June2012_Use the right heating this winter
Ausgrid’s energy efficiency expert Paul Myors said it’s important to know the different heating options available and how their costs compare over the cooler months.
“Portable electric heaters like bar radiators or fan heaters are cheap to buy, but can cost hundreds of dollars to run during winter,” Mr Myors said.
“A household can expect to spend more on electricity in one week from using a personal fan heater than the cost of the heater itself.
So households should decide on a budget as well as how often and where heating is required before making a purchase.
Fan and convection heaters can be effective to heat a small room. Oil column heaters are slow to heat but are safe to run unattended making them a good option for kids’ bedrooms,” Mr Myors said.
Heating larger living areas requires more energy, so it’s important to choose an efficient option such as a high star rated gas heater or a reverse cycle air conditioner that can also be used to cool your home in summer.
“If you’re buying a gas heater it’s important to get expert advice because if it’s unflued you’ll have to ensure there is plenty of ventilation.”
The upfront cost of reverse cycle air conditioners is falling and new models are more efficient with a revised star rating system. If used efficiently they cost about one third less to run compared to electric heaters.
If you choose central or ducted heating for your whole house, make sure the system can be zoned so you only heat the rooms you’re using rather than the entire house.
“Our research shows more than 80 per cent of households overheat their homes, which is a huge waste of energy, money and CO2 emissions,” Mr Myors said.
“For every degree you heat above 21 degrees Celsius you’re adding about 10 per cent to your heating costs.
Set thermostats between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius, zone your home by shutting doors and only heat the area you are in, and make sure you turn off the heater when it’s not needed,” Mr Myors said.
Remember winter is the time to rug-up, so pull out a warm blanket and wear lots of layers to keep warm for free.
For further information on how to heat your home more efficiently go to www.ausgrid.com.au
