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As temperatures start to drop, there’s no better time to prepare for winter and choose the best heating solution for your home, that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for electric heaters, gas heaters or a split system, we’ve got everything you need to ensure you feel comfortable, cosy and warm once winter arrives.
Electric heater systems tend to be quite popular as not only are they cheaper, they’re also portable, allowing you to heat certain rooms as you desire or take the heater with you as you swap between different rooms throughout the day. Electric heaters are a great option for those wanting to heat up smaller spaces in their home.
This is technically a type of electric home heating system. If you're looking for an efficient electric heating system, then this is it, as it can also be used in the summer to cool down your home. A reverse-cycle air conditioner works by drawing heat from the air outside (even in freezing conditions) and transferring it to the inside. If you are wanting to heat larger rooms for longer, reverse-cycle air conditioning is the better option when comparing with electric heating systems.
Gas heaters use either natural gas or bottled LPG. In addition, there are two types: flued and unflued (portable). Unflued gas heaters can produce carbon monoxide in relatively small quantities and can also be problematic for asthmatics and allergy sufferers, so a flued option (which vents the gas waste to the outside) would be the best option in this case. Also, if your preference is unflued, you’ll need to ensure the unit is serviced every two years by a professional, and keep in mind unflued gas heaters are not available in Victoria due to state legislation. It’s also worth mentioning that flued gas heaters need to be installed professionally, and for either gas heating option, consider the size of the room you wish to heat because each size heater has a different heating capacity. Either way, you do have to be more careful with gas heaters. However, gas may be cheaper than electric heater and air conditioner units if you plan on running your heater all day long.
“Electric heater systems tend to be quite popular as not only are they cheaper, they’re also portable, allowing you to heat certain rooms as you desire or take the heater with you as you swap between different rooms throughout the day.”
The cheapest way to heat your home is to make it as insulated as possible before introducing a new heating system. After all, you could have the best heating system in the world, but it wouldn't do much if cold air is leaking in. You will need to check the seal on all openings, such as windows and doors, and buy draught excluders and door snakes to further insulate your rooms. You can also purchase curtains and blinds to keep the warmth in during wintertime. All walls need to be insulated, including the ceilings and floors. You may also choose to purchase some cheap but thick rugs to put on your hardwood floor for better insulation. After you've purchased your heating system, you need to make sure it's well-maintained and kept clean, including the air filters. If you have an electric heater operating in a room, make sure the door is shut to keep the warmth in. Of course, if it's an unflued gas heater, ventilation is particularly important.
Read more about our top picks for heating below and find the perfect one for your home this winter, from leading brands like Dyson, DeLonghi, Rinnai, Noirot, Mitsubishi, Dimplex and EWT.
The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Formaldehyde lets you enjoy a stream of warm or cool air whilst keeping your home free of dust and allergens. The Catalytic filter detects and destroys harmful formaldehyde while the HEPA Glass Media & Carbon Filter captures 99.95%1 of particles and gases, giving you peace of mind. This purifier is compact and light enough to be easily moved around the house and features a handy remote control, making it easy to change temperature and purification settings so you’re comfortable all year round.
The Delonghi Convection Heater is an electric heater that features a lateral forced fan system to boost and maintain heating throughout the room. The stylish, thin design is both wall mountable and portable, making it ideal for spot heating small and medium sized rooms. With easily adjustable heat settings, a 24-hour timer and multiple safety features, this heater will keep you and your family warm whilst providing peace of mind.
The Rinnai Avenger 25 natural gas heater features stylish good looks and is great for heating large open plan areas, powerfully projecting warm air through the whole room. Rinnai gas heaters feature excellent energy efficiency, low emissions technology, adjustable temperature settings and a handy thermostat so you’re always comfortable even on the coldest day.
The Noirot spot plus panel heater is portable or wall mountable, the choice is up to you depending on your preference. This heater uses convection, providing you with a level of comfort without overheating. It features a precision thermostat, maintaining the perfect temperature within 0.1 degrees, conserving energy whilst delivering on comfort. If you're sensitive to sound, then you'll be pleased to know that without a fan and with its patented Monobloc element, this panel heater is virtually whisper-silent. You can read your book in bed or watch television in peace without being distracted. This heating system has been approved by The National Asthma Council Australia. It uses natural convection to circulate heat which reduces the amount of dust particles that circulate in the air, allowing those suffering from asthma to breathe easier and live in comfort. The Noirot spot plus panel heater is suited to heat large areas, efficiently and evenly. Heat your home office, living or dining area or even your bedroom with this heating system.
The versatile Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Reverse Cycle Split System allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds – keeping you cool in warm weather and toasty on chilly days. It features a 5-star energy rating which means you can heat your home affordably and responsibly.
The Dimplex ceramic heater is a compact and affordable way to heat a small space. You may even decide to purchase a few and place one in each of the most-used spaces within your home. This heater is energy efficient as it uses DC Motor Technology to reduce energy consumption. Other key features of this heater include an oscillating function, manual controls, as well as overheat and tip-over protection providing peace of mind with safety.
The EWT cocoon oil column heater provides another affordable heating solution. It’s easily portable with its rolling wheels so it can be moved around easily depending on your needs. With this heater, enjoy three different heat settings as well as an adjustable thermostat, providing options to ensure you find the right level of comfort within your home. In addition to both overheat and tip-over protection, it makes very little noise, ensuring you won’t be bothered whenever you have it on to heat up your room. If you’re looking for an affordable and portable way to heat your home, we’ve got the solution for you.
Now you know the top tips to keep you and your family warm and cosy this winter, for a great price too!
For more advice on home heating check out our detailed Buying Guide, or take our Heater Quiz to find the perfect heating system for you.
1. Tested for filtration efficiency at 0.1 microns (EN1822).
