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If you’re on a mission to cut down on your water heating costs, then it’s worth getting familiar with the types of hot water systems available in Australia.
As we head into the coldest months of the year, it’s only natural that many of us are wondering what our options are when it comes to heater types. Perhaps you’re moving into a new place, or the existing heating methods in your current abode just aren’t cutting it anymore.
Regardless, staying warm this winter is on the minds of many, particularly given the fact that the average Australian’s attempts at moderating the temperature amounts to around 25% of their annual electricity bill. While some methods certainly cost more than others, there’s many choices to consider when it comes to navigating the heater types on offer.
With many parts of the nation now shivering through the year’s first cold snap, busting the heaters out of storage and beginning the months-long process of feeling guilty every time it’s switched on are usually synonymous.
While there are a number of factors to weigh up before buying a new heater, shoppers would do well to first consider the bottom line of their electricity bills, and how opting for an energy efficient product will ultimately save money in the long run – but what are the options?
Fan Heaters – As the name would suggest, a fan heater functions much like a traditional fan used in summer, except that the device heats up the air prior to distributing it around the room. While this affordable option has the ability to heat an enclosed space or room faster than a heater without a fan, they do create audible noise that can prove irritable.
Radiant Heaters – Radiant heat also offers the advantage of providing even heat distribution in the room and not creating cold zones, which are very common with conventional heaters. The bars in these devices transfer heat directly to people and objects within proximity, so while they aren’t the best option to heat an entire room or home, they are portable and budget friendly.
Convector Heaters – As opposed to radiant heaters, converter heaters have the power to heat an entire room over an extended period of time. Ideal for living rooms, look out for convector heaters with a micathermic panel, which absorbs and releases warmth, offering an efficient and affordable option with the benefit of both convection and radiated heat.
Oil Heaters – Also known as column heaters, these upright portable heaters use – you guessed it – oil to generate heat and distribute it throughout a room. Although usually much heavier and bulkier than other portable heater types, oil-filled heaters continue to produce heat for an extended period of time once they are turned off, making them good choices for night use.
Gas Heaters – For homes that have a natural gas connection, a fixed or portable gas heater can provide a much less expensive alternative to other electric heaters. Although they can be more expensive to install or purchase, they won’t be affected in the event of a blackout, but do require a licensed professional to install, repair, and maintain.
Ceramic Heaters – Available as fixed or portable devices, ceramic heaters work using the principle of resistive heating. In simple terms, this is a process that passes an electric current through a conductor to produce heat. In this case, the conductor is a ceramic plate. Ceramic offers excellent thermal conductivity as it offers more resistance to the current.
Reverse Cycle Conditioners – As a popular option for Queenslanders who need protection against extreme hot and cold temperature swings, reverse cycle air conditioners offer the best of both worlds in the one device. As there are many different variations for air con products, it’s important to talk to a professional before making a purchase.
Electric Fire Heaters – If you love the look and feel of a fireplace but aren’t quite a fan of the manual labour that comes with maintaining them, opting for an electric fire heater could be a happy medium. Electric fireplaces can also heat a room faster and more efficiently than wood-burning fireplaces, and they’re considered to be much safer to use.
Considering the ever increasing cost of living, ramping up heating-related energy costs throughout the winter months can cause financial headaches when bills arrive – but avoiding potentially energy-demanding appliances is a popular and practical first step. However, it’s important to do your research well in advance before you commit to a heating device that may not be in line with your household’s budget or requirements.
If navigating the many heater types used in Australia is giving you a headache and you could do with some advice, then it’s always worth speaking to the professionals. Thankfully, the team at Shield Electrical are your one stop heating shop, and offer everything from installation, maintenance, repairs and more.
Here at Shield Electrical, we are a Brisbane based electrical contracting company, and pride ourselves on being shockingly good at watt we do. For us, friendly and reliable customer service isn’t just a nice add on – it’s how we do business. Don’t take our word for it though, just ask our clients.
Established in 2015, Shield Electrical is lighting the way when it comes to providing electrical work with world class customer service. With our headquarters based in the central suburban pocket of Coorparoo, our team of qualified industry professionals are readily available to deliver quality workmanship, fast quotes, and affordable pricing.
Whether you’re on the hunt for an electrician for domestic services, residential, commercial and industrial construction, security systems or even just further energy saving tips, get in touch with us at Shield today to source practical solutions that don’t break the bank.
