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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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°C water and measured its external temperature. It started at 30°C and two hours later it was still around 27°C, 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

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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.

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, and with chilly winter days looming, the thought of how much it’s going to cost to heat our homes is concerning for many of us.

When it comes to choosing a heating appliance, the option that’s cheapest in the short-term and long-term are 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.Ìý

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 heating appliance to run.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

“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,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog heating expert Chris Barnes.Ìý

“Installation will add at least a few hundred dollars more to the bill. And for a ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning system you should expect to pay at least $9000, including installation.Ìý

“For a typical freestanding house, the cost 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 everyone – you’ll need to have gas already connected or set up an LPG system for your heater – and they can’t be installed in bedrooms and confined spaces like bathrooms, and some require a flue to vent outside your house.

It’s worth noting that 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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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 sitting in your bank account to install air con, then an electric heater is likely your best option.ÌýWith no installation required, wide availability and prices starting at around $30, they’re definitely a quick and easy fix when the cold snap hits.

Portable electric heaters are ideal for small spaces and for short periods of use. They’re also a great option for renters or owners of strata apartments 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. They also take longer to warm up.Ìý

But portable electric heaters are not nearly as energy efficient as a split-system air conditioner and can get expensive. You’ll likely see a hike in your energy bills, particularly if you’re running multiple heaters in different rooms.Ìý

In fact, a portable electric heater can cost two to three times as much to run on average than a reverse-cycle air conditioner.Ìý

In our heater reviews, ÌÇÐÄVlog 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).Ìý

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.

How much do different heaters cost to run?

Obviously 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, by crunching some numbers, we can give you an idea of the price difference between each heating type.Ìý

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

Air con

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25ZSXA-W reverse-cycle air conditioner

• Upfront cost: $1283 (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 DHCERA20E tower (ceramic) electric heater

• Upfront cost: $145
• Running cost over winter: $411*

*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 electric heater in our example will cost less than the reverse-cycle air conditioner for heating, factoring in purchase price plus running cost. But after that, the air conditioner becomes the cheaper option.

On the other hand, with many people currently balancing the cost of living month-to-month (or even week-to-week), 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.Ìý

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

“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? 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.Ìý

“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. So finding an electric heater that performs well is vital if you want to stay warm over winter.Ìý

“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.Ìý

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.Ìý

Tips to hack your heating

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

“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.Ìý

Try these tips to hack your home and make sure you get the most out of your heating this winter. You’ll find a lot of these methods are also better for the environment than plugging in an appliance.

1. Insulation

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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

2. Use your ceiling fan on reverse

You can use a ceiling fan to hack your heater. 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.Ìý

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.Ìý

3. Harness the sun

While solar panels are also a considerable investment, they can help to reduce your heating costs.Ìý

“For a home with its own solar panel system, running an electric heater or air conditioner in the daytime can be significantly cheaper than running a gas heater,” says Chris.Ìý

Find out more with our solar panel buying guide.Ìý

4. Buy during sales time

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). With the end of financial year coinciding with the start of winter, it’s not surprising that electric heaters are one of the products most often searched on ÌÇÐÄVlog during this sale period.Ìý

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 find longer wait times,” Chris says.Ìý

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

Windows and doors that stood open to catch cooling summer breezes are closed tight against the winter chill. Light t-shirts and shorts that saw regular wear during hotter weather are shoved to the back of the wardrobe, and jumpers and hoodies enter high rotation. Thongs make way for slippers, and flannelette sheets appear on our beds.

There are other changes, too. As the colder weather sets in, different items around our home begin to get regular use.Ìý

We asked ÌÇÐÄVlog staff to tell us which appliances (other than heaters) and household goods get plugged in and pulled out as the weather cools down.

1. The electric blanket

We’re lucky in Australia that most of us enjoy relatively mild winters but the nights can still get seriously cold in many parts of the country. Apart from adding an extra blanket or heavier doona to the bed, one thing that many of the ÌÇÐÄVlog team say they enjoy is an electric blanket.Ìý

Electric blankets are great for warming up your bed on a chilly night. They’re also cheap to run, especially when compared to an electric heater, for example.Ìý

Our testing shows modern electric blankets are safe, but there’s always a small risk. Get tips on safe use in our article about why we love electric blankets, so you can enjoy the cosy feeling of slipping into a warm bed on a cold night without worrying about safety.Ìý

2. Heated throws

Heated throws are like the younger, hipper sibling of the electric blanket. Unlike their fuddy-duddy older brother who stays on the bed and only gets used at night, a heated throw is dynamic. It can move around with you, bringing warmth wherever you are in the house.Ìý

With many of us working remotely, more than one ÌÇÐÄVlog team member praised a heated throw as an essential part of their home office set-up.Ìý

“A heated blanket for working from home in winter changed my life! It’s cheap and super toasty and I literally let out an audible ‘ahhhh’ whenever I put it back on after being out of my chair,” one fan told us.Ìý

We’ve included some heated throws in the test of electric blankets that’s currently underway so stay tuned for those results. In the meantime, be mindful that since throws require electricity to heat them you should take care when purchasing and using them. Check  and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for their safe use.

3. The slow cooker

One of the best things about cooler weather is the chance to enjoy hearty winter meals.

Prepping dinner in the slow cooker before you head into the office and returning at the end of the day to the smell of a delicious meal ready to eat is one of the highlights of wintertime.Ìý

As well as being delicious, meals cooked in a slow cooker can be good for your wallet, too. Slow cooking is a great way to turn cheaper cuts of meat into a succulent and sustaining dish. And they don’t have to cost you much – models as cheap as $24 earn a recommendation in our slow cooker reviews.Ìý

We’ve also tested many multi-cookers that have slow cooker functions. If you’d like an appliance that does double duty in the kitchen, check out our multicooker reviews.ÌýSlow cookers aren’t just good for meaty casseroles and stews. They’re also great for cooking lentils and other pulses and are ideal for hearty stocks and soups.

4. Dutch ovens

While a slow cooker will take care of itself if you need to be out of the house, a Dutch oven can’t be left unattended on a stovetop, but it is still a winter-time essential for many who enjoy warming soups and hearty stews.Ìý

While slow cookers are cheap, safe, easy and efficient, many will argue that the flavour you’ll get from food cooked in a Dutch oven is superior. That’s the opinion of ÌÇÐÄVlog audience and engagement editor Pru Engel, who conducted her own comparison of slow cookers and Dutch ovens.Ìý 

“My cast-iron Dutch oven undeniably produces a superior flavour compared to my slow cooker and has become my go-to for slow cooking when I know I’ll be home,” says Pru. “Cosy, winter weekend afternoons at home are even more special when the house is filled with the aroma of some lamb shanks or beef stew cooking in the oven.”

It isn’t just Pru who says the Dutch oven beats the slow cooker for flavour. ÌÇÐÄVlog kitchen expert, Fiona Mair, has been testing these products in our test kitchen for decades and while she thinks both cooking methods have their place, she agrees the Dutch oven wins on flavour.Ìý

“Both can give excellent results, but generally, dishes will taste better when cooked in a Dutch oven,” says Fiona. “That’s because of the ability of a cast-iron pot to retain heat more effectively and maintain consistent, even temperature that allows flavours to concentrate and develop, and enables that rich caramelisation.”

5. The stick blender

While perhaps not as obvious an inclusion, a stick blender receives a nomination on our list of winter must-haves because it’s great for making soup. And unlike a traditional blender, you can use a stick blender to smooth out your soup in the cooking vessel, meaning less washing up.Ìý

Of course, stick blenders are handy for all sorts of things, from blending up a smoothie to making pesto, but their ability to turn roasted vegies and stock into a smooth, tasty soup makes them very popular at ÌÇÐÄVlog HQ.Ìý

When testing stick blenders our experts look for products that are good at processing and chopping, easy to handle and easy to clean. The good news is this is another appliance category where you don’t have to pay a fortune to get a good-performing model. The cheapest model to earn a recommendation in our test cost just $90.

6. Heated towel racks and bathroom warmers

Not surprisingly, there were several nominations for appliances specifically designed to keep you warm in the bathroom. After all, who doesn’t want to reduce the shock of shivering on the tiles after leaving a lovely warm shower?

Heated towel rails were a popular option. “We had a plug-in heated towel rack on wheels. Highly recommend it,” said one devotee.

The heat light is another popular option for keeping bathrooms warm. Though not strictly an appliance, those who had them sang their praises.Ìý

Also in this category, though less common, is underfloor heating. “When we redid our bathroom we had to tear out the floor and the contractor asked if we wanted underfloor heating. So nice when you have bare feet,” says another ÌÇÐÄVlog staff member.

7. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers

Depending on the weather or where you live in the country, winter can bring with it either irritating dry air that causes allergies to flare, or dampness that causes mould.Ìý

Dry air can irritate the skin, nose and throat or create problems for people with allergies or respiratory problems.Ìý

In this case, a humidifier might help. Our reviews look for the humidifiers that are best at increasing humidity and are easy to use and energy-efficient.Ìý

Of course, air that’s too damp brings another set of problems. The cold, wet, damp air that is a feature of some regions can make our homes uncomfortable, encourage the growth of mould and dust mites and even cause damage to paintwork. In those situations a dehumidifier can be useful. We recommend choosing a desiccant dehumidifier if you’re planning to use it in a cool climate.Ìý

The post The must-have items to get you through winter appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

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.Ìý 

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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).Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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

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.Ìý

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.

In the 2025-26 Federal budget, there is some short term relief for Australian households with the government announcing an extension to the Energy Bill Relief fund.ÌýAustralian households and eligible small businesses with electricity bills may receive up to $150 in energy bill rebates from 1 July 2025 to the end of 2025.Ìý

But with running costs for electric heaters alone reaching into the hundreds over winter (depending on the model you use), it’s wise to do what you can to keep your bills in check and be mindful you might need to put some extra money aside.Ìý

Read more below about the type of heating we recommend as being the most efficient. Plus, more on how you can save on your heating bills.Ìý

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Unexpected heating bills

Heating is a big culprit when it comes to winter bill shock. It’s usually our biggest home expense (along with cooling in summer), accounting for around 40% of our energy costs. Most households may see a spike in their energy bills once the cooler months hit and heaters and air conditioners are turned on more often.

The good news is, there are a number of cheap and effective things you can do to reduce your energy use, while hopefully still staying cosy and warm for the remaining months of winter.Ìý

How to save money on energy

The amount of energy you’re using depends on a lot of factors. There are many simple things you can do around the home to reduce costs – starting with pulling on a jumper and warm socks before switching on the energy-guzzling heater!

1. Track down draughts and seal with a DIY door snake

Draughts can easily get in through gaps around your doors and windows, so seal up as many as you can to keep your home nice and cosy.Ìý

You can do this with easy-to-use weather seal tape or draught strips, readily available from hardware stores. Or, if you’re crafty, making your own door snake is the perfect money-saving project (just follow our tips,Ìý²ú±ð±ô´Ç·É).

ÌÇÐÄVlog household expert Chris Barnes agrees: “It’s these simple, old-fashioned tips that often work the best,” he says. “It’s all about keeping the heat that you’ve paid for where you want it to be – inside your house!”

2. Make use of curtains and rugs

“Up to 40% of heating energy can be lost through your windows, so close those curtains and blinds,” says Chris.Ìý

Rugs can also be an effective way to retain some of the heat in your home, particularly if you have hard floors.

3. Be smart with your heaters and fans

Your fan can be one of the most helpful tools to keep you warm in winter when used in conjunction with a heater or air conditioner. “Most modern ceiling fans have a reverse switch that can be used in conjunction with a heater or air conditioner to push heat back down towards the floor and circulate it around the room,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog expert Denis Gallagher.

4. Be aware of how heat moves around your home

This one is simple but effective. While it can be very tempting to move a chair closer to the heater so you can feel extra toasty, this can restrict the flow of hot air around your home.ÌýTo get the most out of your heat source, make sure nothing is blocking the flow.Ìý

“It’s also important to close doors to rooms you’re not using while the heating is on. Only heating the rooms you’re actually in will reduce the energy you are using and therefore your bill,” says Chris.

Choose the most efficient heating option for your home

The best way to keep heat inside your home, limiting heating costs, is to have effective insulation.Ìý

“Insulating your ceiling is the number-one way to improve the thermal efficiency of your house,” says Chris.Ìý“If you don’t already have it, it might worth looking into, or start saving for it as a future way to reduce bills.” 

Otherwise, you may be looking at heating options such as a gas heater, electric heater or reverse-cycle air conditioner. ÌÇÐÄVlog experts have found that, when used in conjunction with practical tips above, a reverse cycle air conditioning system is more cost-efficient than a portable electric heater.Ìý

However, this option has significant installation costs and may not be a viable option for some people, including those who rent. Instead you may like to consider portable options with cheaper upfront costs such as electric or gas heaters, particularly if you’re a renter.Ìý

Assistance with your energy bills

The result’s of the latest ÌÇÐÄVlog Consumer Pulse survey revealed the highest level of worry about electricity costs over the previous eight years, and we know Australians continued to be concerned about the rising cost of living in general.Ìý

The federal government announced a $300 energy rebate for all households in the recent federal budget. This will automatically be applied to your energy bills each quarter at $75 per bill, which will offer some relief for Australian households.Ìý

Most utility providers have hardship policies for people who may be struggling to pay their energy bills. Some providers allow you to request a payment extension online or set up a payment plan, so if you’re struggling to pay your bill, start by contacting your provider.Ìý 

If you’re working from home, you may be able to make a tax claim for electricity expenses associated with heating, cooling and lighting the area where you are working, as well as for powering devices you are using for work. Consult with a tax expert or your accountant to figure out if this applies to your situation.Ìý

Check the rates you’re paying and switch to get a better deal

Don’t be a victim of the ‘loyalty penalty’ – a nickname we give to the higher costs you’re likely paying if you have been with the same provider for a while.Ìý

Providers often count on your loyalty and don’t give you the same deals or discounts they offer to new customers. If you haven’t reviewed your gas or electricity plans lately, chances are you could be paying less elsewhere, so check your rates, call your provider and shop around.Ìý

How to make your own door snake and save on heating

The age-old yet very effective solution to eliminating annoying cold draughts are draught stoppers, or door snakes! These tube-like ‘creatures’ are made of simple fabrics like corduroy or canvas and filled with insulating material to block the draught.

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.ÌýIf you’re crafty, you could even make them yourself. ÌÇÐÄVlog’s resident craft queen, Marg Rafferty, whipped up a couple in just an hour or so using materials you might already have lying around the house.Ìý

To make a quick no-sew version: just cut the leg of an old pair of stockings and stuff with three or four small plastic bags – the kind you put your fruit and veg in at the supermarket – each filled with a cup or so of sand. A double bag is a good idea to avoid leaks. Fasten each end of the stocking with elastic bands or just tie a knot. It won’t be the prettiest thing ever but it is quick and very easy.

To sew a slightly more sophisticated snake, you’ll need:

• a piece of fabric with a tight weave to contain the sand (Marg used an old bed sheet)
• an outer piece to make it more sturdy and further prevent the sand from leaking (we used an old hessian sack)
• builder’s sand to fill. (Some patterns suggest you use rice or beans as stuffing but these can attract vermin, and in these times of supermarket shortages who can waste food that way?)

• Cut the outer to the length of your door, adding a few centimetres on both the short and long sides to allow for your seam. Aim for about 25cm width, which, when folded in half and sewn, should be enough to cover the gap under most doors.Ìý
• Cut the inner lining slightly smaller, and then begin by folding the lining in half and sewing the long side and one short end.Ìý
• Fill with sand and then seal the remaining short end.Ìý
• Sew your outer piece in the same way, insert the filled inner tube and seal the remaining short end.Ìý

This took about an hour. Adding googly eyes and a forked tongue are entirely optional. Of course, you don’t need to stop there. If you’re crafty you might like to knit or crochet a door snake – your version can be as sophisticated or as simple as you like.

The post Avoid bill shock: How to reduce your home heating costs  appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

In April this year, we surveyed ÌÇÐÄVlog social media audiences to uncover concerns about the cost of home heating for the coming winter. Not surprisingly, the results revealed that many of us are worried about how we’ll pay our heating bills this year.

We also found out what changes people would make if they could, what’s holding them back and what they’ll be doing differently compared to previous years.

More than two-thirds of people are concerned

Just over 70% of those who responded to our heating survey told us that they were concerned about how much it would cost to heat their home during the coming winter. Unsurprisingly, considering rising electricity prices, 86% said the cost of energy was the reason for their worries.Ìý

“We have an older home that’s poorly insulated and ventilated. The cost to heat it last year was astronomical. I’m petrified what this year will be like,” said one respondent.Ìý 

Our March 2024 Consumer Pulse research showed even higher levels of concern – 82% of our nationally representative survey respondents are concerned about the cost of electricity.

Organisations that work with low-income households are only too aware of the pressure the approach of winter places on these families.

“From the feedback we’re getting we know there is considerable anxiety in the lead-up to winter amongst people worrying about paying high bills or facing the discomfort of the cold months,” says Gavin Dufty, policy and research manager at the St Vincent de Paul Society.

“Many households faced with energy cost pressures are taking drastic measures. These can include cutting back spending on other household essentials, such as food, clothing, school activities, medication etc, just so they can pay the bill to stay warm,” he adds.

Making changes to the home

With so much concern about the cost of heating, it isn’t surprising that many have a wish list of changes they would like to make to their homes to reduce heating costs. Our March 2024 Consumer Pulse research found that 66% of people are finding it difficult to reduce their household energy bills, so it makes sense that people want to alter their homes to make heating them easier.Ìý

Top of people’s wishlists were actions that would help homes retain heat.

• 46% said they would like to add double glazing to their windows.
• 42% said they would like to improve their home’s insulation

Both of these options can make a big difference.Ìý

Insulation and double-glazing

“Insulation makes a huge difference to a home’s thermal efficiency. About 30% of a room’s warmth can be lost through an uninsulated ceiling. A fully insulated home – ceiling, walls and floors – could be up to 50% cheaper to keep warm in winter,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog home heating expert Chris Barnes.

Double-glazing also improves energy efficiency, reducing heat loss by almost 30% in comparison to single-glazed aluminium windows.

Unfortunately, these options aren’t always available, particularly for renters, who told us of their frustration at being unable to modify their homes, especially when they identified poor insulation as a reason for their heating cost concerns.Ìý

“I wish that there were mandatory standards that ensure people who rent have access to efficient heating and also efficient homes for retaining heat,” was a typical comment.Ìý 

Rooftop solar

Another option mostly closed to renters is rooftop solar. Our survey found that 31% of people would like to install solar panels and 48% had already done so, reflecting the growing popularity of this option as a way to reduce power bills. Rooftop solar now accounts for more than 11% of Australia’s electricity supply, but it isn’t available to most renters.

“A solar panel system can cut thousands of dollars from your annual energy bills,” says Chris. “That’s why they often take only a few years to pay for themselves. But the savings can vary depending on where you are in Australia and how your household uses electricity.”

Reverse-cycle air conditioning

Of those who have already altered their homes to reduce heating costs, adding reverse-cycle air conditioning was another popular action: 48% of respondents told us they’d made this change already.Ìý

“A reverse-cycle air conditioner is the most energy-efficient heating appliance you can get. Thanks to its heat pump technology, it can deliver far more heat per kW of electricity consumed than other heaters,” says Chris.Ìý

“And of course you get cooling in summer too. But the upfront cost of installation can be too much for some households. And because the installation usually involves drilling holes through walls, it may not be an option at all for renters, unless the landlord agrees to get it done.”

Finding a better energy deal

Switching to a new energy provider can be a way to make savings on your energy bills, and our survey found that 10% of people would like to find a new gas or electric retailer.

This is an especially good idea if you’ve been with your current supplier for a while. Energy plans tend to lose their value over time, as discount periods you were given when you signed up lapse. Often the best way to save is to switch to a new supplier.Ìý

“You can save around $350 a year by regularly switching to a better offer, according to Bill Hero,” says Chris. “Sometimes energy companies offer better deals for new customers (through discounts and cashbacks) than they do for their current customers.” 

At the very least, it’s worth calling up your current provider and pushing them for the best deal they can offer. If it doesn’t match other providers, why not switch?

 is a service that automatically monitors every energy bill for you, and helps you switch whenever you can save. It isn’t free but it does guarantee to find you savings or else you’ll get your money back. Also, unlike most energy comparison sites, they don’t earn commissions from retailers.Ìý

Changing habits

Some respondents were forgoing larger home alterations in favour of making simpler changes. Wearing more clothes, using more blankets and simply not using their heating were other changes survey respondents told us they were preparing to make to reduce heating costs in 2024.Ìý

For those who are planning to do without heating to avoid bill shock, it’s worth remembering that being too cold, even in Australia’s relatively mild winters, carries risks.

St Vincent de Paul’s Gavin Dufty says that the Society’s members helping those in need are concerned when they see households cut back on heating.Ìý

“It’s uncomfortable and positively dangerous for the elderly or the sick. It can also exacerbate mental health problems,” he says.Ìý

Instead of forgoing the use of your heating system altogether, there are low-cost options to help make heating your home more affordable. Seal up draughts, cover hard floors with rugs, and use window coverings like curtains with a pelmet to stop warm air from escaping.

Energy rebate could help

Since the time of our survey, the federal government has announced a $300 energy rebate, which every household in Australia will be eligible to receive.

Your power company will be in charge of applying it at the rate of $75 per quarter and it will be automatically given as a credit on your energy bills, so you don’t have to take any action to redeem it.Ìý

About our surveys

Our heating survey was shared with our social media audiences and was open for responses between 3 and 14 April 2024. There were 203 respondents.Ìý

The ÌÇÐÄVlog Consumer Pulse March 2024 is based on an online survey designed and analysed by ÌÇÐÄVlog. 1037 Australian households responded to the survey with quotas applied to ensure coverage across all age groups, genders and locations in each state and territory across metropolitan and regional areas.

The data was weighted to ensure it is representative of the Australian population based on the 2021 ABS Census data. Fieldwork was conducted from the 19th of March until the 9th of April, 2024.

The post The winter heating woes worrying consumers appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Wood-fired heaters and fireplaces have been familiar fixtures in households for generations, with the crackling flames becoming synonymous with a cosy winter home.

But how do they compare to more modern forms of heating? And should you consider updating your heating setup to switch to one of these?

How common are wood-fired heaters?

A 2019 CSIRO study found 24% of Australians used timber as an energy source at home, with households consuming 4.2 million tonnes of firewood a year.

The vast majority who burnt wood said they did so for heating, with 69% saying it was their primary method of keeping their home warm.

The Australian Home Heating Association (AHHA) represents the wood-fired heating industry. General manager Tim Cannon says while wood heaters aren’t as common as they were 20 years ago, their popularity is holding ground.

“It trends a little bit up and down year on year, but over the last 10 years, it wouldn’t have fluctuated much more than 10%,” says Cannon.

What are the health issues with wood fired heaters?

Timber is technically a renewable resource, but increasing awareness of the health impacts of smoke inhalation have made wood heaters the target of buyback schemes and removal rebates.

“There’s a fair few air pollutants in woodsmoke,” explains Dr Peter Irga, senior lecturer in air and noise pollution at the University of Technology Sydney. “The most familiar one would be particulate matter.”

Dr Irga says exposure to these small particles and a host of gases also found in wood smoke can carry serious health risks.

“You’re looking at respiratory illnesses, exacerbated asthma symptoms, and that’s just at an acute, short-term level,” he says. “At a persistent level, we’re looking at cancer.”

Gas heaters also produce some of these gases and particles, but in smaller amounts than solid-fuel heaters.

To reduce emissions, authorities in areas that experience significant woodsmoke pollution – often low lying residential regions with cold winters – have offered households money to remove or stop using wood heaters.

Canberra residents, for example, can receive over $1000 from the ACT Government if they replace a wood-fired heater with a reverse-cycle air conditioner.

Asthma Australia CEO Michele Goldman confirms wood smoke can trigger symptoms for asthma sufferers, something she notes can be “an incredibly frightening and scary experience”.Ìý

She says grants encouraging people to switch to other forms of heating are a good start, but says her organisation wants governments to go further.

“We’re advocating for wood heaters to be removed from homes when they’re sold and prevented from being installed in new homes when they’re built,” she says.

Tim Cannon admits wood-fired heaters are causing air pollution, but says these are mostly older units, not made to modern standards which are “giving the industry a bad name”. He says banning the sale of new heaters won’t fix the problem.

“It’s 10- or 15-year-old wood heaters that are causing the air quality issues,” he says. “They need to phase out those smokey heaters.”

ÌÇÐÄVlog, however, believes the current standards applying to wood heaters could be improved to include fire start-up in the testing, as this is when wood heaters create the most pollution. We have communicated our recommendations to Standards Australia.

How efficient are wood-fired heaters?

ÌÇÐÄVlog has found wood-fired heaters lag behind other heaters and reverse-cycle air conditioners in terms of efficiency, but home heating expert Chris Barnes says this can vary, depending on how they’re used.

“Wood-fired heaters are reasonably energy efficient if they’ve been well-maintained and you’re using good-quality, dry hardwood, which is more energy-dense than softwood and burns slowly,” he says.Ìý

“Generally speaking, though, a gas or electric heater can be more efficient because they usually include thermostats which help them regulate their output and fuel consumption.”

Chris notes the nature of wood as a fuel type means its efficiency and performance can vary widely depending on a household’s circumstances.

“The source and cost of firewood is a key factor: if you have a good supply of cheap (or free) hardwood, you’re laughing. But if you’re buying it, that could get expensive,” he explains.

“You also need to learn how to set up a wood fire to burn effectively and how to use the air controls for best effect,” he adds.

Chris says reverse-cycle air conditioners are the most efficient form of heating for most homes, thanks to their heat pump technology.

“Using free heat energy from cold air, they can deliver up to four or five times as much heat per kW of electricity consumed compared to a portable electric heater.”

Which type of heating is the most expensive?

Both wood heaters and reverse-cycle air conditioners are among the most expensive heating systems to buy upfront, with purchase prices ranging into the thousands of dollars. On top of this, you’ll need to pay for installation.

Electric and gas heaters are cheaper to purchase, but will take a hefty toll in the long term. An electric heater, for example, will cost more than its purchase price to run for a year, but reverse-cycle air conditioning will cost a lot less.

As established above, the running costs of a wood heater vary widely and can be difficult to quantify.

What about non-wood fireplaces?

Gas and ethanol-fueled or electric fireplaces promise the aesthetic allure of a fire, but without the hassle of sourcing and preparing firewood.

Gas fireplaces perform as well as a gas heater, while ethanol fireplaces rank similarly in terms of efficiency, but the fuel required can be expensive.

ÌÇÐÄVlog no longer tests electric fireplaces, but previous reviews have found them to be as efficient as a portable electric heater and better for small rooms.

Should you switch away from wood-fired heating?

ÌÇÐÄVlog finds wood heaters lag behind reverse-cycle air conditioners in terms of efficiency. Plus, air conditioners have the added bonus of keeping you cool in summer.

Michele Goldman from Asthma Australia says she would like to see homes currently using a wood-fired heater switch to a reverse-cycle unit, if they can afford to.

“It’s definitely a better option from a health perspective,” she says. “We know that cost of living is a big concern for many households, but we would encourage people to choose electric options where they can.”

Dr Peter Irga agrees that households using wood heaters should switch to electricity if they can afford to, but predicts many people will continue to carry a torch for wood-fired heating, thanks to its symbolic value.

“It’s status,” he says. “We have seminars [and conferences] and call them fireside chats. We don’t have ‘gather around the aircon chats’.”

“There’s something primal about a fire!” adds Chris Barnes. “The cosy glow and radiant heat of a wood fire is pretty hard to beat on a cold night and there’s definitely satisfaction in mastering the art of setting one up to burn well.”

For his part, Tim Cannon from the AHHA says new wood-fired heaters will create less pollution and argues they can be a good backup to other home heating options.

This article was updated following initial publishing to reflect ÌÇÐÄVlog’s stance on wood heater standards.

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On this page:

• Air conditioning
• Electric heating
• Wood fire heating
• Gas heating
• Heating hacks to reduce your carbon footprint

Choosing an energy-efficient heating system and renewable energy sources is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint – and the good news is that it can reduce your bills too.Ìý

Here’s how different heating options stack up, and how to tweak your heating to make it as efficient as possible.Ìý

Most to least eco-friendly heating systems

Short of moving to a tropical island so you need never use a heater again, these are the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly options for heating your home:

1. Reverse-cycle air conditioner
2. Electric heater
3. Wood fire
4. Gas heater.

There are some caveats around this, of course. For instance, powering an electric heater with the solar panels on your roof will be more eco-friendly than running an air conditioner using coal-fired electricity. And chopping down trees (especially from old-growth or native forests) specifically to fuel a wood fire isn’t doing the planet any favours, either.Ìý

And what you do with your home will have a big impact on how energy-efficient (and therefore eco-friendly) your home heating is: a well-insulated home, with electric heating used in combination with ceiling fans to distribute the warm air, will use less energy than an energy-hungry older air conditioner in an uninsulated, draughty house.Ìý

Air conditioning

Air conditioning is by far the most energy-efficient way to heat your home – for the amount of heat they deliver, they use far less energy than portable electric heaters but can heat larger areas more effectively. And they often have more sophisticated timers and thermostats that can reduce the amount of energy they draw.

For every unit of electricity that an air conditioner consumes, it can put out three or more units of heat due to the heat pump technology that they use – making them more energy-efficient than portable electric heaters.Ìý

How to make your air conditioning more environmentally friendly

If you want to take your eco-friendly heating to the next level, you could switch energy providers to one that uses 100% renewable energy – or, better yet, make your own energy with solar panels and use a green energy provider to top up what your solar produces.Ìý

Make sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible by cleaning the filters regularly, and don’t crank the air con up to tropical temperatures – don’t set it to 23°C when 20°C is still very comfortable. Each degree less will reduce your energy use by about 10%.Ìý

And try to stick to a difference of about 8°C between the outside temperature and your reverse-cycle air conditioner where possible – that way you can stay comfortable without chewing through the electricity.Ìý

Electric heating

An electric heater is basically 100% efficient, as almost all of the electricity it draws is converted to heat. Some of it does go towards powering built-in fans and electronic controls, but that means that even the energy that goes into running it isn’t wasted (unless you’re running it in an inefficient way – more on that later).Ìý

But while electric heaters efficiently convert electricity to heat, they do use a lot of power – not great for the environment. They’re actually the highest producers of greenhouse gas emissions of all types of heating, due to the fossil fuels used to produce electricity.Ìý

Oil column heaters use the least amount of electricity, but only by a narrow margin. Convection heaters such as panel and micathermic panel heaters are the least energy-hungry after oil column heaters.Ìý

How to make your electric heater more environmentally friendly

As with air conditioning, your best bet to reduce your environmental footprint is to use green energy to power your electric heater. And adding your own solar power into the mix will further reduce your footprint.Ìý

“For a home with its own solar panel system, running an electric heater or air conditioner during the daytime can be virtually electricity-neutral,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog heating expert Chris Barnes.Ìý

Using your ceiling fan on reverse can help make your electric heater more effective – it will distribute the warm air throughout the room, rather than having it rise up to the ceiling. This will heat your home more effectively and means your heater won’t have to work as hard.Ìý

Of course, a ceiling fan still needs power to run, but they’re very energy efficient. The extra electricity you use to run the fan will probably cancel out the extra energy your heater would need to run on a higher setting.Ìý

Wood fire heating

Wood heaters aren’t quite the ecological nightmare you might expect them to be, given that they require trees – literally the lungs of the earth – to work. But if you’re using sustainably produced firewood (by regrowing the amount that you burn), a wood heater can produce the least amount of CO₂ of all other fuels, particularly since the trees contribute to reducing carbon dioxide while they are alive.Ìý

Modern slow-combustion stoves can be quite energy-efficient, but generally wood heaters are less energy-efficient than electric and gas heating. And the smoke and other combustion products can get into the indoor air, causing problems for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. They’re also a major contributor to outdoor air pollution, so ideally they shouldn’t be used in built-up areas due to their particulate emissions.Ìý

Just bear in mind that you’ll need to start the fire and get it burning well before it’ll start to heat the room. And you’ll need to go out into the cold to bring more firewood inside – an unpleasant prospect on a cold evening!

How to make your wood heater more environmentally friendly

If you plant a tree for every one you burn, you can run a wood heater quite sustainably. If you can collect your own firewood from sustainably grown and harvested timber near your home, so much the better – it’ll mean you won’t have to use as much energy to transport it.Ìý

Collecting firewood yourself isn’t a quick-fix option, though – you need to allow time for it to season (leave it to dry for two summers). Burning green wood wastes energy because the water in the timber evaporates. Opt for hardwood over softwood, as it contains more energy, so will burn longer and more steadily.Ìý

Gas heating

Gas heaters can be relatively cheap to run, but they’re far from being a green option. Gas is a non-renewable resource, and from a purely financial point of view, the price of gas is expected to keep rising.Ìý

If you’re using electricity-based heating like an air conditioner or electric heater, you can reduce the environmental impact by using solar or buying green energy. But the same can’t be said for gas.Ìý

However, they do provide instant heat, and lots of it. A single unflued gas heater can create up to 25 megajoules per hour of energy, which is equivalent to more than 6kW of electric heating– the same as you’d get from three 2kW electric heaters. So they’ll heat up a room faster than an electric heater, which means using less energy. But no matter how efficient they are, there’s no avoiding the fact that gas heaters run on fossil fuels.Ìý

Gas heating is also associated with potential health effects, too. Burning gas results in byproducts such as nitrous dioxides, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter, which can contribute to childhood asthma and other respiratory health problems. And while you obviously don’t want these in your home, they’re also not great for the environment in general, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.Ìý

How to make your gas heater more environmentally friendly

There isn’t a great deal you can do to reduce the impact of your gas heater – by its very design, it uses fossil fuels. One thing you can do to reduce the amount of byproducts created by burning gas is to have your gas heater serviced regularly.Ìý

And if you keep your home well-insulated and don’t block the flow of heat from your gas heater, it’ll need less gas energy to run, reducing your footprint slightly.Ìý

Heating hacks to reduce your carbon footprint

No matter what type of heating you use, if your home isn’t set up in the most thermally efficient way, then you’re going to burn through more resources, which means a bigger impact on the environment.

Regardless of your heat source, there are a few things you should do to make your heating system as effective as possible:

• Insulate your home
• Seal up any draughts or cracks
• Use curtains and blinds to keep the warmth in
• Don’t block the flow of air from your heat source
• Cover hard floors with rugs
• Use ceiling fans on reverse to circulate the warm air
• Pop on another jumper or a beanie rather than cranking up the heating
• Buy the most energy-efficient system you can afford, regardless of whether you’re using electricity, gas or timber to heat your home
• Position your heater in the best possible position to most warm your home.

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