Cheapest Way to Heat a House: Efficient Heating Options
As the colder months settle in, keeping your home warm becomes a priority, but it doesn’t have to come with sky-high energy bills. So what's the cheapest way to heat a house? In this guide, we'll break down the most common types of heaters and highlight alternative methods to reduce expenses without sacrificing warmth. From energy-efficient appliances to simple energy-saving habits, you'll discover practical tips to heat your home efficiently, no matter your budget.
Common Heaters' Types and Their Running Costs
Choosing the right heater starts with understanding how much it will cost to run and how well it performs in your space. Here's a breakdown of the most common heater types used in Australian homes, along with their average running costs.
The costs below are based on using the heater during winter in a moderate Australian climate (like Sydney, Adelaide, or Perth). These are just estimates, your actual costs may vary depending on things like your home’s insulation, local climate, and energy prices.
1. Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioners
Reverse-cycle air conditioners are one of the most energy-efficient options for both heating and cooling. They work by extracting heat from the outside air, even in cold conditions, and pumping it inside.
Pros: Energy efficient, dual-purpose (cooling/heating), ideal for large open spaces, lower long-term costs compared to an electric heater.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, permanent installation and not suitable for renters.
Running Cost: For a small room (10–20 square meters), a small reverse-cycle air conditioner (2.5kW) ) costs $146 per month.
2. Gas Heaters
Gas heaters use natural gas or LPG to heat a room. They’re effective in colder climates and heat up quickly.
Pros: Fast heating, ideal for larger spaces, relatively cheap to run.
Cons: Requires ventilation and not ideal for small or unflued spaces, safety concerns.
Running Cost: For a small room (10–20 square meters), a small gas heater (1.5kW) costs $283 per month.
3. Electric Heaters
Electric heaters can be an efficient and eco-friendly way and they come in several types, including fan heaters, convection heaters, and oil-filled radiators.
Pros: Low purchase cost, ideal for small space, no installation and portable, easy to use.
Cons: Higher running costs, not effective for large living areas.
Running Cost: For a small room (10–20 square meters), a portable electric heater (2.4kW) costs $417 per month.
What’s the cheapest way to heat a house with electricity? Generator is a good option. Some households use a generator during blackouts or in off-grid settings. If you have a solar system, you can use the electricity it generates to power your heat pump or electric heater, dramatically reducing or even eliminating your heating costs.
Other Heaters to Lower the Cost of House Heating
In addition to the more common options, there are several alternative heating methods that can help reduce costs, especially when paired with good insulation and smart usage. If you're wondering what is the cheapest way to heat a house, consider below options:
1. Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters warm objects and people directly rather than heating the air, making them ideal for spot heating.
Pros: Instant heat, low energy use, no air circulation (great for allergies).
Cons: Limited range, not ideal for whole-home heating.
2. Wood Heaters
A traditional choice in rural or colder regions, wood heaters can be highly economical if you have access to cheap or free firewood.
Pros: Low ongoing cost, off-grid capable, effective for large areas.
Cons: Requires ventilation, manual operation, and emissions.
3. Pellet Heaters
These use compressed wood pellets for fuel and are cleaner-burning than traditional wood heaters.
Pros: Environmentally friendly, cost-effective, consistent heat.
Cons: Requires pellet supply, higher upfront cost.
4. Hydronic Heating Systems
These systems use hot water circulated through radiators or floor coils, offering silent, consistent warmth.
Pros: Quiet, even heating, energy-efficient.
Cons: High installation cost, not ideal for short-term use.
Ways to Heat a House with Minimal Cost
Heating your home affordably isn’t just about choosing the right heater, it’s also about using it efficiently and supporting it with smart, low-cost strategies. These practical tips can help you stay warm during Australia’s winter while keeping your energy bills under control.
Method 1: Maximise Insulation
Putting on a warm jumper (or an extra layer) can help, but having good insulation is what really keeps your home warm in winter. Poor insulation is one of the biggest causes of heat loss, with up to 35% of your home’s heat potentially being lost, which means higher power bills and still feeling cold. Simple things like sealing draughts with door snakes, using weather strips, hanging thick curtains, and adding rugs can make a big difference to help keep the warm air in during winter and the hot air out in summer.
If you want to save even more, especially if you're off-grid or want to use solar power, a solar generator can run small heaters or electric blankets. When paired with good insulation, this setup helps keep your home warm without relying on expensive electricity from the grid during peak times.
Method 2: Use Zoned Heating
Instead of heating the whole house, focus only on the rooms you're using. Close doors to trap heat and use space heaters for targeted warmth. This helps reduce wasted energy and lowers costs.
Method 3: Set Timers and Thermostats
Using a timer or programmable thermostat helps avoid overheating and ensures you're only warming your home when needed. Set your heater to turn on shortly before you wake up or get home from work.
Method 4: Consider Renewable Backup
One increasingly popular option is using a solar-powered generator, like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Solar Generator. This device can power small electric heating appliances during peak pricing hours or when you want to reduce your reliance on the grid. By leveraging renewable energy, you can cut costs significantly while still keeping your home warm. Plus, it acts as a reliable backup power source during outages, giving you peace of mind even during the harshest winter months.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Heating your house during the Australian winter doesn’t have to be expensive. The cheapest way to heat a house is by choosing the right heater, using smart strategies like zoning, insulation, and taking advantage of natural sunlight. Whether in a small apartment or a larger home, energy-efficient solutions and simple techniques can help reduce costs while keeping your space cosy. A little planning goes a long way in making winter more affordable.
FAQs
What is the cheapest form of heating for a house?
The cheapest form of heating often depends on your location and energy rates, but using a solar generator paired with electric heaters can significantly cut costs over time. Once installed, solar energy is free, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for reducing home heating expenses, especially during daylight hours.
What is the cheapest heater to run in Australia?
Reverse-cycle air conditioners typically have the lowest running costs per hour when heating large or frequently used spaces. For spot heating or limited use, infrared panel heaters or oil-filled radiators with thermostats can be cheap to operate when used wisely.