No one wants to get the nasty shock of a high heating bill at the end of a cold spell. Whether you’re buying a new heater, using an older one or wondering what the best and most efficient way to heat your home is, our experts are here to help with a checklist of things you can do to avoid burning a hole in your wallet over winter.  

ÌÇÐÄVlog heating expert Chris Barnes reveals the common heating mistakes many of us make – plus smart tips to keep your budget on track.

1. Assuming expensive models are always the best

Ready for a burning-hot revelation? Our product testing often reveals retail price isn’t the best indicator of performance. So splashing cash on a high-end heater or air con without doing your research could still leave you out in the cold.

The recommended models in our electric heater tests range in price from less than $100 up to over $900 so there are good options at different price points.

We’ve also uncovered more expensive units that produce disappointing results in our rigorous testing, so it’s important to remember that just because a heater is expensive or from a well-known brand, it isn’t necessarily going to give you the best value for money. 

Having said that, it’s also worth keeping in mind that many budget models are poor performers, so it pays to do your research and check expert reviews. 

Want to avoid buying a hot mess? Check our reviews of electric heaters (more models to be added soon) and air conditioners.  

2. Forgetting to factor in running costs 

Don’t just look at the price tag when you buy. Our testing reveals heaters can have vastly different running costs that will have an ongoing effect on your bottom line. 

In our reviews, our experts have found the cost of running an electric heater over winter can vary by more than $300 between models, depending on the brand, size and design of heater (based on an estimated 500 hours of use and an electricity price of 40c/kWh).

It’s therefore vital to check reviews before you buy (more models will soon be added to our electric heater reviews), and keep an eye on how much you’re using your heater.

3. Not using reverse mode on your ceiling fans

Think ceiling fans are just for summer heatwaves? Think again.

Switch your fans to reverse or winter mode (clockwise) and use them in combination with your heating system. This will help distribute the hot air more evenly around the room, so it’s not just hanging around the ceiling where it’s no use to your cold feet. 

Our lab analysis shows that, used this way, your heater has to do far less work to maintain a constant temperature, which means lower power consumption and lower bills.

Find out more about this genius hack and check out our ceiling fan reviews.

4. Not using your air conditioner for heating

If you’re wondering whether you should be using an electric heater or your air conditioning to warm your home this winter, ÌÇÐÄVlog experts have you covered. 

Although electric heaters are convenient and have cheaper upfront costs, reverse-cycle air conditioners are a more efficient heating option and can save you big bucks on your energy bills in the long run. 

If you’re considering making the investment, check out our pros and cons analysis of electric heaters versus reverse-cycle air conditioners.

5. Constantly cranking up your air con temperature

The cost of using reverse-cycle air conditioning in your home over a year in an average climate zone (including Sydney, Adelaide and Perth) can range from as little as around $150 for a small model to over $1100 for a large one. These figures are based on the energy usage for each model as calculated for the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) at an electricity price of 40c/kWh. 

To give you optimal warmth for the cheapest price, Chris says you should try to stick to a difference of about 8°C between the temperature on your reverse-cycle air conditioner and the outside temperature (easy enough in the more temperate parts of Australia). 

Basically, the harder your air conditioner has to work to heat your room, the more electricity it’s going to use – and the more it will cost you. 

As a helpful rule of thumb, each degree warmer usually adds about 10% to the running cost of your air conditioner.

6. Neglecting your heater and air con maintenance 

Even heaters and air cons need a little love to work their very best. Regularly cleaning your air conditioner (following our handy air con cleaning guide) or heater means better energy efficiency and lower running costs. 

This is because the more clogged the dust filters and the interior of the machine become, the harder it has to work (and the more energy it uses) to move the air and heat your home.

Getting out the duster and spending a bit of time on a little maintenance can go a long way. It doesn’t just apply to air cons, by the way – find out how why cleaning your clothes dryer, dishwasher and vacuum can save you.Ìý

7. Using your heater to dry your washing

On a freezing night, it’s tempting to plonk yourself in front of your heater or pop the wet washing right in front of it, or even directly on it – but it will do your heating bill no favours. 

As well as being a potential fire hazard, any obstruction will restrict or block the flow of hot air around your home. This means your heater will take longer to get the temperature up.

If cold weather and soggy days are wreaking havoc with your laundry routine, follow our winter laundry tips.

8. Letting draughts in

Tracking down any draughts in your home, particularly around doors and windows, then sealing them up, will help keep your home warmer and save on energy bills. Likewise, keeping windows securely fastened or even locked can really help. 

Cover gappy floorboards with rugs, close curtains and, if necessary, do a bit of simple DIY where the cold air is getting in. Use products such as silicone sealant, weather seal tape or draught strips from the hardware store to fill gaps, or use an old-fashioned door snake to keep the cold out.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: To detect a draught, light a candle or incense stick and run it along the gaps under doors and around windows. A draught will become obvious as the flame flickers or smoke blows around.

9. Ignoring insulation

When it comes to keeping all that lovely warm air inside your home, insulation is a no-brainer – especially as 25–35% of an uninsulated home’s warmth is lost through the roof in winter. 

“Average households that install wall, floor and ceiling insulation can save hundreds of dollars on energy bills each year,” says Chris. 

You can call in the professionals, but ceiling and underfloor insulation can often be done by a capable handyperson, too.

10. Not budgeting for increased energy costs

The type of heating you’re using, the specific model of the appliance you own and how often you’re using it will all have an impact on your energy bills at the end of winter. As will the fact that energy prices across the board are steadily increasing. 

If you live in a particularly cold part of the country and you are cranking the heating, it’s a good idea to set some extra money aside so you don’t suffer from a nasty shock when your bill arrives.

Find out more on how you can save on your heating bills. 

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If you’re feeling the chill and need a quick heating solution, an electric heater is a convenient option with relatively low upfront costs.

It’s as easy as picking one up from the shops and bringing it home to plug it in, and (hopefully) immediately basking in its warmth.

But before you buy the first model you look at, it pays to do some research. A poor-performing electric heater is likely to leave you out in the cold, or worse, running up an eye-watering energy bill.

Each year, ÌÇÐÄVlog electric heater reviews give you a rundown on the latest models on the market, and how they perform in our rigorous tests.

We give each model a score based on factors such as how quickly it heats up a room, how evenly it distributes heat and how consistent it keeps the room’s average temperature.

We don’t want you to end up with a dud buy, so here are the products that scored lowest in our lab tests. Consider becoming a ÌÇÐÄVlog member to see the top rated heaters.

Lowest rated heaters in our tests

Mill AU-OIL2000WIFI3

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 42%
• Heating score: 28%
• Price: $429

There’s not really anything positive to say about this Mill oil heater.

It’s expensive, it’s heavy, and it doesn’t do the one job it’s supposed to do: heat up a room.

When our experts test heaters, they measure how long each one takes to raise the temperature of an 8°C room. Ideally, heaters will increase the temperature by 10°C in less than 30 minutes, and excellent heaters can raise the temperature by 5°C in 7 or 8 minutes.

The Mill heater was unable to raise the room temperature by 10°C, even after running for two whole hours. It’s a heater by name, but not by nature.

It did pass safety tests, so at least it has one thing going for it. But considering that three of the eight heaters recommended by our experts cost less than this one, there’s no reason at all to consider this lukewarm letdown.

Read the full Mill AU-OIL2000WIFI3 review.

Rinnai Panel Heater (PEPH-22PEW)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Heating score: 52%
• Price: $399

The running costs for this model come in at around $400 for the winter, which is fairly standard when compared to other models in our review.

But it’s a lot of money to pay if you’re not actually getting great performance when it comes to heating. 

Experts rated this model’s heating performance in our test as “borderline” – although it may be more effective in a much smaller living space than the one we tested in.

And while features such as a delay timer function and the option to install it as either an electric wall heater or a portable room heater are convenient, it only has one heat setting.

Read the full Rinnai PEPH-22PEW review. 

Lenoxx Oil Column Electric Heater (H210)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Heating score: 44%
• Price: $130

A heater for $130 seems like a bargain, but this one’s performance in our testing was lukewarm at best.

It received a poor heating score of 44% from our experts, failing to increase the temperature in our test room by 10°C in two hours.

By comparison, some heaters can manage a 5°C rise in as little as seven or eight minutes, which we rate as an excellent performance. A 10°C rise usually takes much longer, but again some manage an excellent performance, achieving this in 30 minutes or less.

If you want toasty toes but you’re on a budget, there are several other low-cost models in our test that outperform this one.

Read the full Lenoxx H210 review.

DeLonghi Panel Heater (HCM2030)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 54%
• Heating score: 55%
• Price: $85

This panel heater costs less than $100 (it’s one of the cheapest models we looked at) but it’ll add hundreds of dollars to your energy bill this winter in return for an “only OK” heating performance, according to our experts.

The manufacturer says it is suitable for use in medium rooms but when we tested this model in a medium-sized room (4.9m deep x 3.5m long x 2.4m high), it took over 10 minutes to increase the temperature by 5°C and over an hour and a half to increase the temperature in that room by 10°C.

This heater is small and lightweight, so it’s easily portable, but the actual performance may leave you feeling chilly.

Read the full DeLonghi Panel Heater review.

Breville the Smart Heat Control Max Panel Heater (LCH308)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 54%
• Heating score: 43%
• Price: $399

Many people might not be aware that Breville, the brand arguably most well-known for its range of premium coffee machines and kitchen appliances, also sells heaters. 

This slimline panel heater boasts a few fancy features such as Wi-Fi and voice-activated connectivity, plus a “Smart Eco Mode” which claims to monitor room temperature and auto adjusts heat settings accordingly.

Despite claiming to be “perfect for open concept living or larger rooms”, in our medium-sized test room, it took over 15 minutes to increase the temperature by 5°C and failed to increase the temperature by 10°C in two hours.

It may have a sleek slimline design and handy remote control, but do good looks outweigh poor heating performance? We don’t think so.

Read the full Breville Panel Heater review.

How to reduce your heating costs this winter

Temperatures may be dropping, but the cost of living keeps rising. How can you stay warm this winter without blowing your budget?

Here are a few tips from our experts:

• Use a ceiling fan on the reverse setting to help make your electric heater more effective by moving the warm air through the whole room. 
• Insulate your home to keep the warmth in. Without insulation, up to 35% of a home’s warmth can be lost through the roof, so adding wall, ceiling and floor insulation can save you hundreds of dollars a year in energy bills.
• Seal any gaps where cold air can get in. Silicone sealant, weather seal tape and draught strips can help keep the warm air in and the cold out.
• Before you buy a new electric heater, make sure you know how much it’ll cost you to run – some are far more expensive than others. Our detailed electric heater reviews break down running costs to help you budget for ongoing costs. 
• Don’t assume the most expensive heaters are the best, or that cheap models won’t work well. Our tests regularly reveal high-end duds and affordable winners. 

Our expert guide to buying a heater

Electric heaters aren’t the most energy-efficient way to heat up your home (that would be reverse-cycle air conditioning), but they’re still an effective solution to quickly take the chill out of a cold room.

“An electric heater is generally a short-term solution for those nights when it gets chilly in the spare room or the kids’ room and you don’t have a reverse-cycle air conditioner in that area of the home,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog home heating expert Chris Barnes.

Here are Chris’s top tips for features to look for when buying a new heater.

Look for a long cord

You want the heater reasonably close to you, particularly in a large room, and you shouldn’t be using an extension lead.

Try to get a timer

Electric space heaters are the most expensive heating product to run, so a timer can help you manage those costs.

If you want to use an electric heater to take the chill out of the room before going to sleep, set the timer for the heater to turn off after a couple of hours, and maybe have it set to turn on again early in the morning.

Consider size and storage

You’ll need to stow the heater somewhere in the summer months, so you might want to consider one of the smaller models.

Be smart about using it to dry laundry

Don’t put your clothes over an electric heater – even an oil column heater – to warm them up. It’s a fire risk. Instead, put the clothes on a rack at least one metre away from the heater. If you often need to dry laundry indoors, a clothes dryer or a dehumidifier might be a better option. 

Read more tips on how to choose the best electric space heater for your home in the ÌÇÐÄVlog electric heater buying guide.

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If the temperature has dropped and you need a fast heating solution, you’re likely to be looking at electric heaters. Relatively cheap to buy, and with no installation required beyond plugging it in, they are a convenient and accessible heating fix. 

But, if you’ve looked online or headed to the shops, you may have quickly become confused by all the different types of electric heaters out there. Between panel heaters, fan heaters and oil column heaters, there’s a wide range of hot options all vying for your dollars.

So which one will leave you feeling warm and cosy? The best option will depend on how you plan to use your heater, how portable it needs to be, and the size of your room. 

Perhaps you need to quickly warm a small kitchen area on a frosty morning, or something to take the chill out of the air in a child’s bedroom? Or you’re working from home in a larger living area and want a heater that’ll efficiently keep you cosy all day. A heater’s aesthetic look might also play a part in your decision. 

No matter your needs, our expert reviews and advice can help you pick a top-performing heater that’ll keep you going through winter. 

On this page:

• Best heater for bedrooms and small spaces
• Best heater for a baby room or child’s bedroom
• Best heater for living rooms and large spaces
• Cheapest electric heaters to buy
• Cheapest electric heaters to run

Best heater for bedrooms and small spaces

No one likes hopping out of a warm bed onto an ice cold floor or shivering at their desk all day. 

If you’re after a heater that can quickly and effectively warm a small space such as a bedroom or an office, a fan heater is a good option. Usually light and portable, they’re specifically designed to blow hot air into a room and are suited for heating smaller spaces, or for using as a personal heater (for warming your feet at your home-office desk, perhaps).

The smaller square heaters can be quite low-cost, however, there are premium fan heaters in the ‘fan tower’ style from brands such as Dyson that can cost up over $700 or more. 

If you are heating a room that’s about 20 square metres or smaller, a less powerful heater with a capacity of around 1000–1500 watts is all you need.

So look for heaters that have a lower capacity (you can check the claimed maximum wattage of each fan in our electric heater reviews), or choose a heater with multiple power settings so you can opt for the lowest one (otherwise you’ll be paying for heat you don’t really need).

Best heater for a baby room or child’s bedroom

If you want a heater that you can leave on all night in a bedroom, or to gently heat a child’s bedroom while they nap, a convection heater such as an oil column heater or panel heater is likely to be the best option as they can emanate a gentle heat without a noisy fan.

Oil heaters are easily identifiable by their vertical columns or ‘fins’ – they work by heating oil within those columns which is then circulated to produce heat. 

Panel heaters (which are a type of convection heater and have a particularly slim, relatively flat shape) are a great option for a child’s room as certain types can be mounted to the wall and aren’t as hot to the touch as oil heaters can be. 

Regardless of type, if you’re looking for a heater to keep you warm and toasty while you go to sleep or when you wake up, you should look for one with a timer so it can turn itself down or off once you’re asleep under the doona to save electricity, and then turn itself on to warm the room up again in the morning to make getting out of bed that little bit easier.

Best heater for living rooms and large spaces

If you’re looking to heat a large or open-plan space, keep in mind that, overall, electric models are not the best option.

If you already have a reverse cycle air conditioner or can afford the upfront costs to install one, they’re generally the most energy- and cost-efficient option.

However, if you are using an electric heater to warm a large room, its power (or wattage) is more important than the type.

ÌÇÐÄVlog home heating expert Chris Barnes says, “For a large living area, you’ll need a high wattage heater (ideally 2400W) with a good fan to distribute the hot air. A convection heater such as a panel or oil column heater with a fan, or a tower fan, is usually the best option here”.

What’s the cheapest electric heater to buy?

As with many products we review at ÌÇÐÄVlog, the prices of electric heaters can vary from cheap to expensive across all the different types, and depend on various factors such as size, brand, features and more.

And while you can pick up a small fan heater for as little as $30, how effective that heater will be and how much it will cost to run is another story.

We’ve also tested heaters that cost several hundreds of dollars or more that fail to deliver on performance, so they’ll really burn a hole in your pocket. 

In our electric heaters review, we’ve tested models in the following price ranges:

Fan heaters: $39 to $1199.
Convection with fan or convection panel heaters: $60 to $649.
Column heaters (oil-filled or non oil): $130 to $499.

What’s the cheapest electric heater to run?

When choosing a heater, it’s really important to consider how expensive it will be to run, and how you will be using it.

As we mentioned earlier, electric heaters are not always the most efficient home heating option available, and running one all day and night throughout winter can add up to hundreds of dollars to your energy bill. 

If you’re weighing up buying an oil heater versus panel heater, for example, and wondering which is the most cost efficient option for you, consider how you will be using it. Are you likely to switch it on for short periods of time or are you likely to have it on all day?

While an oil column heater might be slightly cheaper to run, on average they take longer to heat a room than fan-assisted heaters of a similar capacity, so may not be the best choice if you only want to use it for short periods of time.

In comparison, panel heaters will heat your room quite quickly and evenly so are a good option if you just want to get warm fast in the morning, but they’ll cost slightly more to run. 

On the whole, the cost of running an electric heater does not vary hugely between the different types as you can see in our breakdown below.

The price of the energy used will depend on if you are running your heat at off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper (usually 10pm to 7am) or peak hours (roughly 2pm to 8pm). Costs may also vary depending on your energy provider and the price plan you are on. 

Running costs by heater type

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TV infomercials rarely undersell the products they’re spruiking, and Tiva calling its 2000W infrared heater “the fastest, warmest indoor/outdoor heater you’ll ever own� is no different.

We bought this instant heater model in 2023 via TV Shop AU for $699.95, which gave us two heaters and one stand as a package (part of a buy one get one free special offer over the phone).

Since then, new iterations of the heater have been released and there are various other packages available, priced from around $299.99 for the standard heater. The price tag still seems quite hefty to us, when you consider you can find similar products available at retailers such as Target and Bunnings for around $100–$200.

What is an infrared heater (also known as a radiant heater)?

Radiant heaters, usually identified by the bright orange light they emit, are designed to directly heat objects (or people) rather than heating the air.

They are therefore often used as an outdoor heating solution, where standard convection heaters would have little impact. You can either buy standalone, column-style radiant heaters or models that can be mounted on a stand or a wall.

Getting the Tiva heater set up

The heater took only two business days to arrive and came in cardboard packaging with minimal plastics to dispose of. The unit has an electric cord on the right-hand side (from the back of the heater), so keep in mind if you’re buying and installing it away from a power point. 

The recommendation is to install it straight into a power point, not via a power board or extension cord, which is advice we give for all electric heaters (heaters draw a lot of current which can cause smaller gauge extension cords to heat up and catch fire).

Putting the stand together was only marginally painful. We found that the stand isn’t versatile, with little way to adjust the angle of the heater easily, and it’s also tall (around 190cm), which is problematic – you’ll need a spanner to adjust the angle of the heater, and it doesn’t make for a good experience.

The upper tube that connects to the heater slots into the lower tube part of the stand. This means it feels top-heavy, and with no way to screw in the upper tube to the lower tube, it feels a little dangerous. However, it’s not a problem as long as nothing disturbs the heater stand, but keep watch for children and pets nearby as you might for any heater on a stand. Tools and appropriate screws and bolts are also supplied for a hard install into a wall.

Heating ability

You can change the temperature of the Tiva heater with a remote control or manually on the heater itself. There are four levels to the heater, but not much indication as to what the levels mean in terms of temperature, aside from one being the lowest heat and four being the highest.

There’s also a motion sensor built into the device so when something moves in front of the heater it starts up again, which is useful, but as with anything on standby it’ll still be drawing a trickle of energy.

So does the Tiva instant heater heat you up? Absolutely. Assuming you’re standing in front of it and it’s angled the right way. We tried it out on a very cold deck in mid-winter, and depending on the way we placed it, we could warm up to two people at the highest heat.

But despite the reflective material used at the back of the heater to widen the spread of heat, once something gets in the way of that direct heat you’re suddenly cold again. Like any radiant heat, it heats the thing it’s pointed at and not the surrounding area like a convection heater would.

The advertised advantages of infrared are that it creates instant heat, but these heaters are essentially just radiant heaters. Remember the old radiant heater experience from bathrooms in the ’70s and ’80s?

The Tiva instant heater claims to have an IPX4 rating, which means it protects from splashing water in any direction, which is definitely an advantage in the outdoors. But given the high price tag and awkward ease of use experience, we think it’s worth shopping around as there are cheaper options available that’ll deliver the heating experience you’re looking for.

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On this page:

• Heating options: Lowest to highest running costs
• How much do different heaters cost to run?
• Choosing the right model matters
• Tips to hack your heating

Household bills are hitting everyone hard right now: 97% of Australians reported in a ÌÇÐÄVlog survey that their household bills and expenses have increased over the last 12 months, the highest number in over 10 years. 

And more than three quarters of Australian households are specifically concerned about the cost of electricity. For those who use gas for cooking, heating and other household needs, 71% are concerned about costs.

With chilly winter days looming, an issue that’s no doubt front of mind for many of us is: “how much is it going to cost us to heat our homes?” 

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts say that the type of heating you choose can make a big difference to your energy bills.

For example, running a portable electric heater over winter can cost around twice as much as heating your home using a reverse-cycle air conditioner. And using a different form of keeping warm, such as an electric blanket or electric throw, can be much more affordable.

It’s important to note that when it comes to choosing a heating appliance, the cheapest in the short-term versus long-term can be two very different things.

To help you understand where your cash is going, ÌÇÐÄVlog experts break down the costs associated with different types of heating and share helpful tips to help you save money on those household heating bills. 

Heating options: Lowest to highest running costs

1. Air conditioning

If your home has reverse-cycle air conditioning installed, or you’re a homeowner and you have the money available to get it installed, we have great news: air con is by far the cheapest way to heat your home. 

Our estimates show that running a reverse-cycle air conditioner for 12 months can cost less than running an electric heater for just three months over winter. 

But (and it’s a big but), if you don’t already have it installed, the upfront cost of air conditioning is much, much higher. You’ll also need to factor in installation time before you can bask in the warmth of your AC.

“On average, you can expect to pay about $2000 for a new split-system air conditioner, but the price range is anywhere from $600 up to $5500, and you also have to factor in at least a few hundred dollars for installation costs,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog heating expert Chris Barnes. 

“A ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning system costs at least $9000, including installation. 

“For a typical freestanding house, the cost of installing ducted air con can easily reach $10,000 or more, depending on the size and type of system you choose. For a large or multi-floor home, you’re looking at $15,000 or more.”

But an added advantage of a reverse-cycle air conditioner is that it’ll keep you cool in the warmer months, too – something an electric heater definitely can’t do!

2. Gas heating

Gas heating is the next cheapest option to run (at the moment, at least). But gas heaters aren’t suitable for every home – you’ll need to have gas already connected or set up an LPG system. You can’t use them in bedrooms and confined spaces like bathrooms, and some require a flue to vent outside your house (which can be another added cost if you need to install one).

Many people are moving away from using gas heating entirely. Gas is associated with potential health and safety risks in the home and is a polluting fossil fuel that creates greenhouse gases.

Gas heaters aren’t cheap to buy, either. You’re looking at anywhere from $500 up to over $1000. And then they need to be serviced regularly, so that adds to the cost. 

The price of gas is increasing too, so while it may be a relatively cost-effective way to heat your home now, you could end up paying more over time than if you opted for an electric alternative such as air conditioning or a portable electric heater. 

Find out more in our gas heater buying guide.

3. Portable electric heating

If you’re renting, or simply don’t have a spare couple of thousand to install air con, then an electric heater is your best option. They’re definitely a quick and easy fix when the cold snap hits: they can be cheap to buy, they’re widely available, and they don’t need to be installed.

Portable electric heaters are best suited to use in small spaces and for short periods of time. They’re a great option for renters or strata apartment owners who may not be able to install air conditioning.

Of all the different types of electric heaters, oil column heaters are the cheapest to run – but only by a very slim margin. And they take longer to warm up, so you’ll need to rug up until they’ve heated the room.  

A portable electric heater can cost two to three times as much to run on average than a reverse-cycle air conditioner. You’ll likely see a hike in your energy bills, particularly if you’re running multiple heaters in different rooms.

The cost of running an electric heater over winter can vary by more than $300 between models, depending on the brand, size and design of heater (based on an estimated 500 hours of use and an electricity price of 40c/kWh).  More models will soon be added to our electric heater reviews so watch this space and check reviews to compare models before you buy.

How much do different heaters cost to run?

Every home is different and your heating requirements will vary depending on the climate in your area, room size, insulation, and many other factors. But, we’ve crunched some numbers to give you an idea of the price difference between each heating type. 

Here’s a comparison of various heating options for a small room:

Air con

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25ZSXA-WF reverse-cycle air conditioner

• Upfront cost: $1250 (plus installation)
• Running costs over winter in an average climate zone: $128* 

Gas heater

Rinnai Dynamo 15 portable gas heater

• Upfront cost: $1379
• Running cost over winter: $317.50*

Portable electric heater

Dimplex DHCHR20D tower electric heater

• Upfront cost: $130
• Running cost over winter: $413*

*Based on 500 hours of use: 6 hours a day for 3 months, with peak pricing at 40c/kWh for electric appliances or 4c/MJh for gas.

So, for the first four years, the reverse-cycle air conditioner will cost more than the electric heater, factoring in purchase price plus running cost. But after that, the air conditioner becomes the far cheaper option. And note that the air conditioner mentioned above is a more powerful heater than the portable model, so it’s able to heat a bigger space.

On the other hand, a cheaper electric heater with slightly higher running costs may be a more feasible option than dropping thousands of dollars on a reverse-cycle air conditioning system if you’re balancing the cost of living month-to-month (or even week-to-week). 

Just remember, though, that you’ll see a hike in your electricity bill, particularly if you’re running multiple heaters in different rooms. And if you’re working from home, you’re likely to have your heater on for longer each day.  

“The more you use your heater, the more important it is to make sure that it is the most efficient type you can get, and also that you’re using it as effectively as possible,” says Chris.

Choosing the right model matters

So if you’re buying an electric heater, how can you keep those power bills as low as possible while still staying warm? Our testing shows you don’t necessarily need to buy a top-of-the-line electric heater.

“Purchase price isn’t always an indicator of better performance or cheaper running costs,” says Chris. 

“Among the electric heaters we’ve recommended in the past, some have cost less than $100 and others more than $400, yet their winter running costs tend to be similar at around $300 – and we’ve found other models with similar prices and running costs but which perform much worse.”

However, a cheap purchase price and low running costs don’t mean much if your heater isn’t effective – a smaller electricity bill in three months’ time is cold comfort if you’re freezing right now.

“Purchase price and running costs are important, but it’s also important that the heater does a good job of spreading the heat effectively throughout the room,” says Chris. 

You can view a range of models in our electric heater review, with more models to be added in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. 

Tips to hack your heating

There’s more to reducing your heating costs than just buying an efficient heater and using it judiciously. A high electricity bill can be a sign that you need to make some changes to how you heat your home. 

“If you need to run an electric heater all day, every day to stay warm, it’s a sign that your home is really not thermally efficient,” says Chris. 

Try these tips to save money on your heating costs this winter.

1. Ensure your home is properly insulated

While popping on an extra jumper is an easy way to warm up, having a well-insulated home will make the biggest difference to keeping your house warm. 

You can lose as much as 35% of your home’s warmth if it’s not insulated, which means that you can rack up the biggest electricity bill ever but still be chilly throughout the winter. Insulation will also keep your home cooler in summer, so it’s worth the investment. 

Of course, if you’re renting or can’t afford insulation then you’ll need to look at other options to keep warm – check out our 6 practical DIY tricks for staying warm this winter. 

Things like sealing draughts, covering floors with rugs and using curtains can all help to keep the heat in and the cold out. 

2. Heat the human before the home

“Wearable heating” is a rapidly expanding trend, with many affordable personal heating products – such as heated throws and blankets, electric blankets, water bottles and even handwarmers – available for people who are feeling the chill but are wary of the big energy bills that come from running an electric heater 24/7.

Based on our calculations, you shouldn’t expect to pay more than $48 per season to run a single bed electric blanket (with many costing a lot less than this). This includes pre-heating and leaving it on overnight, every night, for three months. Our electric blanket reviews list running costs for each model. Heated throws are even more economical: for the models we tested, running costs ranged from just $12 to $18 over a few months.

As with any powered product, ensure you follow safety instructions and never leave them unattended.

3. Use your ceiling fan on reverse

You can use a ceiling fan to hack your heating. Modern ceiling fans have a reverse switch, which will make the blades turn clockwise. Since hot air rises, this will push the warm air back down towards the floor. 

It’s also important to make sure the warmth from your heater can circulate around the room. As tempting as it might be, that means not sitting on top of the heater (or directly in front of it). And if you’re drying laundry inside, move it back from the flow of hot air so the heater can warm the room more effectively. 

4. Be smart with your air conditioner settings

If you have air conditioning installed and you’re using it to heat your home, you’re already one step ahead. Be wary of cranking it right up, though, or you could still find yourself landed with a large electricity bill. 

Setting your air con to the optimal temperature will ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Chris says: “Avoid the temptation to heat a room any more than you need to, so don’t crank it up to 30 degrees. The comfortable sweet spot is about 18-20°C. Every extra degree increases your heating energy use by up to 10 per cent.�

And don’t forget to only heat the rooms you’re actually using and shut the doors to others. Also ensure your air conditioner is clean and well-maintained, to ensure it’s operating as efficiently as possible.

5. Take advantage of the sales

If you haven’t already bought a heater, you could try to hold out until the end of financial year sales (or pick up a more efficient model to replace your existing heater).

If you’re thinking of going for air conditioning, don’t wait until it’s freezing cold or steaming hot to get an air conditioner installed – shop in the off-season.

“If you’re looking to install an air conditioner for your winter heating, it’s a good idea to organise installation ahead of the peak cold season; if you wait until the cold snap really hits, you might have to wait longer,” Chris says. 

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The post What’s the cheapest way to heat your home this winter? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

If you’ve sweltered through a hot summer without much thought for the approach of winter, you might be kicking yourself that you’re unprepared for the sudden arrival of cooler days. But don’t worry, you still have time.

Here are seven things you can do in a day or two to help prepare your home and keep your heating bills down this winter.Ìý

1. Check your energy deal

If it’s been a while since you last checked your energy plan, the chances are high that you could save by switching to a better deal. Energy retailers will offer new customers low rates that quickly rise once the initial deal expires.

To ensure you’re not paying more than you need to, you can make use of tools like the government’s website to search for a better offer.Ìý 

If you want to make it even simpler, is a service that helps consumers find cheaper deals. ÌÇÐÄVlog has partnered with this energy-switching service because it meets our standards for a consumer-friendly service: it doesn’t take commissions from energy companies, and it compares every publicly available deal.

If it can’t help you save on your first bill, the cost of your subscription will be cancelled. Exactly how much you’ll save will depend on a lot of factors, but Bill Hero says the average first-switch savings for its customers is $380.

2. Sort out draughts

If you live in a home where draughts come through doors and windows, much of the money you spend on heating will be wasted, as the warm air you’ve paid for will quickly disappear through the gaps. 

Solving the problem of draughty doors and windows can be quite simple, and a visit to the local hardware store will provide you with most of the tools you’ll need.

Weather sealing tape, silicon sealant or caulk and PVC door strips can all be used to do away with draughts. Even the humble door snake has its place in keeping your heated rooms snug.Ìý

3. Floor it

While hard floors are easy to clean and often cooler than carpets during warmer weather, they can make heating your rooms more difficult. 

Adding a layer between the cold floor and your feet can really keep you warm and help your home retain heat, so now is the time to invest in a warm rug or two.

Wool is widely considered to be the best option, and while you can pay thousands for a wool rug, there are cheaper options available, particularly if you go for a wool blend.

4. Curtain call

Up to 40% of heating energy can be lost through windows, so coverings such as curtains and blinds can really help keep your home warmer. If you’ve been thinking about dressing up your bare windows, this is your sign to act now. 

Our sister organisation, , has conducted testing to find out which kinds of window coverings work best for insulation.

Alternatively, you might find a second-hand bargain, in which case it could be worth paying for a professional clean. Depending on where you live, that might set you back a few hundred dollars more, so bear that in mind if you choose this option.

If you’re looking for curtains, opt for floor-length, heavy, lined curtains. Adding a pelmet will stop warm air escaping through the tops of windows. 

If blinds are more your thing, honeycomb blinds are the best option, followed by Roman blinds.

Your summer self will thank you, too, as window coverings will also help keep your home cool when the weather warms up, so if blinds or curtains have been on your to-do list for a while, now is the time to measure up and get your orders in.

5. Warm yourself

It’s not just your home that needs some preparation to avoid overspending on energy this winter. 

Heating a whole room or an entire house can be costly, but warming yourself can be very inexpensive. This is often the best option for people who work from home or who live alone.   

A is one cost-effective way to stay comfortable. These cost-effective appliances are portable and cheap to run (less than $20 to use regularly throughout winter).

Good old-fashioned hot water bottles can also be useful, though not as efficient, and an electric blanket is great for staying warm in bed.Ìý

6. Do your maintenance

If it’s been a while since you last serviced your reverse-cycle air conditioners or heaters, now is the time to make sure they’re working effectively. 

Regularly cleaning your air conditioner improves energy efficiency and reduces running costs. That’s because the more clogged the dust filters and interior of the machine become, the harder it has to work. 

It won’t take long to get out the duster and spending a little time on maintenance is a simple way to ensure you spend less on heating this winter

7. Look for a more efficient appliance

If you’ve been using the same heaters for years, it might be time for an upgrade. 

A reverse-cycle air conditioner has the lowest running costs but a higher purchase and installation price, and it may not be an option for everyone. 

If a portable electric heater is the only option you have, oil column heaters are the cheapest to run, but only by a small margin.

They also take longer to warm up. Our expert testing finds that running an electric heater over winter can cost between $188 and $491, so if you’re looking to replace an appliance, choosing one that will cost less to run will add up to significant savings.Ìý

The post Heating bill hacks: 7 things you can do this weekend to cut costs this winter appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

From safety advice to average running costs, here’s what you need to know before hitting the shops.

On this page:

• How much space do you need to heat?
• How much does it cost to run an electric heater?
• Types of electric heaters: Pros and cons
• Which heaters are the safest?
• Features to look for in an electric heater
• What’s the most energy-efficient electric heater?
• How ceiling fans can make your electric heater more effective

How much space do you need to heat?

First things first: if you have a big space to heat, you may want to look at our reverse-cycle split-system air conditioner reviews or gas heater reviews instead. But if you’re only looking to heat a small, enclosed space like a bedroom or study, an electric heater will do the job – particularly one with a fan and a thermostat if you’re planning to have it on for long periods.

Our electric heater lab test results have found that the type of heater isn’t necessarily a factor when it comes to efficiency. As with all appliances, it’s the overall design that makes for a good heater.

Of course, any portable electric heater will be much more effective if you have an insulated room with no draughts. Our home heating guide has some good tips on proofing your home against the winter chill and summer haze.

How much does it cost to run an electric heater?

The unfortunate news is that electric heaters are not cost-efficient compared to other forms of heating. On average, they tend to be the least cost-efficient form of heating in Australia. The most cost-efficient are reverse-cycle air conditioners, followed by gas heaters, then slow combustion wood heaters.

Our electric heater reviews (which include average running costs) can help make sure you don’t stuck with a dud that costs more in the long run for lower heating performance.

Your running costs will vary based on your electricity price. To calculate your own running costs, multiply your energy cost per kWh by your heater’s hourly energy consumption. To calculate your annual running costs, multiply this figure by the number of hours a day, and then by the number of days per year that you expect to be running your heater. For our calculations we use an estimate of 40c/kWh, and an estimate of 500 hours use in winter.

What’s the cheapest type of heater?

This depends on what cost you’re looking at – upfront purchase, or running cost? As usual, there are trade-offs with either selection. On average, small fan heaters are less expensive to buy, but can have higher running costs.

Oil column heaters will be the cheapest on the market to run (on average) – but only by a narrow margin ahead of convection heaters (like panel and micathermic panels). There are some comfort trade-offs for that cheap running cost, primarily being slow to heat and ineffective at heating a whole room if they don’t have a fan. If you have a reversible ceiling fan, it’ll help disperse the heat around the room more evenly.

The models in our electric heaters test range in price from $46 to $1199, but we’ve found a higher price tag doesn’t always mean better performance. A number of pricey heaters have failed to impress our testers, while some cheaper models make for surprisingly good buys. 

Types of electric heaters: Pros and cons

Radiant heaters

Radiant heaters are personal heaters. As the name suggests, they radiate heat from a red-hot heating element (so the family will have to take turns sitting in front of it).

Pros

• There are floor and wall-mounted models available.
• Radiant heaters are relatively inexpensive.
• They have a cosy glow and personal warming effect, like sitting in front of a fire.

Cons

• They’re not going to heat the air in a room very well.
• The relatively exposed heating element can be a fire and safety hazard. For example, a piece of clothing dropped over it may ignite, or small children playing around a floor model may burn themselves, so be careful.

Price

Radiant heaters generally cost between $20 and $200.

Oil-filled column heaters

Oil-filled column heaters don’t actually burn oil – they use electricity to heat the oil that’s sealed inside their columns or ‘fins’. The heat from the oil is then transferred to the casing and to the air circulating the fins. Some column heaters aren’t even oil-filled but instead use other material or heating technology to work the same way.

Can oil heaters catch fire?

The risk of fire with an oil column heater is low compared to other heater types, but never zero. Oil heaters don’t have exposed elements like radiant heaters do, and their surface temperature is lower than many other heater types (their large surface area makes up for it). But they’re still an electrical appliance filled with hot oil. 

Oil column heaters won’t explode, and while they don’t burn their oil to generate heat, it’s still flammable, so there is a fire risk if the oil leaks, if the heater tips over and leaks, or if flammable objects or fabric come into contact or fall on the heater. 

You should exercise the same degree of caution with oil heaters as for other heater types, and never hang towels or clothes over one to dry them – use a drying rack instead, at least one metre away. If your oil heater is leaking, or showing signs of serious corrosion or damage, then you should replace it.

Pros

• Column heaters are particularly useful in rooms where they’ll be switched on for long periods of time or where they’ll operate unattended, such as overnight in a bedroom.
• The surfaces you’re likely to touch on a column heater don’t get as hot as other types of electric heaters.
• You can use a ceiling fan on very low speed to assist the column heater to distribute the heat faster and more evenly.

Cons

• They rely on natural convection so they take longer to heat a room than fan-assisted heaters of similar capacity.
• If there’s not much air movement (for example, if you’re sitting reading or watching TV), the heat may not be distributed evenly.

Price

Oil-filled column heaters generally cost between $100 and $499.

Convection and panel heaters

Convection and panel heaters draw cold air over an electric heating element. The warmed air then leaves the heater and rises towards the ceiling, while cooler air moves in to replace it.

They usually have a fan which enhances the convection effect by forcing the warm air from the heater. When you use the fan, the room will heat up more quickly and evenly. Without it, the air is more likely to form horizontal temperature layers which could leave you with cold feet – particularly if there’s not much movement in the room. The fan will break up these layers to a certain extent. 

That being said, it’s also noisy – so make sure the fan can be switched off (you don’t want the fan drowning out the TV!)

Panel heaters are a type of convection heater that are, as the name suggests, particularly thin and flat, though they can also be quite long. They often come with a wall-mounting kit for permanent attachment, much like an old-style radiator (though some convection heaters are also wall mountable).

Micathermic panel heaters usually have a similar shape to a column heater, but are often thinner. They have panels of the mineral mica around their heating element, and the mica absorbs the heat and radiates it more evenly, or so the marketing material claims. Supposedly this helps the heater warm the room faster and more efficiently than the element alone, but we haven’t seen it eventuate in our testing.

Pros

• Convection and panel heaters are more portable than their oil-filled column heater counterparts because they’re significantly lighter.
• They’ll heat the air in a room evenly and quickly.
• Like a column heater, you can use a ceiling fan on very low speed to distribute the heat faster and more evenly.

Cons

• Some models, particularly panel heaters, are comparatively expensive to buy.
• Those with fans can be noisy.

Price

Convection and panel heaters generally cost between $85 and $800.

Fan heaters (including ceramic)

You’ll see the term ceramic used in conjunction with some fan heaters. Ceramic heating elements are claimed to heat up and cool down faster than conventional metal elements, but that’s actually more of a safety advantage rather than performance advantage, as the rapid cooling means that burn risks are reduced.Ìý

Dyson heaters fall into the fan category and appear to use ceramic heating elements, though it’s not clearly stated for all models.

Pros

• Fan heaters are often smaller and more portable than other electric heaters.
• They also come in the form of tower fan heaters, which can be better for distributing heat around larger spaces due to their taller profile.
• They can heat the air in a room more rapidly, evenly and quickly than some other heater types.
• Models with ceramic elements have a claimed lower risk of burns.

Cons

• They can be quite noisy with the fan on full power, though are usually reasonably quiet at lower fan speeds.

Price

The fan heaters (ceramic or otherwise) we’ve tested generally cost between $46 and $379. Ceramic fan heaters aren’t necessarily any different in price to non-ceramic models.

Infrared heaters

A relatively recent entrant into the consumer market, infrared heaters heat the room like the sun heats your face (without the UV rays so no danger of skin cancer). Whereas other heaters heat up the air in a space, infrared heaters will heat up objects. Sometimes these heaters are referred to as ‘far infrared’ heaters, which simply means that they emit heat radiation at the far end of the infrared spectrum, which is claimed to be the most effective for heating a body.

Our sister organisation, , has carried out tests on two 450W infrared panel heaters and found they were equivalent to most other forms of heating in both performance and running costs.

Pros

• Infrared heaters can be wall or ceiling mounted – the most unobtrusive form of heating.
• They heat the objects in a room rather than space, so may be good for outdoor entertaining areas or a room you can’t draught-proof.
• They can be mounted behind mirrors to heat a bathroom (mirrors let the infrared rays pass through).
• They don’t take time to warm up – instant on.
• They’re silent and only require minor maintenance.

Cons

• They can be quite expensive.
• They need to be in direct line of sight of the object or person being heated.
• They can’t be installed opposite windows, otherwise heat goes straight through.

Price

Infrared heaters generally cost between $300 and $900.

Which heaters are the safest?

Modern electric heaters are considerably safer than their ancestors, and incredibly safe in comparison to liquid fuel combustion heaters which burn kerosene or other accelerants. Modern heaters also come with built-in safety features, such as thermal cut-outs and tilt switches which are designed to keep you and your family safe.

We conduct tests that reflect how heaters are potentially used in people’s homes, including what happens when the heater is tipped over, and whether electrical cords move too much (from their connection to the heater) when tugged.

Electrical compliance

Like all electrical appliances, electric heaters must comply with Australian electrical safety standards. It’s a safe bet that any heater from a major brand or retailer will comply. But be wary if you’re tempted by a no-name bargain on an online site – check that the product is stated to comply, and check its label when it arrives. A guide to compliance marks can be found on many regulatory websites, such as the or .

If you’re buying a second-hand heater, check that it hasn’t been the subject of a recall at .

Mini electric heaters that plug directly into a power point (i.e. don’t have a power cord) are often constructed very cheaply and are generally not considered a safe design. They are not permitted under the latest Australian electrical compliance regulations. Some may still pop up in online stores or other retailers: we advise that you don’t buy them.

Convection heaters can be a safer option

As a rule, convection heaters such as oil column and panel heaters are the safest heaters to use as they tend to have lower surface temperatures, don’t have exposed heating elements, and are more stable due to their greater weight or wall mounting.

But while oil column heaters are relatively safe as far as space heaters go, there’s always a risk of fire due to faulty wiring or connection to an unsuitable extension cord, tipping over, oil leaks (particularly if an oil with a low flashpoint was used), or fires caused by items hung over or falling onto the heater. And while they tend not to get as hot on the surface as other heater types, children (and adults) can still sustain a nasty burn if they’re not careful.

Tips for safely using a heater

Regardless of the type of heater you’re using you should follow these guidelines for safe operation.

• Only ever use a space heater on the floor – never use a space heater on a shelf, bench or any raised or uneven surface.
• Don’t use a space heater in bathrooms, kitchens or any other wet areas – water and electricity are a bad combination.
• Keep flammable items such as clothes, curtains and furniture at least a metre away from your space heater, and be mindful of the risk of items falling onto the heater from above.
• Never leave a running space heater unattended, especially if there are small children or pets around.

Which heaters are safe to leave on all night?

Convection heaters, such as oil column or panel heaters, are your best choice for a heater you’re going to leave on all night – their gentle convection heating is conducive to an easy night’s sleep, and they don’t get as hot as other types of heaters so they’re safer to touch (they compensate for this with the larger heating surface area). Panel heaters can be a good option for children’s rooms, as they can be secured to a wall so they can’t fall over, and they usually have a lower temperature contact surface.

Regardless of heater type, it’s important to look for one with a timer so it can turn itself down/off once you’re asleep under the doona to save electricity, and then turn itself on to warm the room up again in the morning to make getting out of bed that little bit easier.

Avoid leaving radiant heaters on all night as their exposed heating elements pose a particular fire risk if anything falls on it, and avoid heaters that can easily tip over. A heater with a fan doesn’t pose an elevated risk, but if the fan’s noisy then it won’t be conducive to getting a good night’s sleep.

Do electric heaters need ventilation?

No, because electric heaters don’t produce carbon monoxide the way gas, kerosene or other combustion heaters do, so they’re safe to use without ventilation – but there are caveats. If the indoor air is humid, the combination of warmth and moisture can lead to mould growth, which can exacerbate respiratory and other problems. 

And while you don’t need ventilation, to get the most out of a convection heater you’ll need a way to circulate the air in your room, such as a ceiling fan on reverse, or even a pedestal fan, to distribute the heat evenly rather than having it pool directly above the heater.

Unflued and flued gas heaters

These heaters definitely need ventilation, and should never be used in bedrooms, bathrooms or confined spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gas heating also increases the moisture content in the air, so it can contribute to mould problems.

Features to look for in an electric heater

Timer

A timer allows you to set the heater to run at set times or periods – useful to heat up the room before you get up in the morning, or at night time to turn your heater off and save electricity while you’re asleep under the doona.

A built-in timer feature on the heater itself is a better option than using a smart plug or timer switch on the power point. Those may not be able to cope with your heater’s high current draw and could be a fire risk.

Thermostat

The thermostat on your heater is essentially a heat activated mechanical or digital switch which allows you to regulate the temperature in the room by turning on the heater below a minimum temperature, then turning it off again once the maximum set temperature is reached. A good thermostat will maintain a very consistent temperature. Without a thermostat your heater would run constantly – your room may become uncomfortably hot, and your electricity consumption will be high.

Importantly, turning the thermostat on your heater up really high won’t bring a cold room to temperature any quicker – your heater will still heat at the same rate, you’ll just overheat your room if you forget to turn it down. Leave it on your desired setting and your room will warm up just as quickly, but once your target temperature is reached your heater will cycle on and off to maintain a comfortable environment.

Thermal cut-out

An essential safety feature, a thermal cut-out switches the heater off if it overheats – if something’s covering your heater for example – reducing the risk of fire. We assess the effectiveness of thermal cut-outs in our electric heater tests. Regardless of the presence of a thermal cut-out, you should never hang towels or other items over any heater to dry.

Some heaters may have a fuse instead of (or as back-up to) a switch. This will do the job, but once the fuse is triggered, it will need to be replaced by a service technician before the heater will work again. The cost of this service could be more than the heater’s original price tag. A thermal fuse is not as convenient as a thermal switch. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible for a consumer to know whether a heater has this sort of thermal cut-out device.

Most heaters have a thermal cut-out of some sort, but not all of them say so in their product specifications. If in doubt, choose a heater that clearly identifies that it has this feature.

Tilt switch

A tilt switch turns the heater off almost instantly if it tilts beyond a certain angle or falls over. This helps prevent a potential fire from the hot parts of the heater being in direct contact with the floor or other materials. We’ve found some heaters don’t state whether they have a tilt switch, but still turn off when pushed over in our test.

Not all heaters are required by law to have a tilt switch, but we think it’s an important safety feature to look for in any heater. A thermal cut-out safety feature will also often turn off the heater if it falls over, but may take longer to do so.

Cord length

Cord length is an important consideration for heaters from both a usability and safety perspective – you need a cord that’s long enough that you can position your heater where it’s going to be most effective, but not so long that it’s a trip hazard. We’ve seen heater cord lengths ranging from under a metre up to 2.7 metres, with an average of 1.7 metres in our tests.

Safety tip: You should never use an electric heater with an extension cord or power board. Heaters draw a lot of current which can cause smaller gauge extension cords to heat up and catch fire. And if you absolutely have to use an extension cord, make sure it’s a heavy duty one rated for the amount of current your heater draws.

Frost watch

Useful for colder climates where the temperature could drop below zero, the frost watch feature is claimed to maintain a temperature of around 5°C, avoiding frost or freezing in the room. This setting generally uses a relatively small amount of energy. It can help protect water pipes from freezing and reduce dampness in the room.

Smart heaters

If you’re looking to add another ‘connected’ appliance to your smart home, we’re seeing more and more heaters with Wi-Fi and/or smartphone compatibility. This means you can adjust temperatures and turn them on or off remotely using an app on your smartphone, or control them through your Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart speaker.

Warranty

Heaters usually come with a one- or two-year warranty, but some offer more, or even ‘lifetime’ cover. Regardless of warranty, don’t forget your rights under the Australian Consumer Law – the seasonal nature of heaters means you may have only used your heater for a few months out of a given 12-month period.

What’s the most energy-efficient electric heater?

Your electric heater is basically 100% efficient, in that pretty much all of the electricity is being converted to heat (some is also used by built-in fans and electronic controls). But that doesn’t mean one 2000W heater will output exactly as much heat as another – for example, one may have a poor-quality thermostat which stops the heater from running at full power when it ought to. ‘Efficient’ is not always the same as ‘effective’!

A heater with a good thermostat will reduce its heat output (and energy use) when the room reaches the target temperature, while models with poor thermostats might stay on maximum output for longer, overheating the room and using more electricity than they need to.

You can improve the effectiveness of an electric heater by making sure its heat isn’t wasted, and the best way to do that is by insulating your home and stopping draughts. For more about home heating efficiency, check out our home heating guide.

Are electric heaters low in greenhouse gas emissions?

Electric heaters are the highest producers of greenhouse gas emissions out of all heating types due to Australia’s mix of energy fuels. This is less of an issue if you have solar panels on your roof, but chances are you’ll be using your heater the most at night, when the sun’s not out.

How ceiling fans can make your electric heater more effective

If you have a ceiling fan, the reverse feature found on many of them can be of great benefit in winter when combined with an electric heater. Usually a ceiling fan blows a cooling breeze down towards you, but in reverse or ‘winter’ mode, the fan instead draws the room’s air up.ÌýIt then mixes with the warm air rising from the heater, and is moved along the ceiling and back down the walls, thus spreading the warm air more evenly around the room.Ìý

Check out our ceiling fan reviews and make your heat work for you.

The post How to find a great portable electric heater appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

• Heating performance
• Energy efficiency
• Electrical safety 

We also assess their controls, stability, and how easy they are to move around so you know what they’re like to live with.

How does ÌÇÐÄVlog pick which electric heaters to test?

Types tested: Convection and column heaters.

We aim to test the most popular brands and types on the market, and what you’re most likely to see in shops. To do this, we:

• Survey manufacturers to find out about their range of products.
• Check market sales information.
• Check member requests to test specific models.

We then buy each product, just as you would. We do this so we can be sure the products are the same as any consumer would find them, not ‘tweaked’ for better performance.

How does ÌÇÐÄVlog test electric heaters in the lab?

Heating performance

Energy efficiency

We measure efficiency based on the power the heater uses vs the temperature achieved, compared to other electric heaters. A model that’s only OK for efficiency may heat the room effectively but cost you more to run.

Safety

We check heaters’ cord anchorage to ensure the power cord is securely connected. We test the surface temperature of  the heater, to make sure it’s not dangerous to touch.

We check the heater’s stability, to see if it tips over too easily. Then we lie it on its side, to simulate it being knocked over, and check the tilt switch or thermal cut-out feature shuts the heater off quickly for your safety.

Ease of use

So we can give you a practical idea of what a heater is like, testers also assess ease of use.

They look at controls, stability, ease of moving the heater around and whether or not it’s easy to clean, to get an idea of what it’s like to operate and own.

Who does the testing?

Most ÌÇÐÄVlog product reviews are conducted in our own test labs, but when a test calls for skills or equipment that we don’t have, and that aren’t cost-effective for us to obtain, we partner with other expert, accredited labs.

Heaters are tested in an external lab, to a program we’ve specified.

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Overseas online retailers are continuing to sell dangerous plug-in electric heaters, even after regulators effectively banned them from being sold in Australia.Ìý

These miniature heaters are plugged directly into the power socket (that is, they don’t have a power cord) and use a fan to circulate hot air.Ìý

Models bought from overseas may not have the standard Australian three-pin plug, and therefore need an adaptor, which can pose more risks as the weight of the heater on the adaptor may lead to a poor connection and exposed live pins, creating a serious safety hazard.

They’re cheap to buy – some less than $20 – and with the rising cost of living, many people may be enticed by what seems like a cheap and convenient way to heat their home.Ìý

However, ÌÇÐÄVlog warns against purchasing these unsafe and illegal heaters.

After we notified the ACCC about the heaters’ safety failures, state regulatory bodies began monitoring retailers who continue to sell these products.

Mini heaters fail safety tests

In February 2023, ÌÇÐÄVlog’s UK counterpart, Which?, .Ìý

Every single one of them failed their safety tests, with four of them presenting a risk of fire and – especially concerning – one presenting a risk of explosion due to counterfeit fuses.

The consumer organisation also uncovered evidence of sellers posting fake reviews and advertising to encourage people to buy these products.

This winter we’ve continued to see ads on YouTube and other online platforms promoting these unsafe heaters for sale in Australia, including listings on eBay and AliExpress. Brands of the unsafe heaters include Blumeheat, WellHeater and Handy Heater.

ÌÇÐÄVlog heating expert Chris Barnes alerted the ACCC about these dangerous heaters in February 2023, but says that electrical appliance safety and compliance in Australia is overseen by a complicated and convoluted system: different states use different rules and regulations, and there’s no single consistent scheme across the country.Ìý

“However, the ACCC is coordinating discussions on potential reforms that would lead to a nationally consistent electrical safety framework,” says Chris.

Standards updated to exclude mini heaters

So what did these separate bodies do to ensure these dangerous heaters are taken off the market?

“Late in 2023, the electrical safety and performance standard for electric heaters was updated to effectively prevent these mini heaters from being certified safe. That means that they can’t legally be sold in Australia,” Chris says.Ìý

“We strongly advise against buying any of these mini heaters that plug into the wall.

“Although they may seem like a cheap and convenient option for heating, they carry serious risk of fire or electrical fault – and they probably won’t be that effective or efficient at heating your home either.”

Queensland takes action

“To bolster the changes to the standard, in March 2024, Queensland issued a prohibition notice for these mini heaters,” says Chris.

“That makes it easier for a safety inspector to act immediately if they find these heaters for sale – they can immediately order them removed from sale and take action against the retailer.”

The prohibition notice took effect on 6 March 2024, and some online platforms are removing these products from sale in Australia.

We spoke with Carl Porritt, from the Queensland Electrical Safety Office, who told us that when these mini heaters came to light in 2023, regulators were horrified and moved quickly to prevent them from being sold, and certifiers were directed not to certify them.

The safety office also issued the prohibition notice, which makes it illegal to sell these types of heaters in Queensland.

“I also have inspectors tackling the online platforms and checking a few of the cheap stores around Queensland,” he says.

Be aware of safety risks

When buying products online, it’s important to be aware of potential safety risks, especially from retailers selling items that may not meet Australian safety standards.

“It’s telling that these heaters only appear on online platforms and in dodgy online ads; no reputable retailer in Australia stocks this type of heater at all,” says Chris.

“That’s a helpful alarm bell that they are products to avoid.”

You can read our tips for how to protect yourself from buying an unsafe product.

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So here are six of the best heating options for renters to keep yourself warm this winter.

1. Portable electric heaters

There are three different types of portable electric heaters to choose from – fan, oil column and panel. 

There are pros and cons to all three, but in the end a good electric heater comes down to overall design rather than type. Here’s how to find the best portable electric heater.

The effectiveness of your electric heater will depend on the size and insulation of the space you’re trying to heat: a tiny heater is not going to be much good to you in a large, cavernous space. But our tests have uncovered plenty of larger heaters that don’t perform well and could cost you a great deal of money over winter.

Whatever option you choose, be sure to check the running costs before you buy. Our tests show that over winter, an electric heater can cost as little as $195 or as much as $508 to run. 

Check out our heater reviews to find the best portable electric heater for you, and to discover more efficient ways of heating your home, visit our home heating guide.

2. Add some layers

Adding layers – to your home and yourself – can really help protect from the cold.

• Cover your floor with a rug, which will work to insulate your room.Ìý
• Single-glazed windows can also let the outside cold in – or let the inside warm out. While you can’t add double-glazing to a rented home, you can cover the windows to help retain the heat you’re generating and keep the cold air outside.Ìý Covering your windows with a simple blind or curtain will help keep your home cosy through the winter months.
• Covering up goes for your body, too. It’s amazing how effective a pair of thick socks or an additional layer of clothing can be to keep you warm. Layering works by trapping warm air between the layers, helping to insulate you from the cold, so just donning an extra shirt or jumper can be really effective.

3. Heated throws

If heating your home is proving impossible, you can always try heating the human instead. Heated throws use electricity to warm the blanket and can be used on a lounge or seated at your desk in the home office (a favourite tactic among many ÌÇÐÄVlog renters), provided there is a power socket within reach. 

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts recently reviewed five heated throws from brands such as Kmart and Breville, rating each throw on how well they heat, how quickly they heat up, and how safe and easy they are to use. The products we look at vary in price, from as little as $35 up to $199, and they’re cheap to use: we calculate that all the throws we looked at would cost between $12 and $18 to run across the whole winter. That’s considerably less than an electric heater. 

When choosing a heated throw, look for products that conform to Australian safety standards (shown by a tick inside a triangle). To comply, products will need to meet requirements such as not getting dangerously hot. All electric blankets and heated throws must carry AS/NZS 60335.2.17:2012 or later, so look for this when shopping. Be sure to choose a model that you’ll be able to use without any kind of extension cord, as this can cause overheating and create a potential fire risk. 

4. Draught busters

Draughts of cold air that enter through gaps in doors and windows can undo all your best efforts to heat your home. But, as a renter, you’ll inevitably need your landlord’s permission to alter any fixtures like window or door seals. 

There are, however, a few ways you can eliminate cold draughts.

For draughts making their way under doors, a door-snake could be the answer. These tube-like ‘creatures’, made of simple fabrics like corduroy or canvas and filled with insulating material, can be used to block out draughts. They come in all kinds of different styles and prices and can be bought from most homewares and department stores, such as Bunnings, Big W and Kmart. If you’re crafty, you could even make one yourself.

Another option is to add weather or draught-excluding tape, which you can apply to the underneath or top of doors or windows. It helps plug gaps, keeping warm air in and cold air out. There are different kinds depending on whether you’re sealing doors or windows and your local hardware store should carry all the options.

5. Wheat bags

Microwaveable wheat bags are convenient, reusable and a gentle way to warm the body and soothe sore muscles. 

If you’re choosing this option, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as overheating or reheating a wheat bag that hasn’t fully cooled can lead to burns or fire. They also shouldn’t be used as bed warmers due to the risk of fire. 

Wheat bag dos and don’ts

• Don’t microwave for longer than specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never wrap or cover a wheat bag.
• Avoid products that contain wrapped wheat bags, for example cuddly soft toys containing a compartment for wheat bags.
• To heat a bed, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket instead of a wheat bag. Wheat bags should only be used for direct application to body aches and pains.
• If you notice a burning smell coming from the bag, let it cool and then dispose of it.
• Fragrant oils added to the wheat bag may increase fire risk.
• The organic filling dries out with age and becomes more combustible so check your heat bag for signs of age and scorching regularly.
• ÌÇÐÄVlog doesn’t recommend wheat bags be used by children.

6. Electric blankets

Another cosy option for renters is to put an electric blanket on your bed. Turn it on before bed-time with enough time to warm up and then dive in and savour the snuggly warmth of a heated bed. 

Electric blankets come in a range of sizes and with numerous heat settings. Some are even programmable and may even have a wool-pile cover, which works as a woollen underlay as well.

Not only do they make for a cosy bed-time, they’re also relatively cheap to run. We calculated that the models in our most recent reviews cost between $2 and $48 to run per winter.

The prices of electric blankets are also relatively low: you can pick up a basic model for as little as $55, though a top-of-the-range version can cost nearly $500. 

But there are some safety issues to consider. There have been numerous electric blanket recalls over the years and several electric blanket fires have occurred.

All electric blankets must carry Australian Standard 3350.2.17:2000, so look for this when shopping. Read the instructions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and care. 

For more on what to look for in an electric blanket, read our buying guide.

What about gas heaters? 

In recent years, ÌÇÐÄVlog has stopped testing and recommending all gas appliances (apart from barbecues). We’d already ceased testing gas heaters in 2017, but in response to the energy transition and the change in modern electric appliances that make them safer, more efficient and cheaper to run, we no longer test any gas appliances. 

Modelling by Energy Consumers Australia estimates that going all-electric could cut the average household’s energy bills by $2250, meaning there are good financial as well as environmental reasons to move away from gas. 

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