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°°ä, 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.

On this page:

• Our expert testers
• How we choose which electric heaters to test
• How does ÌÇÐÄVlog test heaters?
• Test criteria explained
• Our test lab

Our electric heater reviews score each model for heating performance, comparative energy efficiency and ease of use, to help you decide which models are hot and which are not. Here’s how we go about getting those test results.

Our expert testers

We’ve been reviewing heaters of various sorts for decades now. ÌÇÐÄVlog participates in Australian Standards committees and regulatory forums so we can keep an eye on trends in the industry and government regulations.

How we choose which electric heaters to test

With so many to choose from, what makes us choose one electric heater to test over another? Like with most of our product testing, our aim is to test popular models on the market and what you’re most likely to see in the retailers.

We mainly test convection and column heaters. Generally we don’t include a lot of radiant heaters or small fan heaters as there are a lot of different models in the market and model turnover can be quite rapid. Also, radiant and small fan heaters are often best suited to warming an individual person, while we focus on models more suited to heating a room.

We survey manufacturers to find out about their range, we check market sales information and we also check for any member requests to test specific models. From this information we put together a final list that goes to our buyers. They then head out to the retailers and buy each product, just as a normal consumer would. We do this so we can be sure they’re the same as any consumer would find them and not ‘tweaked’ in any way.

Buying the heaters in time for testing is always a challenge, as they often don’t appear in retail stores – or even in distributor warehouses – until the cold season actually starts in late May, while we need to be testing and reporting on the results in time for winter. So unfortunately, we can’t always test some major brands or models. There are also a lot of models that appear for one season only, often at cheap prices; we test some of these to see how they compare, but can’t cover the market in this category.

How does ÌÇÐÄVlog test heaters?

Heating performance

The testing is performed by an accredited laboratory and measures how long it takes to raise the room temperature by 5°°ä and 10°°ä from an ambient temperature of 8°°ä. If the heater has a fan, it’s turned on for this test. The adjustable test room is 4.9 deep x 3.5 long x 2.4 metres high and is fitted with an array of sensors to measure the temperature at each point in the room. The test room itself has a standard household wooden door with a small window fitted into it and is fully insulated.

Some heaters can manage the 5°°ä rise in as little as seven or eight minutes, which we rate as an excellent performance. A 10°°ä rise usually takes much longer, but again some manage an excellent performance, achieving this in 30 minutes or less. However, some heaters don’t manage a 10° temperature rise at all.

The testers measure how evenly the heat is distributed through the room. With the best models, there’s less than a two degree difference across the room, but usually it’s more like a three or four degree variation, even with the heater’s fan on.

The testers also measure each heater’s thermostat performance. A good thermostat should not let the room’s average temperature vary too much – a variation of one degree or less is a good performance. The larger the variation in the room’s temperature, the lower the score for this particular test.

Safety

The heaters are checked for electrical safety, including cord anchorage , earthing and electrical strength. The testers also measure surface temperatures at various points on the heater.

We lie the heater on its side, to simulate it being knocked over, and see how quickly the thermal cut-out feature shuts the heater off.

We notify regulators if any heaters fail the safety tests.

Energy efficiency

This is based on the power used versus the temperature rise achieved in the performance test. While several models rate well in this respect, this is only comparative between the tested models, and a good rating doesn’t necessarily mean that an electric heater is the best form of heating for your needs; a reverse-cycle air conditioner may well be more effective and more efficient, even if a little more expensive to buy and install.

Good heating performance and good energy efficiency don’t always go together. A model may be great at heating, but only OK for efficiency, meaning it will heat the room effectively but cost more to run. Some are efficient but only OK performers, so they don’t heat the room as effectively, but at least they use less power. Sadly, we’ve found a few that are not only weak at heating, but use a comparatively large amount of power too; unsurprisingly these tend to sit towards the bottom of our table.

Ease of use

Testers look at the controls, stability, moving the heater around and cleaning the heater.

Test criteria explained

The overall score is made up of:

• Heating score (70%), which factors in how quickly the heater warms up the test room, the temperature distribution and thermostat performance.
• Ease of use score (30%), with the criteria listed above weighted equally.

Our test lab

Testing electric heaters requires a very specific laboratory, as described above. While ÌÇÐÄVlog does have high quality thermal laboratories for testing fridges and other products, we don’t have a lab suited to electric heater testing – it would not be economical for us to construct and maintain. So when we review electric heaters, we send them to an accredited external lab, which tests them to a program we’ve specified.

The post How we test electric heaters appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

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

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.Ìý

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 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.Ìý

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 Oil Column Electric Heater (AU AB-H2000TIMBK)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 48%
• Heating score: 36%
• Price: $299

Oil column heaters are usually favoured for small or medium rooms, as they can gently heat a space over a long period of time, or overnight (if the model has a fan they can be good for larger rooms). But we advise looking past this model.Ìý

With its unique Scandi-style design, it comes with a cheap price tag and a more stylish design than other heaters in this category. Sadly, its good looks are wasted: it received the lowest Heating Score in our test of just 36%, failing to achieve an increase of 10°C in our test room (approximately the size of a medium-large bedroom) in two hours.

Read the full Mill AU AB-H2000TIMBK review.Ìý

Rinnai Panel Heater (PEPH-22PEW)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Heating score: 52%
• Price: $339

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

Lenoxx Oil Column Electric Heater (H210)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Heating score: 44%
• Price: $100

A heater for $100 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°°ä rise in as little as seven or eight minutes, which we rate as an excellent performance. A 10°°ä 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

Omega Altise Panel Heater (OAPE2000W)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 54%
• Heating score: 49%
• Price: $199

Panel heaters are a popular choice for bedrooms as they can emanate a gentle heat without a noisy fan. They are also often relatively light and easily portable, and can be mounted to a wall (this Omega model comes with castors, wheels and wall mount brackets).

The price tag on this model is admittedly attractively low, but sadly, the performance score our experts gave this model is also below par. In fact, it managed a Heating Score of just 49% and did not achieve a temperature increase of 10°°äÌýwithin two hours in our test scenario.

If you’re after a panel heater, there are many other models in our review worth considering over this one.

Read the full Omega Altise Panel Heater review.

DeLonghi Oil Column Heater (TRRS0920T)

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 54%
• Heating score: 43%
• Price: $189

Oil column heaters like this DeLonghi model can be useful for gently heating a small or medium room over a long period of time, or overnight. But they’re also heavy and bulky, which is a bad point our testers noted about this model.

Although it’s relatively cheap to buy, has a seven-year warranty and a heating timer, it failed to achieve an increase in temperature of 10°°ä in our test scenario and received a poor Heating Score of just 43%.

Read the full DeLonghi Oil Column Heater 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 (4.9 deep x 3.5 long x 2.4 metres high), it took over 10 minutes to increase the temperature by 5°°ä and over an hour and a half to increase the temperature in that room by 10°°ä.

This heater is small and lightweight, so 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.Ìý

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°°äÌýand failed to increase the temperature by 10°°ä in 2 hours.

It may have a sleek slimline design and handy remote control, but do good looks and hundreds of dollars 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.Ìý
• 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.Ìý
• 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.Ìý

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,” ²õ²¹²â²õÌýÌÇÐÄVlog 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 don’t want to 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.Ìý

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

The post Electric heaters to avoid buying appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

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.

The post The banned mini heaters still being sold online appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

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. 

The post Best heating options for renters appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

If you skew more icy than toasty, the prospect of the chilly months ahead is probably not filling you with joy. Even worse if the soaring cost of energy has you cringing every time your bill lands in your inbox.

Not sure how to keep warm at night without breaking the bank? We’ll compare running costs and temperatures for both hot water bottles and electric blankets so you can decide which is the best option for you.

Plus, we’ll share budget-friendly ways to stay warm and toasty overnight, with some costing next to nothing if you already have supplies in the cupboard.

Hot water bottles

If you’ve layered every blanket you own onto your bed and you’re still freezing, hot water bottles are a budget-friendly option that’ll deliver instant gratifying heat. They’re cheap (some under $10) and the only ongoing cost is for hot water.

Depending on a few factors, such as the size of the bottle, the temperature of the hot water used and the quality and type of the material, a hot water bottle can stay warm for a couple of hours.

How warm exactly? Our expert testers got out their thermometers to find out.

They filled a hot water bottle with 50°°ä water and measured its external temperature. It started at 30°°ä and two hours later it was still around 27°°ä, so it held the heat pretty well – not bad for such a cheap product.

They’re a great option if you just need something warm to help you doze off, but not much good if you’re likely to wake up freezing when your bedroom turns Arctic in the middle of the night.

A few safety tips to keep in mind: 

• Never use boiling water straight from the kettle. Instead, let it cool down a bit or mix it with cold water, or just use water from the hot tap.
• Don’t overfill a hot water bottle.Ìý
• Check it before use to ensure it’s free of leaks and doesn’t have cracks or other damage.
• Wrap the hot water bottle in a towel or use a cover to avoid direct contact with the skin.

Wondering if you can supercharge your hot water bottle experience? We suggest you don’t bother with one in particular: the $159 Stoov Homey electric hot water bottle. Not only is its price tag hefty, our testers found that it wasn’t as warm as a regular hot water bottle.Ìý

Electric blankets

In the spirit of heating the human and not the room (which is usually cheaper), electric blankets and heated throws are another popular and cost-effective option.Ìý

Each winter, ÌÇÐÄVlog experts test electric blankets and heated throws in our labs, giving them scores on their performance and how easy they are to use.Ìý

We’ve found options for all budgets, with some blankets costing as little as $55, although blankets with premium features such as different body zones and Wi-Fi connectivity can cost up to $400 or more. Heated throws tend to be cheaper, with the ones we’ve tested ranging in price from $35 to $199.

And we’ve calculated that it will likely cost you less than $50 to run a single bed electric blanket over winter. The heated throws we’ve tested will cost you around $12 to $15 through the three chilly months of winter.

Our electric blanket reviews and heated throw blanket reviews list price and running costs for each model.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: To be on the safe side, we advise against using an electric blanket or heated throw overnight, even if it has an all-night mode.

Chill-proof your bedroom

Ensuring your sleeping space is well-insulated and free from nasty, chilly drafts goes a long way towards keeping you warm at night. Before you go to bed, close your curtains, blinds and doors – this doesn’t cost you a thing, but can make a big difference to the chill factor in your bedroom.

If you have hard floors or gappy floorboards, a rug can also help keep the cold air out. See more easy and cheap tips to keep warm this winter.

Layer up

The cheapest and easiest way to keep warm is of course piling on the blankets and layers. Even better if you have a cuddly pet or a partner who runs warm that you can share body heat with.Ìý

There’s also a lot to be said for cosy flannelette pyjamas and sheets and a good pair of fluffy bed socks for frosty feet, even better (and cheaper) if you already have them in your cupboard so you don’t have to rush out and buy anything when the temperature drops.

Thick, heavier blankets made of natural materials such as wool, cotton and cashmere are often the warmest and most breathable. There are also blankets made from synthetic materials such as fleece or faux fur which can trap warmth in the fibres to keep you cosy but which are less breathable (and could leave you in a sweat).

Linen sheets are another warming option. Although you may associate the cool and light material more with summer, they’re actually good for winter too. Linen sheets help regulate your body temperature and they absorb moisture, so they’re great for layering under heavier blankets, saving you from sweating and overheating.

Reverse-cycle air con

If your fluffy socks and blankets aren’t cutting it, and you really need to run an appliance while you sleep to stave off the chill, a reverse-cycle air conditioner is the cheapest and most efficient option.Ìý

Depending on the model and how you use it (and how cold it is outside), running a small air conditioner over the three months of winter could cost you around $130 in an average climate zone.Ìý

Of course this relies on you already having it installed, or being able to afford the high installation costs if you’re the property owner.Ìý

If you do have air conditioning installed, our estimates show that running a reverse-cycle air conditioner for the entire year can cost less than running an electric heater for just three months over winter (read more below).Ìý

Read our tips for how to save money on running your air con .

Electric heater

Although they can be relatively cheap to buy, and are convenient and portable, electric heaters are the most expensive way to keep warm overnight. They can cost up to around 80c per hour to run, depending on the type and model, which could add around $400 to your energy bills if you run for 6 hours per day over the three months of winter. You can view the running costs for different models in our electric heater review.

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts also advise to take care if running them while you sleep.

“Most heaters – particularly convection, panel and oil column heaters which don’t have exposed heating elements – are safe to leave on overnight on a low setting, as long as they are well clear of any furniture, curtains and so on, as per the ‘leave a metre for heaters’ rule,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog heating expert Chris Barnes.

But it’s best not to leave a heater on a high setting overnight, particularly in a child’s bedroom or if you have pets. Also, check that the heater has a thermal cut-out feature (so it switches off if it gets too hot) and a tilt switch (so it turns off automatically if knocked over).Ìý

Verdict: What’s the cheapest and best way to keep warm in bed?

Heating your body rather than the whole room is usually a more efficient and cheaper way to stay warm in bed.Ìý

Once you’ve done everything you can to minimise chilly draughts in your room itself, start by layering blankets and rugging up, and try adding a hot water bottle if that’s not enough. If you still aren’t warm, shelling out for an electric blanket might be worth the cost.

The only drawback of heating the person instead of the room is that hot water bottles and electric blankets can’t keep you warm all night long (if you follow our recommendation not to leave your electric blanket switched on overnight).Ìý

So if you find you’re still waking chilly in the middle of night, you might need to look at warming the room too.

If you already have air conditioning installed, running your air con overnight is the most efficient way to keep your bedroom warm. Some air con units will also have timers so you can program them to turn on in the morning and heat the room before you jump out of bed.Ìý

Finally, the most expensive option (but possibly a necessary last resort for many) is an electric heater. If you don’t have air con installed and the options for warming your body just aren’t cutting it, you might have to accept the extra cost.Ìý

The post Electric blankets vs hot water bottles appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Can you relate? 

There’s no need to freeze this winter: these small changes can make your home warmer and more energy-efficient and help keep your heating costs down.Ìý

1. Insulate

In winter, 25–35% of an uninsulated home’s warmth is lost through the roof. Insulation will keep your house warm in winter, but it’ll also keep your home cool in summer, so it’s worth the investment.Ìý

If you’re going to spend money on heating and air conditioning, you might as well make it as cost-effective as possible by insulating your home.

“Average households that install wall, floor and ceiling insulation can save hundreds of dollars on energy costs each year,” says Chris Barnes, ÌÇÐÄVlog home heating expert.

“Insulation is best installed when building or renovating, but can be retrofitted to an existing home. This is best done by professionals, though ceiling and underfloor insulation can often be done by a capable home handyperson.”

To keep the heat in, ceiling insulation in particular is a no-brainer.

DIY insulation can be a messy, hot and uncomfortable job. You need to be careful to leave clearances for light fittings, and take electrical wiring into account. And there have been a few deaths and fires as a result of work by unqualified installers.Ìý

However, you can save a lot of money, so if you’re confident that you can do the job safely, it can be worth the effort.

2. Go with the flow

Be aware of how the hot air moves around your house. It’s tempting to move the sofa as close as possible to the heater, or to put your wet laundry in front of it during a rainy week, but this will restrict the flow of hot air around your house.Ìý

To ensure you get the most out of your heat source, make sure nothing is blocking the flow.

And to make your heating more efficient, close doors to rooms you’re not using. Only heating the rooms you’re actually in will reduce your heating bill – there’s no point heating the spare room if no one’s in there.

3. Magic carpet

If you have hard floors, rug up – literally. Any distance that you can put between the cold floor and your tootsies will make a difference, so consider covering hard floors with rugs.

Rugs are also effective insulation – if you have an older house with gappy floorboards, a thick rug can do wonders to prevent extra chilly air seeping in.Ìý

4. It’s curtains for cold

Curtains will help you keep warm in winter, but cool in summer. Up to 40% of heating energy can be lost through windows, so pull the curtains closed to keep the warmth in.Ìý

For maximum insulation, adding a pelmet will stop the warm air escaping through the top of the windows.

If you want to take things to the next level, you could look at double glazing your windows. It’s not cheap, but can make a big difference.

Our counterpart in New Zealand, Consumer NZ, has an excellent as well as double glazing.

5. But let the sunshine in

While it’s certainly true that curtains and blinds are an easy way to stop heat escaping through windows, you might be missing a trick if you leave your curtains closed all day.Ìý

Sunlight is free and even in the most southerly parts of the country, you’ll still get around eight hours of it a day in the middle of winter.

When the sun is out, let it warm your rooms before closing things up again when the evening draws in.Ìý

6. Seal it up

Track down any draughts in your home, particularly around doors and windows, and seal them up.Ìý

Most of the products you’ll need to do this can be picked up at a hardware store, but do your homework before you start shopping or get some advice.

Products that can make a difference include:

• door snakes
• weather seal tape
• silicon sealant or caulk
• roller door seals
• PVC door strips
• storm-proof seals
• brush door seals
• auto-lift door seals.

If you’re renting or you’re not confident in your DIY abilities, weather seal tape or draught strips are a good place to start. They look a bit like sticky tape, but are made from foam or rubber with an adhesive backing.Ìý

To install, just remove the backing and stick the adhesive side inside the doorjamb or window frame. It’s a good idea to measure up before you hit the shops – each door will need about 5m of tape to seal.

If you have a chimney, install a chimney balloon or a damper that can be closed when you’re not using the fireplace.Ìý

7. Turn back time (… and your fans)

When you change your clocks at the end of daylight saving, turn your ceiling fans to reverse mode (most models have a reverse switch).

This makes the blades turn anti-clockwise and, since warm air rises, it’ll push the warm air from your heating system back down towards the floor.

If you don’t have ceiling fans you could use a regular pedestal or tower fan to move the warm air from your heater more thoroughly and further around the room.Ìý

“They can help by providing air circulation if your heater doesn’t have a fan (or only has a weak one), or by supplementing a fan heater,” says Chris.

“They mainly help by mixing the warm air more thoroughly and further around the room. They’ll help stop warm air collecting at the ceiling to some extent, but not as well as a ceiling fan.”

Thinking of installing ceiling fans? Check our ceiling fan reviews before you buy.

Bonus tip: Heat the human, not the house

If our suggestions for keeping your home toasty only take you so far, consider making your approach more personal.

Heated throws and electric blankets

A heated throw can be a cost-effective way to create a personal cocoon of comfort during the day – some of our ÌÇÐÄVlog team swear by them when working from home.Ìý

And an electric blanket can make sliding into bed between cold sheets a thing of the past.

Timers and sleep modes are also a great way to help reduce your heating costs. You can program your heater or electric blanket to switch on and off at specific times so you’re not wasting electricity by leaving them running when they’re not needed.

Hot water bottles

An even cheaper option is a hot water bottle, but take care when using one to avoid the risk of scalding.Ìý

Follow these tips:

• Never use boiling water straight from the kettle. Instead, let it cool down a bit or mix it with cold water, or just use water from the hot tap.
• Don’t overfill a hot water bottle.Ìý
• Check it before use to ensure it’s free of leaks and doesn’t have cracks or other damage.Ìý
• Wrap the hot water bottle in a towel or use a cover to avoid direct contact with the skin.

Safety first: 3 heating no-nos

Some heating techniques are a bad idea, but some can be downright lethal when used indoors.

1. Heat beads or barbecue briquettes give off carbon monoxide as they burn, so shouldn’t be used indoors.
2. Indoor gas heaters, particularly unflued gas heaters, must not be used in small rooms such as bedrooms due to the emissions they give off.
3. Never use outdoor gas heaters indoors, and don’t use gas stoves or cooktops as heaters – they aren’t intended for it and give off too much carbon monoxide (they don’t have the same filters as indoor gas heaters).

The post 7 easy and efficient ways to keep your house warm this winter appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

But before you plug it in, take a few minutes to brush up on these golden rules – for your own safety and that of others in your household.

Electrical appliances cause 40% of home fires, with heaters being one of the main culprits.Ìý

Here are seven things you should never do with an electric heater.

1. Don’t ignore the ‘leave a metre for heaters’ rule

It’s important to leave space around electric heaters.

Fire & Rescue NSW recommends keeping everything at least one metre away from your heater – but especially anything flammable such as curtains, bedding and clothing.

And yes, that definitely means don’t use it to dry your clothes or warm up your towel, no matter how frustrated you are by slow-drying laundry or how cold your bathroom is.Ìý

In short, just don’t put anything on or close by your heater. Laundry on a rack more than one metre away should be okay.

2. Don’t plug it into a powerboard or extension cord

Heaters use a lot of energy, which can cause the extension lead or powerboard to overheat, potentially causing a fire. Always plug your electric heater into the powerpoint in the wall.Ìý

Our electric heater reviews list the cord length of each model so you can check whether it’s right for your home.

3. Don’t leave it unattended

Children and animals can be unpredictable at the best of times.Ìý

When you have an electric heater switched on in your house, always supervise children and pets around it.Ìý

And if you’re from a pet-free and kid-free home, still don’t leave it unattended, just to be safe.Ìý

4. Don’t leave it on high

If you hate cold mornings, we have some good news for you.Ìý

“Most heaters – particularly convection, panel and oil column heaters which don’t have exposed heating elements – are safe to leave on overnight on a low setting, as long as they are well clear of any furniture, curtains and so on, as per the ‘leave a metre for heaters’ rule,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog heating expert Chris Barnes.Ìý

But it’s best not to leave it on a high setting overnight, or when you’re not close by (see point 3 above).Ìý

Also, check that the heater has a thermal cut-out feature (so it switches off if it gets too hot) and a tilt switch (so it turns off automatically if knocked over).

5. Don’t use it if you suspect it’s faulty

If you’ve had your heater packed away over summer and it’s time to drag it out of the cupboard again, don’t just plug it in and hope for the best – make sure you check it over carefully first.Ìý

Have a look at the cord to see if there are any loose wires, and check that the cord doesn’t feel hot to the touch when the heater is switched on. Give it a wipe down or even a vacuum to remove any dust inside and out.

It’s best to store heaters in a dry area to avoid any risk of rusting, and with a cover over them to avoid dust building up on and inside the heater.Ìý

You might notice an odd smell the first time the heater is turned on after months in storage – that’s probably just a bit of dust burning off, but if the smell persists for a long time, switch off the heater and check it thoroughly.

If you’re not 100% comfortable with it, don’t use it – have it serviced or replaced. Better safe than sorry!

6. Don’t put it on top of anything

No matter how chilly your toes are, or how many icicles you have hanging off your earlobes, don’t be tempted to put your heater on top of something to give it some height – and especially not something soft and flammable, such as a bed or sofa. If the heater tips over, it could easily start a fire.Ìý

In short, put it on the lowest, flattest surface you can find (usually the floor), following the one-metre rule.

7. Don’t try to use them to heat multiple rooms

Let’s face it, electric heaters aren’t the most efficient way to heat a room, and they’re certainly not an efficient way to warm a whole house.Ìý

Although they’re cheaper to buy upfront than a reverse-cycle air conditioner, they’ll cost you quite a bit to run, particularly if you have several running at once.Ìý

One way you can optimise your heater is to use your ceiling fans. It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s actually beautifully simple.Ìý

Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch. This makes the blades turn anticlockwise and, since warm air rises, it’ll push the warm air from your heater back down towards the floor, helping to keep you warmer.Ìý

The post 7 things you should never do with an electric heater appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

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
• What's the cheapest electric heater to buy?
• What's the cheapest electric heater to run?

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.Ìý

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 for you will depend on how you plan to use your heater, how portable you need it to be, and the size of your room.Ìý A heater’s aesthetic look might also play a part in your decision.Ìý

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.

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

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.Ìý

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 to $600 or more.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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

Fan heaters: from around $90 to $999.
Convection with fan or convection panel heaters: from around $60 to $649.
Column heaters (oil-filled or non oil): from around $129 to $429.

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.

The post Panel heater, fan or oil column: Which electric heater is best for you? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.