What is the Energy Star Rating and why does it matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While some appliances may seem like a steal at first glance, they could end up costing you more in the long run<\/a> \u2014 this is where the Energy Rating Label<\/a> comes in.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For most appliances, the Energy Rating Label<\/a> is pretty straightforward \u2013 the more stars on the label, the more energy-efficient the appliance. The label allows you to easily see how much electricity an appliance will use compared to a range of models with similar features and capacities. However, for cooling and heating, the introduction of the Zoned Energy Rating Label means it functions slightly differently.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Zoned Energy Rating Label began rolling out back in 2019, and while it\u2019s most commonly seen on air-conditioners<\/a>, you may also see it on heaters too. Unlike the common six-star method, the Zoned Energy Rating Label<\/a> provides a rating based on the climate you live in \u2013 as the performance of air conditioners and heaters is often affected by the type of climate they operate in. The sticker provides an energy rating for three climate zones \u2013 hot, average and cold \u2013 allowing you to pick the appliance that performs best in your location.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s also another piece of advice on each label that can be used to figure out the real running costs \u2013 the annual energy consumption figure. To work out the cost of running your new appliance, it\u2019s worth going to the store (or online) armed with the rate you pay for your electricity usage in kilowatt hours (kWh). For example, if you pay 24c per kWh for your electricity, you can use the average annual energy consumption figure on the Energy Rating Label<\/a> to calculate the yearly cost to run. \u00a0 \u00a0There\u2019s certainly no shortage of heating options, but the most common include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to consider how much space you’re trying to heat when purchasing a heater. If you need to heat larger spaces, like an open-plan living room, it may be worth looking into a reverse-cycle, split-system or a gas heater for the most energy-efficient option. However, if you\u2019re heating a small area, like bedrooms, studies or a modest living room, an electric heater \u2013 ideally with a thermostat and fan \u2013 will do the trick.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re chasing a heater for a small space, like your study, consider a heated throw. Electric throws are cheaper to run than heaters and can save you around $150<\/a> compared to other types of heating. They\u2019re also the perfect addition to a weekend of movie watching on the couch. You can calculate the running cost of small appliances with this handy calculator<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, which of these options is the most energy savvy? Generally, reverse-cycle air conditioners are the most energy-efficient heating\/cooling option, followed closely by gas heaters<\/a>. Though these usually require more investment initially, they tend to last longer than their portable counterparts. So, it\u2019s important to weigh up your options before deciding.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re in the market for a more portable solution, according to Canstar Blue, ceramic and oil-filled heaters<\/a> are on average one of the more energy-efficient options<\/a>. The most important thing to look at when shopping around is the amount of energy the heater uses on the Energy Rating Label and use the appliance running cost calculator<\/a> to get an idea of how much it costs to run per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whichever heater you decide on, make sure you use these tips to trap in as much warmth as possible this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/13\/Zoned-Energy-Rating-Label-1024x740.png\")
How to calculate the running cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If it says the appliances uses 542kWh annually, just multiply that by 24c, to come to an annual total electricity (usage) cost of $130.08. This will give you a great frame of reference between two items with the same star rating. This handy appliance calculator<\/a> can also crunch the numbers for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are my options for heating?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How much space do you need to heat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the most energy-efficient heater?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save energy with these heating tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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