More than half of Australian households are limiting their heater use this winter in a bid to keep a lid on their electricity costs, new research from Canstar has revealed.
The survey of over 700 Australians who recently purchased a portable heater has also uncovered price is the main priority when buying a new heater, despite Canstar analysis showing there could be more potential savings by purchasing a more energy-efficient option.
Bite of big bills from heaters could be reduced
While the cost of keeping the heater running is a worry for many Australians, Canstar’s survey data shows that less than half of respondents are taking steps to increase the efficiency of their heater before turning it on – vital actions that could help bring the temperature up, and keep costs down.
The survey data shows:
- Less than half (47%) will take actions to keep the room warm first before turning on the heater (like closing windows and doors, or using tools like a door snake), and
- Only a minority (41%) said they put warm clothes and socks on first.
These steps could make a marked difference to how hard a heater has to work to reach and maintain a warm temperature, and doing as much as possible to reduce any heat loss could add up to real savings.
Choosing the best heater for the space
Canstar’s survey shows more Australians (40%) prioritise price when purchasing a portable heater, over energy efficiency (19%) and safety features (13%).
Choosing a heater that’s cheap at the checkout could backfire if the cost of running it outweighs any upfront savings, particularly if it’s not the right fit for the space.
- Fan heaters, which are typically cheaper, are best suited to heating a small area quickly so using it to keep a large room warm may mean running it for long periods.
- By contrast, an oil or column heater, which may cost more upfront, is more efficient at heating a large room warm, and stays warm even after it’s switched off.
Canstar analysed the cost of running a 1.8kWhr oil heater, purchased at $90, versus a 2.2kWhr fan heater, purchased at $39.
While the oil heater was an extra $51 upfront, over 13 weeks in winter, the cost to run the fan heater was $408 compared to the oil heater at just $334 – working out to be $74 cheaper to run over the season.
Costs of running a fan heater | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Cost to buy | Hourly | Winter cost | |
Fan (2.2kWh) | $39 | $0.75 | $408 |
Oil (1.8kWh) | $90 | $0.61 | $334 |
Difference | +$51 | -$0.14 | -$74 |
Source: Canstar. Usage rate of 0.34c/kWh applied. The winter season is calculated as 13 weeks. Prices based on heaters currently available in market.
Aussies feeling big energy bill pain
Canstar spokesperson, Eden Radford, says, “While heaters play a vital role in keeping us warm during the colder months, the potential bite of big energy bills is clearly on the minds of Australians this winter.”
“Canstar’s research shows many households are limiting their heater use this winter because they’re so worried about the cost of energy and yet less than half are taking practical, cost-free steps, like grabbing warm clothes or using a door snake, to help their heater work more efficiently.
“Turning these actions into habits could make a real impact: first on the temperature of the home, and then on the size of the electricity bill that follows.
“When it comes time to buy a new heater, it’s important to look beyond the initial price tag. Weighing up running costs and choosing the right type of heater for your space – whether that’s an oil heater for a large room or a fan heater for a quick blast of warmth – can make a significant difference.”
