Just How Much Does It Cost To Run Your Air-Conditioner During Winter?

We’ve all heard that using our air-conditioner in winter = hefty bills. But what if we told you that this is just a common misconception and that you can turn up the heat without worrying about surprise bills? Sounds good, doesn’t it?

According to research by Canstar Blue, using your air-conditioner in winter won’t break the bank and is actually cheaper than you think. The average, modern reverse cycle air-conditioner, capable of heating large spaces quickly, costs only around $0.13 – $0.36 per hour to run.

 

Believe it or not, it is cheaper to run per hour than common household appliances such as the humble microwave ($0.28 – $0.53 per hour), vacuum cleaner ($0.41 – $0.82 per hour) an iron ($0.41-$0.82 per hour), clothes dryer ($0.50 – $0.82

 

Backed by Government research, reverse cycle air-conditioners with high energy ratings, such as our industry leading 7 star rated 2.0kW Avanti PLUS® model, are the most energy efficient and cost effective for heating spaces. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, these units allow you to heat a space quickly and efficiently – saving you money in the long run! How does a reverse cycle air-conditioner really compare with other common heating appliances?

 

The space heating comparison table below compares general running costs and greenhouse gas emissions of the most commonly used heaters?

* Approximate costs per year, based an average existing (pre-2005) 2-Star house in a Melbourne climate, heating to 20^oC all day on the weekend (7am to 10pm) and in the morning (6am to 9am) and evening (5pm to 11pm) on weekdays, as needed.

Source: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/You-and-your-home/Save-energy/Heating/Heating-running-costs

 

DELVING DEEPER

PORTABLE ELECTRIC HEATERS

Portable Electric Heaters rarely display their energy ratings making it hard for you to determine energy efficiency. As the table above indicates, portable heaters, although convenient, can be very expensive to run and should be used sparingly to avoid an electricity bill blowout. A standard electric radiant heater costs about $0.36^[1] per hour and an electric panel heater costs $0.43^[2], but neither of these are economical when heating large spaces such as a living room.

 GAS HEATERS

According to Canster Blue a standard gas heater costs $0.43 – $0.51 per hour^[3]. Although gas has historically been a cheaper energy source, electric heating options such as reverse cycle air-conditioners are becoming more energy-efficient. A study by the Melbourne University found that consumers can save money by making the switch from gas heating to using reverse cycle air-conditioners^[4].

WOOD HEATERS

Sometimes heating your home with wood can be more economical than the alternatives; particularly if you have easy access to wood supplies. However, in terms of energy efficiency, wood heaters score low due to the amount of heat lost in chimneys and larger spaces. Between technical specifications, performance and safety requirements, the selection process can be very daunting and equally confusing.

 THE FINAL WORD

Having looked at cost and energy efficiency – the Reverse cycle air-conditioner is a clear winner for modern Aussie homes. MHIAA offers a range of reverse cycle split systems from 1.7kW – 9.5kW. With a range like this you’ll be sure to find a solution for every type of room. So, it’s time to say goodbye to feeling guilty about using your aircon and hello to enjoying warmth and comfort at home – stress free!

Please note:  your heating costs will depend on your home, your local climate and the prices you pay for electricity or gas.

 

^[1] https://www.canstarblue.com.au/appliances/how-much-electricity-does-aircon-use/

^[2] https://www.canstarblue.com.au/appliances/how-much-electricity-does-aircon-use/

^[3] https://www.canstarblue.com.au/appliances/how-much-electricity-does-aircon-use/

^[4] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-25/switching-from-gas-to-air-conditioners-can-cut-energy-costs/6723744