iSelect data reveals priciest appliances to run this winter

7 hours ago 3

Looking to save money on your electricity bill this winter?

New research has revealed the appliances set to deliver the biggest blow to your hip pocket during this year’s coldest months.

According to new iSelect data, energy usage spikes dramatically during winter, often delivering the year’s highest utilities bills as people fight to keep the cold at bay.

And in order to identify winter’s biggest culprits, the comparison site analysed the running costs of common household electrical appliances across 16 electricity zones, taking into consideration current power prices (not FY27 prices) and average usage to reveal just how much it’ll cost you to run them.

Woman's feet in warm terry winter socks near electric fan heater at home. Selective focus.

Running a heater will cost you $246.37 this winter.

The research calculated winter as 92 days and factored in typical usage, including an airconditioner running for five hours each day; doing two loads of laundry per week, and a dishwasher doing seven loads per week.

And so without further ado, here are the appliances you’ll pay the most to run this winter and how much on average you’ll pay to run them.

Running a reverse-cycle air conditioner (heating):

$1,111.91

Running an electric heater:

$246.37

Hand washing dishes:

$165.47

Running a Dehumidifier:

$156.11

Running a Fridge/Freezer:

$72.95

Cooking using the oven:

$60.17

Drying clothes using the tumble dryer (vented and heat pump dryers):

$50.76

Using the dishwasher:

$29.27

Cooking using an air fryer:

$25.21

Drying hair using a hairdryer:

$20.73

Those looking to stay warm overnight were advised to run an electric blanket over a heater, as an electric blanket was estimated to cost $13.42 for the whole winter period when used for three hours each night.

For those looking to save even more – crack out a hot water bottle.

Boiling the kettle to fill this bad boy every night will only set you back $8.13 for the three months.

Despite their size, fridges only cost $72.95 to run over winter in SA. Picture: iStock.

General manager of utilities for iSelect, Julia Paszka said cost of living pressures were front of mind for many, and power consumption could be a source of arguments in households across Australia.

“With cost-of-living pressures, it’s no surprise that energy bills are a source of tension in many households,” she said.

“Bill payers want to save wherever they can, while others prioritise comfort; these small disagreements can impact happiness and wellbeing.

“While habits like turning off lights or drying clothes outside can help reduce bills, they’re not the only factor.

“If you want to avoid arguments while still saving on energy, it’s worth reviewing your current plan and comparing alternatives to see if a cheaper option is available.”