Northern Beaches Mums Group
Northern Beaches Mums Group

The Most Energy-Efficient Ways to Heat Your Home This Winter

As temperatures start to dip across much of Australia, especially in the southern states, many of us reach for the thermostat—or scramble to dust off the old portable heater. 

But with energy prices still rising and cost-of-living pressures being felt in households nationwide, the big question this winter isn’t just how to stay warm, but how to do it efficiently.

Whether you’re in a draughty older house or a newer build that still seems to lose warmth too quickly, there are smart ways to heat your home without draining your wallet—or unnecessarily harming the environment.

Here’s a closer look at the most energy-efficient heating options available to Australians this winter, along with practical tips to get more warmth for your money.

1. Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners – The Clear Winner for Many

When it comes to heating efficiently, reverse cycle air conditioning often tops the list. These systems work by extracting heat from the outside air (even in cold temperatures) and pumping it indoors. 

For every unit of electricity they use, they can produce up to three or more units of heat—making them significantly more efficient than conventional electric heaters.

They’re ideal for open-plan areas or whole-home solutions when ducted, and many newer models now come with smart thermostats and zoning capabilities to ensure you’re only heating the areas you’re actually using. 

Aircon technicians from airconrepairnearme.com.au advise that proper installation and regular servicing are key to maintaining efficiency.

Tip: If you’re shopping around, look for models with a high Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) or an excellent star rating. The more stars, the more efficient the unit.

2. Zoned Heating – Only Warm the Spaces You Use

Heating the whole house all the time is a luxury most of us can’t afford—nor is it necessary. If you can, set up your heating system to target specific rooms or zones. 

For ducted systems, this might mean installing a zoning feature. If you’re using portable heaters, simply close doors to keep the warmth in one room.

Another trick? If your home office gets the most use during the day, prioritise heating that space. Bedrooms often need far less heating (or just a good doona) than living areas.

3. Gas Heating – Efficient, But Watch for Costs

Natural gas heaters have traditionally been a popular option in places like Melbourne, Adelaide, and Canberra. 

They provide strong, consistent warmth and can be cheaper than electricity—if gas prices in your area remain low.

However, the equation is changing. With fluctuations in gas supply and pricing, many homeowners are starting to reconsider whether gas still makes economic sense. 

Gas heaters also tend to lose heat through flues and ventilation requirements, and they may not match the efficiency of high-performing reverse cycle units.

If you already have a gas heater, make sure it’s serviced regularly. Blocked vents or worn components can lead to both poor performance and safety risks, including carbon monoxide leaks.

4. Insulation – Your First Line of Defence

Before you even think about upgrading your heater, it’s worth asking: Is the warmth staying where it should?

Insulation plays a huge role in reducing the amount of heat needed to stay comfortable. In winter, poorly insulated homes can lose up to 25–35% of heat through the roof, and another 15–25% through the walls and floors.

If you’ve got older or inadequate insulation, topping it up can make a massive difference. This includes:

  • Ceiling insulation (ideally R5.0 or higher for southern Australia)
  • Wall insulation, where accessible
  • Sealing gaps around windows and doors to reduce draughts
  • Using thermal curtains or window coverings

You might not feel the warmth immediately, but over a full season, your heating system won’t have to work nearly as hard.

5. Electric Panel Heaters – Decent for Small Spaces

If you live in a smaller flat or just want to heat a bedroom or study, electric panel heaters can be a sensible choice. They’re silent, compact, and can be wall-mounted to save space.

While they aren’t the most energy-efficient per se (many convert electricity to heat at a 1:1 ratio), they’re relatively cheap to buy and can be used efficiently if paired with timers and thermostats.

Avoid fan heaters unless absolutely necessary—they’re quick to warm a small space but chew through electricity and don’t maintain a steady temperature.

6. Underfloor Heating – Comfort Meets Cost

While less common in Australian homes, underfloor heating is increasingly being installed in new builds and renovations—particularly in bathrooms or tiled living spaces.

It’s an efficient way to maintain a low, even temperature across a room, and newer systems offer programmable controls. 

However, they can be expensive to install, and the running costs vary depending on the electricity source and whether it’s hydronic (water-based) or electric.

It’s most energy-efficient when paired with a well-insulated floor and used to maintain, rather than quickly boost, temperatures.

7. Fireplaces – Cosy but Not Always Efficient

There’s no denying the appeal of a crackling fire on a cold night. But when it comes to heating a space efficiently, open fireplaces are often more about atmosphere than warmth. 

In fact, they can pull warm air up the chimney and draw cold air in through gaps and windows.

If you love the feel of a fire, consider a slow-combustion wood heater with a sealed door and a flue system. These are far more efficient and can effectively heat medium to large rooms. 

Just be sure to use properly dried hardwood and follow local council regulations around emissions and operation.

Bonus Tips to Maximise Warmth Without Extra Cost

  • Rug up your floors – Timber or tile floors can feel freezing underfoot. A thick rug acts like insulation and keeps heat from escaping.
  • Reverse your ceiling fans – Many fans have a reverse switch. In winter mode, the blades push warm air down from the ceiling.
  • Use timers and thermostats – Set your heating to switch off automatically when it’s not needed. Every degree lower can reduce your energy usage significantly.
  • Dress for the season – Sounds obvious, but wearing warmer clothes indoors means you’ll be comfortable at a lower thermostat setting.

Stay Warm the Smart Way This Winter

Heating your home efficiently isn’t about suffering through the cold. It’s about being smart with your space, your systems, and your habits. 

With the right approach, you can stay warm and comfortable all winter without breaking the bank.

So before you throw another jumper on or resign yourself to sky-high bills, take a step back and think: is my home really set up to stay warm the smart way?