With winter here, many of us will be using our heaters to keep us warm.
We know that heaters uses energy to run, but do you know how much your electric heater is costing you?
There’s a study done by the sustainable by the Victoria sustainable energy authority released in 2002.
The results of that study for the cost of electric heaters are shown below with the prices adjusted to the energy cost in NSW in 2010.
Back then the average peak cost of electricity was 15 cents/kWh, in 2010 it is now 28 cents/kWh.
All monthly costs assume heating is used for 8 hours per day in Melbourne.
Running costs can vary considerably based on such factors as heater size and efficiency, thermostat setting, length of use and building efficiency.
Portable heaters
| Hourly cost | Monthly cost | |
| Oil-filled column heater or fan heater (1.2 kW) | 34c | $80 |
| Oil-filled column heater or fan heater (2.4 kW) | 67c | $158 |
| Bar radiator/strip heater (1.2 kW) | 34c | $80 |
| Bar radiator/strip heater (2.4 kW) | 67c | $158 |
Space heaters
The following figures are based on heating an area of 60 m2 to 21°C. Calculations for the size of your rooms can be estimated proportionately
from these. Most older homes would have costs towards the higher end of the range. Lower figures would apply to fully insulated houses.
| Hourly cost | Monthly cost | |
| Reverse cycle air conditioner (1–2 star rating) | 39c–50c | $97–$121 |
| Reverse cycle air conditioner (4–6 star rating) | 22c–28c | $56–$65 |
| Off-peak heat bank | 28c–35c | $73–$101 |
| Day rate fan heater | 69c–88c | $170–$213 |
Central heating
All figures are given for homes of 150 m2 with 2.4 m ceilings. Calculations for larger or smaller homes can be estimated proportionately from these.
Lower figures are for fully insulated houses. Energy smart homes can reduce these costs by up to 30%.
Note: in-slab heating runs 24 hours per day.
| Hourly cost | Monthly cost | |
| In-slab heating (heating whole home to 18°C) | 19c–28c | $140–$205 |
| In-slab heating (heating living areas to 18°C, other areas to 16°C) |
17c–21c | $108–$155 |
| Radiant ceiling heating (heating whole home to 18°C) | 80c–112c | $194–$281 |
| Radiant ceiling heating (heating whole home to 18°C, other areas to 16°C) |
52c–80c | $133–$190 |
| Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning (heating whole home to 21°C) |
82c–118c | $203–$293 |
| Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning (zoned system—bedrooms and living areas heated at separate times to 21°C) |
49c–69c | $118–$175 |
Wow, that really shows just how expensive any form of electrical heating is!
The problem with using electricity for heat is that it’s not terribly efficient. We burn oil, gas or coal to produce heat to generate the electricity, and there are significant losses in this process. Then we have transmission losses getting the electricity from the power station to our homes. Turning it back into heat is actually fairly efficient, though.
The whole process is a lot more efficient if you cut out the power generation and transmission, and simply burn gas right where you want the heat.
The other thing I get from the above figures is that home insulation saves a lot more money than it costs!
@Darren electrical heating is expensive. Wood fire heating would be the cheapest alternative, but gas heating is probably the most practical alternative for most households. You also brought up a good point with home insulation, it might look expensive with a high upfront cost, but it is cheaper in the long run.
Wow! Didn’t realize that the difference is so much. I am gonna be dead with my electric heater cost! Gotta look into a gas heater option.
Finding good information from blogs is not always easy, but you have done a great job here, interesting title ( How much are your electric heaters costing you? | Little Handy Tips ) too, cool.
But gas heaters are not safe for inside use, so sometimes the electric heaters are the only solution.
A blue flame gas heater is both classical in appearance and stylish enough to meet contemporary expectations. Single-family houses, condominiums, and studios alike will benefit from the impeccable function and stylized detail only a blue flame gas heater can offer. However seamless function only scratches the surface when considering the many benefits of owning a blue flame gas heater.*;
Have a good weekend
My sons electricity bill is 5000.00 dollars in a small eleven square house they use two oil heaters. He payes 500 a month ,but electricity bill keeps going up , and they threaten to cut of power .
There are a number of factors that are likely to contribute
to the continuing popularity of paraffin as a source of energy for domestic properties.
It also helps build your muhscles due to the high protein content of
nuts. And because there are more contaminants in the
latter, they can clog up your heating system, especially the fuel tank filter.