Let’s Talk: Will you turn your heater on this winter?

As temperatures drop, many of us may find we’re unprepared for electricity bills to go up as the allure of a warm home is too cozy for most to resist. 

But new research has found that one in four Aussies are prepared to rug up and not turn their heater on this winter. 

Are you one of them? 

The research from comparison site finder.com.au also found that the average Australian keeps their heater on for nearly four and a half hours per day — a potential of up to $246 smacked onto your household energy bill this winter. 

But is it worth it to stave off frozen toes and fingers? 

“When it’s that cold you’re not likely to think about the cost of comfort,” Angus Kidman, editor-in-chief of finder.com.au says.

“But with temperatures only getting cooler as we make our way into the heart of winter we could see Aussies heater usage rise or even double, increasing our winter household bills by up to $450.”

Are you prepared to pay that much to stay warm?

While most of us who have air conditioning probably paid that for our summer electricity bill, it seems 24 per cent of Aussies would rather go cold than turn on the heater. 

More than 2,000 people were surveyed, with one in four saying no to heating but Kidman was doubtful people would be able to resist warming up this winter. 

“Winter is definitely here, and although many have good intentions to cut down their heater usage, the feeling of a warm home is hard to beat,” he said. 

“The bill shock of your last winter bill is quickly forgotten when a cold snap comes along.

“With temperatures expected to reach close to freezing during winter, I wouldn’t be surprised if more and more Aussies turn to their heaters to keep warm.” 

Research from earlier this year found that many Australians were already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of energy. 

The results revealed that 15 per cent of respondents or the equivalent of 1.4 million households regularly scrambled to pay their energy bills on time or at all. 

“This is particularly alarming, as those already bearing the burden of high energy bills may experience further financial strain,” Kidman said.

Read more: 10 tips to stay warm and reduce your energy bills this winter 

How will you stave off the cold this winter?