What's the most cost-effective heating for Australian homes?

Heating your home shouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Whether you go with gas or electric, the smartest way to stay warm – and keep your energy bills in check – is choosing a heater that suits your space and how you use it. Let’s break it down by room: Small Rooms – For bedrooms, baby rooms, home offices, or keeping your feet toasty under the desk while you work, a ceramic heater or oil column heater is an affordable pick for portable heating. Medium to Large Rooms – In living rooms or open-plan spaces, gas heaters , panel heaters , and electric fireplaces can warm up the space quickly, especially when used in short bursts.Whole-Home Heating Systems – For warming the entire house, reverse cycle air conditioners are hard to beat for long-term energy savings. Looking for ways to get more bang for your buck this winter? Try these simple energy-saving tips: Set your thermostat between 18°C and 20°C. Every extra degree can drive up your energy use!Use the timer function to switch off heaters before bed or when you’re not home. Set ceiling fans to winter mode to help circulate warm air throughout the room

Is gas or electricity cheaper for heating in Australia?

The cheapest heater to run depends on your setup, local energy prices, and the size of the space you’re trying to heat.Here’s how gas and electric heaters generally compare: Gas Heaters – These can come with more upfront costs for purchase, installation, and ongoing maintenance. But if you already have an existing gas connection, they can be cheap to run – especially for heating larger areas over longer periods of time. Electric Heaters – Typically more affordable to buy and generally require no installation. They’re easy to use, widely available, and great for spot heating. However, running them continuously can get more expensive, particularly in large rooms.From the long-lasting warmth of gas to the quick, convenient comfort of electric, the best choice comes down to your home, lifestyle, and how you plan to use your heater – not just the energy source.

What's the best heater for a home?

The best type of heater for your home depends on how many rooms you need to heat, how often you’ll be using it, and the overall size of the space. With top offerings from trusted brands like Dyson, Noirot, Goldair, DeLonghi, and Dimplex, it’s hard to go wrong at Harvey Norman!Choosing the Right Heating Method:Convection Heaters – These circulate warm air throughout the room, gradually raising and maintaining an even and consistent temperature. Perfect for heating larger areas or rooms with high ceilings. Radiant Heaters – Using infrared technology, these heaters emit heat directly to people and objects in their path, rather than warming the air. Ideal for spot heating or use in smaller spaces like lounges or dining areas. Programmable timers, remote controls, Wi-Fi, portability, and design can help in tailoring top-notch heating throughout your home.

Do old heaters use more electricity?

They often can. Older heaters tend to have outdated designs, worn-out parts, and general wear and tear, which can make them work harder (and use more electricity) just to keep your space warm. That’s where upgrading to a new heater can make a real difference, helping lower electricity costs without compromising on comfort when the cold weather really sets in. Today’s models aren’t just more energy-efficient, they’re also safer and easier to use. With the addition of clever features like tip-over protection, programmable timers, and even smart Wi-Fi connectivity, you can warm your home your way – without wasting energy.

What's the safest type of portable heater?

The secret to a warm and welcoming home is choosing a portable space heater that does more than just heat the room – it puts safety first. Whether you’re curling up with a book or tucking your little one in for the night, the right features can give you peace of mind. Here’s what to look for: Tip-Over Switch – Accidents can happen in an instant. If your indoor or outdoor heater gets bumped or knocked over, this smart feature shuts it off instantly. Overheat Protection – Built-in sensors monitor the temperature and cut power when things get too hot, keeping your home safe and sound. Cool-Touch Design – Even at full power, the outside stays cool to the touch. A must-have for households with little hands or curious pets. Thermostats and Timers – Set it and forget it. These clever controls make it easy to control the heat and save energy, without lifting a finger. While it’s generally best to avoid leaving heaters on overnight, convection models like panel and oil column heaters can safely run on low settings. If you’re warming the room before bed, choose a heater with a timer so it can switch off once you’re asleep. And always keep it at least one metre from flammable items like curtains or bedding. Every heater sold at Harvey Norman is manufactured, tested, and approved to meet strict Australian safety standards, so you can shop with confidence knowing your comfort never comes at the cost of safety.