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What's the cheapest way to heat your home this winter?
Published on
Winter... Misty mornings. Snow topped peaks. Ugg boots.
As the cold sets in, we’re again tasked with finding the balance between having a warm, cosy home and a power bill that won’t break the bank.
Heating is one of our biggest electricity costs (up to 50%) so choosing the right heating system for your home is essential.
Is it really worth spending thousands of dollars on an efficient heat pump, or is it better to get a cheaper portable heater?
What’s the cheapest option?
When it comes to upfront cost and installation – portable electric heaters come out on top. You can get one for less than two tickets to the movies (excluding the popcorn!). There are no installation costs, and if you’re a renter you can take it with you when you go.
But, while portable heaters are cheap to buy, they’re not cheap to run. They’re inefficient and can add a lot to your energy bill, especially if you’re using the wrong size for the space you’re in, or running multiple heaters at once.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, while more expensive to buy and install (upwards of $5000), are cheaper to run and will cost you a lot less on your energy bill. They’re also better for heating larger spaces and have the added bonus of being able to cool as well.
What about efficiency?
Portable electric heaters are 100% efficient, meaning they turn all the energy they use into heat. Heat pumps are between 300% and 600% efficient, meaning that they use a lot less energy to produce the same amount of heat.
So, what’s cheaper overall?
Heat pumps save you the most money over time, they’re more efficient and you’ll save much more on your energy bill compared to portable heaters. So, if you’re in a position to invest, a heat pump is definitely the way to go.
If a heat pump isn’t a practical option for your household, don’t worry! There are plenty of things you can do to get the most out of your portable heater while keeping running costs down.
Find out how to get the best portable heater for your home here!
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