Winter heating myth adding $155 to your bill

Your heating habits in winter are likely particularly cost-intensive, adding to your electricity bill are issues like a lack of insulation reducing your home’s heat retention and the fact it takes more energy to heat a space, than cool it down.

However some methods are better than others. Surprisingly, the most cost-efficient way to heat a space is through a reverse cycle air conditioner, instead of other methods like a portable electric heater or a gas heater.

Speaking to the ABC, Energy Adviser Tim Forcey says the appliance is the “cheapest option.

“I can’t believe how many homes I visit where airconditioners are kept switched off in favour of other forms of heating,” he said.

“We have so thoroughly demonised the use of air conditioners that the message hasn’t got through: airconditioning is the cheapest option.”

In a report by Finder, they found that on average, operating a reverse-cycle air conditioner costs around 85 cents per day. Meanwhile, the average electric heater costs $2.32 a day to run, while the average gas heater costs $2.76.

Using these figures, this means that on average an electric or gas heater costs $1.69 more per day to run than a reverse-cycle air conditioner. Throughout the entirety of winter, that adds up to $155.48.

Mr Forcey credits the “magic of the heat pump which takes heat from outside and brings it into your home”. This is more energy efficient than an electric or gas heater that use your energy supply in order to create heat, which than warms up your home.

Among his other tips, he also included things like cleaning the filter of the airconditioner to improve the appliance’s air flow. This will make it more efficient to operate, so it can expel less energy in order to accomplish the same task.

Previously, speaking to news.com.au, Tamara DiMattina from the sustainable lifestyle group, The New Joneses, also said there were several budget friendly ways to ensure the temperature stays inside your home. Curtains can also offer insulation and protection from night-time chills, as can simple products like door snakes.

And while more expensive, a home upgrade like double glazing your windows can also save up to 40 per cent more on electricity, as it prevents draughts from creeping in and cracks around your doors and windows from leaching the heat.

“All of that heat you’re paying for is going to go rushing outside, and the cold is going to come rushing inside,” says Ms DiMattina.

While portable electric and gas heaters are more costlier to purchase – especially compared to a wall-mounted reverse cycle airconditioner – they’ll also likely cost you more in the long run.

According to the Australian Energy Council, winter electricity bills can increase by $200 as a result of heating. They’ve also identified the perfect winter heat setting as 19C.

“It is estimated that every degree over 20 degrees can add 10 per cent to energy use,” they said.

Originally published as Winter heating myth adding $155 to your electricity bill