Turning up the heat on costs

While we certainly want to warm our homes, we do not want to burn a hole in our wallet. The first step towards resolving this issue is identifying what's best for you.

Eric Bleakley, general manager of De'Longhi, believes there is no one common solution for every household.

"There are so many variables,'' he says. "Some homes are old and draughty with inadequate insulation, some get no sunshine, and, more than anything, lifestyles of the families that live in these homes differ, as do individual preferences of what constitutes adequate.''

Choosing whether electricity, natural gas, LPG, oil, solar, wood, wood pellets, coal or the sun is best for you and your bank balance is made easier by studies conducted by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). Based on the estimated cost of one unit of heat for each of the major heating options, using estimated fuel prices as at May 2004, the results are displayed on the graph.

Bleakley says there are many things consumers should consider when choosing a heater. "Given they have chosen what fuel to operate with, what people have to understand when comparing cost of one appliance to another (say electricity) is that eventually, a 2400W heater consumes 2400W, whatever the brand,'' he says.

"All heaters convert electrical energy into heat; efficiencies differ between heating types. For example, heat pumps are very efficient compared to the older bar-style radiant heater. The variation is in the way they distribute the heat in a room. Refined features that the model incorporates enhance the efficiency of heat distribution.

"Some models incorporate structures in their designs to develop a chimney effect. What the customer also pays for in top-range brands are innovative designs. A number of the lower-cost brands also have some of these attributes. One also pays for longevity, warranty conditions and, sometimes, sheer style.''

Features to look for are tilt switches, thermal cut-offs, energy-saving thermostats, and timers, all of which enhance value.

David Bell, general manager of The Fireplace, advises using cost-effective options when choosing a fireplace. Heat re-circulating open fires made with steel chambers give up to five times more heat output than a brick-lined open fire and up to three times more than a gas open fire. "Generally, wood burning fires are the most economical to run of the fuel-burning appliances, but cost is not the only criteria. Apart from the ambience, for many there is an emotional link with what they have grown up with,'' says Bell.