Should I Leave My Heater On All Day?
20 July 2026
As electricity prices continue to rise, it’s no surprise that many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their heating costs during winter.
The good news is that staying warm doesn’t always mean spending more. A few simple changes to how you use your reverse cycle air conditioner can improve efficiency and help keep your running costs under control.
Here are our top tips for reducing your heating bill this winter.
1. Set the Right Temperature
One of the easiest ways to reduce your heating costs is by avoiding unnecessarily high temperature settings.
For most homes, a temperature between 20°C and 22°C provides a comfortable balance between warmth and energy efficiency.
If you normally heat your home to 23°C or 24°C, consider lowering the temperature slightly. Even reducing the thermostat by one or two degrees can help reduce energy consumption while still keeping your home comfortable.
2. Don’t Always Turn Your Heater Off Completely
Many people assume that switching their heater off every time they leave the house is the cheapest option—but that’s not always the case.
If you’re only going to be away for a few hours and normally heat your home to around 23–24°C, consider lowering the thermostat to 18–19°C instead.
Your air conditioner won’t necessarily run continuously. It will only operate when needed to maintain that lower temperature, preventing your home from becoming excessively cold.
When you return home, the system has less work to do to bring the house back to your preferred temperature, which can reduce the workload on the compressor and improve comfort more quickly.
3. Use Wi-Fi Control If Your System Has It
Many modern air conditioners can be controlled remotely using a smartphone.
If your system has Wi-Fi capability, you can switch your heater on before arriving home instead of heating the house all day.
This allows you to enjoy a warm home when you walk through the door without running your heating unnecessarily for hours.
If your current system doesn’t have Wi-Fi, ask your installer whether it’s available for your model.
4. Clean Your Filters Regularly
Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your air conditioner work harder to heat your home.
We recommend checking and cleaning your filters regularly during winter, especially if your heater is used every day.
Good airflow helps your system operate more efficiently and can reduce running costs.
5. Close Doors to Unused Rooms
Why heat rooms you’re not using?
Keeping doors closed to spare bedrooms or other unused areas helps concentrate warm air where it’s needed most.
If you have a ducted system with zoning, turning off unused zones can further improve efficiency.
6. Close Curtains and Blinds at Night
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in winter.
Closing curtains or blinds after sunset helps keep warm air inside your home, reducing the amount of work your heater has to do.
Heavy curtains with pelmets can improve insulation even further.
7. Seal Draughts
Small gaps around doors, windows and older homes can allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter.
Simple draught seals or weather strips are an inexpensive way to improve comfort and reduce heat loss.
The less heat your home loses, the less often your heater needs to run.
8. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
Even the most efficient air conditioner can’t perform at its best if your home is losing heat.
Ceiling insulation, wall insulation and double glazing can all make a significant difference to your home’s ability to retain warmth.
Improving insulation is often one of the best long-term investments for reducing heating costs.
9. Service Your Air Conditioner
A well-maintained system operates more efficiently.
Over time, dust and dirt can reduce airflow and place additional strain on your air conditioner.
Regular servicing helps identify potential issues before they become expensive repairs and ensures your system continues operating as efficiently as possible.
If your indoor unit has significant dirt build-up, an Eco Clean can remove contaminants from inside the unit, helping restore airflow and improve performance.
10. Make Sure Your System Is the Right Size
If your air conditioner is undersized for your home, it may need to run for long periods without ever reaching the desired temperature.
On the other hand, an oversized system may cycle on and off more frequently than necessary.
Having your system professionally assessed ensures it’s appropriately sized for your home’s layout and heating requirements.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Reducing your heating bill isn’t usually about making one major change.
It’s often the combination of:
- Setting a sensible temperature.
- Keeping filters clean.
- Closing unused rooms.
- Improving insulation.
- Using zoning effectively.
- Maintaining your air conditioner.
Together, these small improvements can make your home more comfortable while helping reduce your winter electricity costs.
Need Help Improving Your Heating Efficiency?
If you’re concerned about high heating bills, the experienced team at Morphett Air can help.
Whether your system needs a service, an Eco Clean, airflow adjustments, or you’d like advice on getting the best performance from your heating system, we’re here to provide honest, practical advice.
