How much do you use your heater in winter?

This article is more than 8 years old. Some information may no longer be current.
Angus Kidman headshot
Angus Kidman
Posted:
News Follow on Google News
CatHeater_Shutterstock450

The typical Aussie is warming their toes for 4.4 hours a day.

After an autumn that felt more like summer, it's finally starting to feel a little more like winter. But there's a conflict many Australians are facing: whether to go all-out for comfort by cranking up the heater, or try and avoid that given the rising costs of energy.

Australians use their heater for an average of 4.4 hours a day, according to a recent finder.com.au survey of 2,019 adults. However, we're also keen on cutting down that number. 58% of us say we intend to cut our daily heater usage down, and half of us think we'll be able to stop using our heaters altogether.

Here's a state-by-state summary of where we use heating the most. It's no shock that Tasmania tops the charts for the number of hours used; the average maximum temperature in Hobart in July is just 12.3 degrees, while the average minimum is a buttock-freezing -2.8. We didn't get enough responses from the ACT, but if we had I suspect Canberrans would have given Tasmania a run for its heating money. (There are no NT figures either for the same reason.)

As with our plans for when to let our kids have mobile phones, I suspect there's an element of wishful thinking in these numbers. It's all very well to freak out about your power bill and mentally commit to a winter wearing onesies, but when the first truly cold day rolls around, chances are you'll switch on.

Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more. It appears Monday through Friday on finder.com.au.

Latest news headlines

Picture: Shutterstock

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Find a better deal, save on your bills and get a free gift card. Sign up to be the first to hear about new Finder Rewards.

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Latest headlines

Go to site