Save Energy and Money with the Right Heating System this Winter

We all know that Australian temperatures can change dramatically, even over the course of a single day. However, there’s no doubt about the fact that it gets chilly just about anywhere and everywhere during winter. With this chill comes the need to heat your home, and it can be hard to choose the right kind of heating for your home’s individual needs.

When winter comes around, it’s worth doing a bit of research into finding the most economical and efficient way to heat your home, what type of heating is best for the environment and hopefully how you can save money?

What kinds of heating are available?

There are three main types of heaters; electric heaters, gas heaters and reverse-cycle air conditioners. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages.

Electric heaters

These are generally portable (unless fixed to a wall) and are cheap to purchase. It’s best not to use them in large spaces or for long periods of time, however, they work well in bedrooms and sitting by your feet when you’re cold on the couch. Bar heaters are great for bathrooms, as the heat is direct and instant, however, there is no thermostat so you’ll need to use a timer or switch for this option.

There are also fan heaters that heat the air, rather than your body. Convector heaters cause the heated air to rise naturally, so they’re not recommended for rooms with high ceilings. The important thing to remember with electric heaters is to either purchase one that has a thermostat or a timer, so it can be regulated to effectively lower your costs.

Gas heaters

The key with gas heaters is that you need to have a gas outlet to plug them into, which relies on having a gas option in your area or building. However, they are very efficient and have good value for money. They’re great for heating medium-sized spaces and are exceptionally quick to heat up the area as well.

Reverse cycle air conditioning

While more expensive to purchase outright than a small electric heater, reverse cycle air conditioning is very effective for heating a space quickly and efficiently, for relatively little power usage. They’re great for use in larger spaces, for example, an open-plan living area.

Of course, there are also other options available. Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces look beautiful and provide a cosy feel to the room, especially on a cold winter night. Wood is generally available everywhere so you’ll always have warmth, and this can prove quite economical. However, there are also challenges associated with this option, with the gas being produced making installation expensive, as the smoke can cause pollution in the house, making maintenance and upkeep tricky.

Ensuring your home is energy efficient

Of course, making sure your home is cosy and warm isn’t just about popping on a heater. There’s no point using all that electricity or gas to warm up an area if there is air escaping through gaps.

The first step to making sure your home is retaining heat is to ensure your insulation is up to scratch. Simply speaking, insulation provides resistance to heat flow, and the more this occurs, the lower your heating cost will be.

Check all doors (internal and external) and all windows for their seals. Make sure all gaps are patched, and for internal doors, consider purchasing a few door snakes to ensure the hot air doesn’t escape, and the cool air doesn’t come in.  

The energy savings

For many people, environmental factors come into play when deciding how best to heat a home. Gas heaters and reverse cycle air conditioners produce one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions of electric heaters. So, in terms of energy efficiency, these should be your first options. However, this isn’t always possible, especially if there is no gas connection in your home.

An additional way to help with energy efficiency is to only heat the areas you need heated. While this may sound obvious, with a central ducted air conditioning system it can be difficult. If you are putting an air conditioning system in, try to get it zoned so you can switch off different parts of the house when they’re not being used. While an electric heater costs more and isn’t as energy-efficient, it will only heat the space you need heated.

Also, don’t put the thermostat on too high. While you may want it a balmy 25 degrees, keeping the thermostat lower will actually regulate the temperature much better, and will also save on your energy use. The best winter temperature for your aircon to run at is actually 18 degrees. For each degree, you’re saving about 10 percent.

Some questions to ask yourself

• Does the room really need a heater, or are there other ways you can ensure the room is warm? Is it only cold because there are draughts coming through openings in the doors and windows?
• How many rooms need to be heated, and can they be zoned rather than heated all at once? This means you’ll use space heaters rather than a ducted system through the whole house.
• How big are the rooms? Will an electric heater do the trick or is it a larger space that you need gas?

Choosing the right heating for you home’s needs

If you have any questions about the best way to heat your home, switching heating sources and your specific energy or heating needs, don’t hesitate to contact our expert Ecosmart Electricians who can help you with energy efficiency in the home. Contact us today!

You can also request a professional energy Audit or do it yourself with our free tool:

Check out our ultimate guide to a DIY home energy audit.