Winter heating hacks: Portable fans heats could cost hundreds of dollars more this winter

Queenslanders have been warned some heating devices could be adding hundreds to their electricity bills, as prices are set to jump. Here are the best ways to avoid that bill shock while keeping warm.

Queenslanders have been warned some heating devices could be adding hundreds to their electricity bills as the need to bid to beat the winter chill increases.

As the cost of living continues to impact Queenslanders, experts have shared tips on how households can beat the shock of high electricity bills.

New data released to The Courier-Mail from Compare the Market has revealed the cost of running heaters depends on the frequency of use, heater size and capacity as well as energy efficiency ratings and energy retailers’ usage rates.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said a cheaper portable fan heater can cost around $300 to run over winter, which is likely to lead to a more expensive bill.

“[It] is very likely going to be a lot more expensive to run than a large reverse-cycle split-system [airconditioner], which could cost around $50 for the same period,” he said.

“So, while portable devices generally have a smaller upfront cost, they typically chew through more electricity than reverse-cycle split-systems and can cost you more in the long run.”

Mr Ford advised Queenslanders to pay close attention to energy star ratings or heating capacities when shopping for ways to keep costs down.

“The higher the energy star rating, the more energy-efficient the heater will be,” Mr Ford said. “But remember that devices or appliances with a higher heating capacity will cost more to run.

“It can also be difficult to resist the urge to crank the heat to the highest temperature on those chilly days, but doing this often could lead to bill shock.”

In March, The Australian Energy Regulator, in its draft decision on electricity prices, revealed South East Queenslanders can expect on average a power price hike of $119 a year.

Split-system airconditioners may cost more to purchase, but are cheaper to run than small heaters.

Mr Ford said the average household default electricity prices are set to go up $77 to $2143 from July 1.

“Then, remember that the electricity we receive at the power point is largely the same, but not always the same price across South East Queensland,” he said.

“Average household default electricity prices are set to go up $77 (3.7 per cent) to $2143 in Queensland’s Energex distribution network on July 1 too, so this could really be the impetus to put your bill under the microscope.”

To keep power bills down this winter, Mr Ford recommends using insulation to keep heat in, using power wisely, using solar power during the day when it’s being generated, and investing in intelligent power point adaptors.

“Each degree warmer can add 10 per cent to your overall electricity usage, which could increase your overall bill,” he said.

An RACQ spokesman recommended Queenslanders keep the “heat” mode on airconditioners at around 18 to 20 degrees.

“Long-term solutions to reduce your energy bill could be installing solar on your home to gain greater energy independence and opting for a more energy-efficient hot water system like a heat pump,” he said.

“Maximising your solar self-consumption by using timers with your hot water, pool pump, washing machines to run during the day will also save you money.”

Originally published as Winter heating hacks: Portable fans heats could cost hundreds of dollars more this winter