Heating
Fact Sheets
More information
Even though we have mild winters in Queensland, home heating still represents up to 10 percent of energy bills.
About heating
Queensland is a large State, with diverse requirements for heating our homes.
In Brisbane, reverse-cycle air conditioners run for an average of 100 hours per year for heating. In north Queensland, air conditioners are very rarely used as heaters.
Getting the most out of heating
The most effective way of keeping your house warm in winter is to stop as much heat as possible from escaping. Some steps you can take to achieve this are:
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Installing insulation to keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
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Where possible, keep your windows closed overnight to keep cool air out. Open your windows during the day to let your house air out. Whenever heating an area, make sure that windows are closed.
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Double glazing on your windows stops heat from entering or leaving a room. In winter, this allows light through while reducing heat loss.
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Close your curtains and check for draughts.
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Use draught stoppers at the bottom of doors.
The most effective, energy-efficient and cost-effective way of heating is simply to put on additional layers of clothing or bedding.
In winter, night time temperatures in most of Queensland can get cold. In this case, artificial heating can be necessary.
There are a number of alternatives available for artificial heating, including bar heaters, kerosene heaters, electric fan heaters, gas heaters, slow combustion stoves electric blankets and reverse cycle air conditioners. Reverse cycle air conditioners set between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius are the most efficient way to warm your home.
If you are going to use an air conditioner, then choose one that is best suited to the Queensland climate. Reverse cycle air conditioners are used far more for cooling than heating in Queensland, so select one with a high star rating for cooling. Air conditioners work best when you close doors to areas that don’t need to be heated.
Electric blankets can be used efficiently by only turning them on about an hour before going to sleep. Make sure the bed is well made when you do this and turn them off when you go to bed.
