Feeling the winter chill? Your heater will add $220 to your energy bill
Finder research shows it will cost extra to stay warm this winter, but there are a few things you can do to save on your electricity bills.
The price of electricity is rising, at the same time as the mercury falls – a double whammy for consumers.
To find out what it will cost to stay warm, Finder crunched the numbers on a number of heating options.
Our research shows that on average, Aussies will spend $2.54 per day on winter heating, or $228 per household over the 90 days of winter. And that's if you use your heater for just 4 hours a day.
But the type of heating you choose, your current plan and a few lifestyle choices can all impact how much you pay.
Reverse cycle air conditioning wins out
To heat your home, you could be better off with a reverse cycle air conditioner, though it has the highest up front costs.
According to our experts, the price of running your reverse cycle air conditioner for 4 hours over winter will cost $127, which is roughly half the average cost. This is interesting, as consumers often think smaller heaters are more efficient.
To stay warm, you could be best off running a reverse-cycle air conditioner, Energy Adviser Tim Forcey told the ABC.
"I can't believe how many homes I visit where air conditioners 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: air conditioning is the cheapest option."
Tower heaters will cost you the most
On the flip side, while reverse cycle air conditioners are the least expensive way to stay warm, tower heaters will set you back the most this winter.
They do have a lower upfront cost in comparison to a reverse cycle air conditioner, but according to our research, if you were to rely on a tower heater to stay warm, you will pay on average $354 for just 90 days at 4 hours of heating per day.
Gas heating will cost you more
According to Finder's figures, a convection heater will cost you a little more than the average at $248 for the season, while a radiant convection heater will set you back $274.
This is in comparison with a $220 average, meaning gas heating is likely cost you more over winter.
Why is the price of energy rising this winter?
In what will only make matters worse for homeowners this winter, come 1 July, the price of heating your home is set to rise regardless of your energy habits.
The Australian Energy Regulator has released their draft decisions to raise benchmark electricity prices by 19.8% to 22.2% in New South Wales, south-east Queensland and South Australia.
While those in Victorians can expect a massive 30% jump.
These changes follow an increase of up to 18.3% just last year.
Want more savings? If you haven't changed electricity or gas providers in the last 12 months, compare and see your options are with another energy provider.