or hydronic systems depends on your specific needs. Optimise efficiency by improving insulation, draught-proofing, double glazing, shading, and other building upgrades.

Uncontrolled or Inefficient Spaces

For areas like outdoor dining, warehouses, or factories:

  • Focus on heating people, not the space: Options include blankets, heating mats or pads which keep stationary people warm with very low energy use
  • Electric radiant heating: Ideal for spaces with frequent movement, these systems can be equipped with occupancy sensors or timers to minimise energy waste.
  • Cooling: Use fans, adding misters if needed, for a cost-effective cooling solution.

Industrial heat

For industrial heating and cooling, consult experts such as the Energy Efficiency Council and the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity to explore upgrading to efficient heat pump technologies tailored to your processes.

Financial support

The Darebin Energy$mart program can help you upgrade your old heating and cooling to an efficient heat pump. We offer support, guidance, connections to reputable installers and up to $1,000 on top of the Victorian government rebates for businesses to upgrade.

More information

If you have any questions or want to find out more, please contact us at sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au

Sustainable business registration

Visit our Local business electric heroes page to learn more from others who are transitioning to all electric businesses.

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