Heating and cooling accounts for around 40% of the average energy use in Aussie homes, with another 25% attributed to hot water - so it’s no wonder when temperatures fall, power bills tend to rise.
However, there are ways to reduce winter heating costs without turning off the thermostat completely. We’ve done the maths below on the most common causes of winter bill creep, with some tips on how to cut your energy use and stay warm.
How much does it cost to run a heater in winter?
It’s unrealistic to go without winter heating completely. However, understanding how much a heater can add to your electricity bill can help you find ways to manage its usage.
What you’ll pay to switch on that heater in winter will depend on several factors, including:
- The type of heater you have and how much electricity it uses each hour
- How many hours a day you’re running it
- Its energy efficiency rating
- Your location and climate
- Your electricity plan - this determines what you pay for each kilowatt-hour of electricity used.
As a general guide, here’s what running various heater types for three hours daily in winter could add to your bill, based on your nearest capital city.
Electric heater winter running costs
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Electric Heater Running Costs By Capital City (90 Days, 3 Hours/Day) | ||||||||
Type | Average Hourly Electricity Consumption | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Canberra | Perth | Hobart |
Radiant Bar | 2.1 kW | $201 | $147 | $185 | $244 | $173 | $185 | $158 |
Ceramic | 1.8 kW | $172 | $126 | $158 | $209 | $149 | $158 | $135 |
Fan | 2.1 kW | $201 | $147 | $185 | $244 | $173 | $185 | $158 |
Oil Column | 1.8 kW | $172 | $126 | $158 | $209 | $149 | $158 | $135 |
Panel or Convection | 2.1 kW | $201 | $147 | $185 | $244 | $173 | $185 | $158 |
Source: www.canstar.com.au – 11/05/26. Average energy consumption figures based on a sample of indoor electric heaters across heater type for the highest output level (for multi-level heaters). Electricity usage cost estimates based on average electricity usage rates: 35.7 c/kWh in Sydney, 26.2 c/kWh in Melbourne, 32.8 c/kWh in Brisbane, 43.3 c/kWh in Adelaide, 32.8 c/kWh in Perth, 28.0 c/kWh in Hobart, 30.8 c/kWh in Canberra.
Depending on your heater type and location, just three hours of daily use in the winter months can add up to $244 to your quarterly bill. So if you’re cranking up the heat for eight hours a day, you could be spending $420 more over winter just on warming your home.
Air conditioner winter running costs
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Average Air Conditioner Running Costs (Reverse Cycle, Non Ducted, Single Split System, Large Room, 90 Days) | ||||
Climate Zone | City | Average Usage Rate | Cooling | Heating |
Hot | Brisbane | 33.0 c/kWh | $102 | $9 |
Darwin | 30.1 c/kWh | $92 | $8 | |
Average | Sydney | 36.5 c/kWh | $39 | $59 |
Adelaide | 44.5 c/kWh | $48 | $72 | |
Perth | 32.4 c/kWh | $35 | $52 | |
Cold | Melbourne | 26.0 c/kWh | $16 | $115 |
Hobart | 28.0 c/kWh | $18 | $123 | |
Canberra | 30.8 c/kWh | $19 | $136 | |
Source: www.canstar.com.au - 13/05/2026. Average energy consumption figures based on air conditioners listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program's Registration database. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar's database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh. With the exception of Perth which is based on the Synergy Home Plan (A1) tariff and Darwin which is based on the government regulated rate. Climate zones based on the Zoned Energy Rating Label for air conditioner models imported or supplied after 1 April 2020. Calculations based on air conditioners suited for room sizes between 40-60m2.
Using a reverse cycle air conditioner to warm your home for four hours a day over winter can be comparatively cheaper than an electric or gas heater. However, this will again depend on your climate zone, room size and other factors.
How much does using hot water add to your winter bill?
Running hot water provides a moment’s respite from the winter chills, but it comes at a price.
Knowing how much running hot water could add to your power bill can help you find practical ways to manage it.
Like an electric heater, how much you pay for hot water will be influenced by the following factors:
- Type of hot water system
- How long you use it for (e.g. washing machine cycles, minutes in the shower)
- Location
- Electricity plan.
Here’s a rough overview of how much a hot shower or a warm wash cycle on a washing machine could cost (based on each state’s capital city).
Hot water shower running costs
Average Shower Running Costs (Gas Hot Water Heater, Instantaneous, 90 days) | |||||
Daily Water Use | Gas | Water | |||
Usage | Cost | Usage | Cost | ||
3 minutes | 683 MJ | $27 | 2,700 L | $10 | |
5 minutes | 1,139 MJ | $44 | 4,500 L | $17 | |
10 minutes | 2,278 MJ | $89 | 9,000 L | $33 | |
Source: www.canstar.com.au - 13/05/2026. Average energy consumption figures based on gas hot water heaters listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program's Registration database. Gas usage cost estimates based on the average gas usage rate of 3.9 c/MJ. Average gas usage rate based on summer rates of single-rate plans on Canstar's database, available for an annual usage of 33,625 MJ. Water usage cost estimates based on the average water usage rate of $3.71 / kL. Average water usage rate based on ABS Water Account statistics (2023-24). Assumes water consumption rate of 10L/min.
It might be tempting to warm up with a long, hot shower, but an extra five minutes can add up to $61 to your next quarterly power bill.
Clothes washer running costs
Average Clothes Washer Running Costs (5-10kg, 90 Days) | ||
Wash Type | Usage | Cost |
Cold | 33kW | $11 |
Warm | 108kW | $36 |
Difference | 75kW | $25 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au - 13/05/2026. Average energy consumption figures based on clothes washers listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program's Registration database, which assumes 7 uses per week using a warm wash. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average electricity usage rate of 33.0 c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar's database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh. Based only on washers that list both cold and warm wash usage.
If you’re using your washing machine daily, always opting for a warm wash cycle can cost more than three times as much as a cold setting.
How to save on energy this winter
Now that you have a rough idea of heating and hot water costs, here are easy ways to cut back on your energy use:
- Restrict how long you spend in the shower (e.g. five minutes).
- Set your washing machine to a cold wash setting instead.
- Set your indoor heater to an efficient temperature range. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water recommends setting it between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Raising the temperature by just one degree can increase your heater’s energy use by between 5% to 10%.
- Use a ceiling fan on a very low setting or ‘winter mode’ to circulate warm air.
- Only use your heater in spaces you’re actually in. Unless you need ventilation, keep doors and windows closed to trap in heat, and block any draughts.
- Rug up with layers at night and consider electric or heated blankets for targeted warmth. Electric blankets generally only cost between 2-5 cents per hour to run, so they are much cheaper than electric or gas heating.
Other ways to reduce your winter energy bill include:
- Taking advantage of energy rebates and concessions available in your state
- Adding insulation to your home
- Upgrading your appliances to energy-efficient heaters and coolers.
- Cooking with smaller appliances (air fryers, microwaves) instead of your oven
- Switching off unused ‘vampire’ appliances to avoid wasting electricity in standby mode.
Finally, if you’re paying too much for electricity and gas, then you’re already paying too much for heating, no matter how energy efficient you are. Compare electricity and gas plans in your area to make sure you’re on the right deal.
