Amidst a growing culture of environmental consciousness and rising power costs, energy efficiency is now just as important as price to anyone looking at purchasing new household appliances. This is especially true for those thinking about buying a new heater. So which type of heater is the cheapest to run and most energy efficient?

If you want to know how much power and appliance uses, all you have to do is look at the product’s compliance plate. Every electrical appliance sold in Australia has one. It is a metallic sticker or plate attached to the body of the appliance that details information about the item, including how much power it uses.

The compliance plate will state the number of watts (W) or amps (A) the appliance uses. The higher the power rating number, the more power the heater will use regardless of whether it is a convection, column or radiator heater.

Just as important as the running cost of a heater is how energy efficient it is. Many people confuse these issues as being one in the same when they are in fact two separate (albeit interrelated) matters. Energy efficiency refers to how the output of an appliance relates to the energy it consumes to achieve the task. Energy efficient products are those that use less energy to do the same or better job than a comparable product.

When it comes to heaters, gas heaters are far more energy efficient and cheaper to run than their electric counterparts. The running cost of gas heaters is lower because gas is cheaper than electricity. Gas heaters are more energy efficient because they provide high heat output in relation to the energy used to generate that heat.

Gas heaters can quickly, effectively and efficiently heat large and open-plan areas. In contrast, electrical heaters are only really effective at warming small to medium enclosed spaces.

However, not every home has a gas connection so using an electric heater is the only option for many people. Even though electrical heaters are not as energy efficient as gas models, they can be used efficiently to make the most of the heat they provide and minimise running costs. You can do this by choosing the heater best suited to how and where you will be using it.

• Radiant heaters contain glowing elements and reflectors that radiate heat to quickly heat objects immediately in front of them. However since they don’t warm the air, they are more effective at helping you warm up than heating entire rooms.

• Convection heaters contain an element that warms and circulates air to heat a room. Since they take some time to heat a room, they are most effective when run over long periods within a contained area.

• Oil-filled column heaters take time and energy to warm up, but once heated they will maintain their warmth for quite a while. This type of heater poses a low fire risk, making them ideal for operating in enclosed areas, unattended over long periods, such as in a bedroom overnight.

Cleaning dishes was a chore that had to be repeated several times a day for most people. When the dishwasher came along, households across the world were able to save hours every week and still enjoy sparkling clean dishes. With today’s technology, modern dishwashers come packed with a range of helpful features to get the job done right.

Sensor Automation
This eliminates the disappointment of opening up your dishwasher to find your dishes not exactly clean in certain places. Needing only one button for all types of loads, sensors inside the dishwasher detect how much food residue is left on your dishes and automatically adjust how long and intense the wash cycle should be. As an added bonus, getting the wash cycle right every time means you save on your water and power bills.

Noise Reduction
If you lived in a household with the early generations of dishwashers, you’ll remember that when they’re running, it’s almost as if they want everybody to know about it. Thankfully, modern dishwashers have reduced the level of operating noise significantly. These innovations include quiet motors and stainless steel interiors for insulation. Some models may even come with a delayed start option, letting you get the dishes done when you’re out of the house.

Rinse Aid Dispenser
A great addition for leaving your dishes with the perfect finish, rinse aid dispensers ensure that food and residue removed during the wash doesn’t end up back on your dishes during the rinse cycle. While some washing detergents and tablets claim they include a rinse aid, separately adding your own ensures the best results.

Full Range of Cycles
Far from the standard handful of cycles, dishwashers now come equipped with a cycle fit for all kinds of loads and some are even ideal for washing more than just dishes and cutlery. From hardier cycles to get the toughest cheeses and greases off your plate, to crystal and china cycles requiring more finesse, nowadays it seems that if it can be washed, it can be washed in a dishwasher. Also a great addition is the hygienic sanitising cycle to guarantee that dishes don’t just look clean – they actually are clean.

It’s a good idea to start thinking about how you will heat the inside of your home before the winter chill sets in outside. There is a fantastic selection of heaters now available, each with their own benefits.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters work by converting electrical energy into heat and are best suited to heating small to medium sized enclosed areas. The are several different types of electric heaters:

• Radiant heaters consist of glowing elements and reflectors that radiate heat, providing quick heat to the nearby area. Unfortunately they are not very energy efficient and can ignite nearby objects.

• Convection heaters warm a room by circulating air that has been heated by an element within the heater. They are safe to run, posing a low risk of causing a fire or contact burns.

• Fan heaters are fan-forced convection heaters. They are great for quickly heating small areas but tend to be noisy and use a lot of power to run.

• Column heaters – see section on oil heaters below.

Oil Heaters

Oil heaters are a type of electric heater. They are comprised of oil-filled steel columns with an electric heating element at the base that heats the oil. The heat transfers through the metal, circulating through the surrounding air.

The oil takes a fair amount of time and energy to heat, but once heated it will stay warm for some time. Although unable to provide the amount of spatial heating a gas heater is capable of, oil heaters are a popular choice for bedrooms and smaller enclosed spaces. This is because they are safe to leave unattended and ideal for heating areas long periods, such as a bedroom overnight.

Oil heaters are considered to be safer than electric fan heaters because they tend to have lower surface temperatures, reducing the risk of scalding. Most oil heaters also have a sensor that will cut power to the unit in the event it is knocked over or placed on an uneven surface.

Gas Heaters

Gas heaters are the most energy efficient type of space heater and are capable of quickly and effectively heating large areas. Portable, ducted and wall-mounted gas heaters are available.

Although these types of heaters are ideally run from mains gas supply, those without a connection can still operate a unit using a gas cylinder. Anyone considering this option should ensure they have the correct fittings to connect their appliance to the cylinder.

You will probably need to pay more for a gas heater than an electric one but it is cheaper to operate which will help you to save on energy costs in the long run. As with all appliances, when you are shopping for a gas heater, ensure you check the energy efficiency star ratings.

Mother’s Day is a time to show your mother just how much you love her. What could say “thanks for everything, Mum!” better than a brand new gadget that makes life easier and brings a smile of true appreciation to her face?

Not quite sure what to get? We have assembled a list of some of the most popular Mother’s Day gift gadgets to help you with your choice!

• Clock Radio for iPod

Available from under $30, one of these little gadgets will fit into any budget. They can charge and powers all iPod devices and feature a top quality AM/FM radios with a built-in Wake Up function. Your mum can throw out her old alarm clock and wake up in digital style!

• Juice Maker

A juice maker or juice fountain lets you promote a healthy lifestyle while showing your mother that you care. With this thoughtful gift, she’ll be able to turn all her favourite fruits and vegetables into a luscious juice and start every morning with a delicious hit of vitamins, minerals and fibre.

• Canal Earphones

Gift the gift of music this Mother’s Day. With a pair of high quality canal earphones, your mum can enjoy crisp clear sound to enjoy all her favourite songs on demand. From only $39, canal earphones deliver excellent quality and value.

• Espresso Machine

Is your mother a lover of good coffee? Then a home espresso maker will be sure to make you a gourmet hero. Treat your mum to the perfect morning brew, day after day.

We know how tough it can be to choose the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. That’s why at Bing Lee, we’ve made it easy to find ideas based on relationship, interests, and budget. See the “Gift Ideas” Tab for more great gift ideas for Mum, Dad, Teen, Someone Special, Him, or Her.

Order now and get delivery in time for Sunday. Happy Mother’s Day from everyone at Bing Lee!

Most households only ever use their microwave to reheat leftovers, but few know that they can use a microwave to prepare a scrumptious homemade meal? After all, anything that applies heat to food must be able to cook it. In fact, the short cooking times in a microwave destroy fewer nutrients than other methods. Here are a few dishes that are quick and easy to make using a microwave.

Appetizer: Bacon-wrapped Pineapple

[source: http://www.food.com/recipe/bacon-wrapped-pineapple-appetizers-microwave-72417]

Start your meal off right with these tasty appetizers. You’ll need:

• 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve 3 tablespoons juice)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 dash garlic powder
• 6 slices bacon, each cut into thirds

Directions:

Combine the 3 tablespoons juice, soy sauce, ginger and garlic powder in small bowl.
Marinade the pineapple chunks in this for 1- 2 hours then drain.
Wrap a piece of bacon around each chunk and secure with toothpicks.
Line microwave carousel with several layers of paper towel.
Arrange around the outer edge of carousel with space between each one.
Microwave until bacon is lightly browned (5 to 9 minutes).

Main Course: Enchilada Casserole

[source: http://www.food.com/recipe/enchilada-casserole-21410]

A delicious centrepiece that will satisfy the most voracious appetites, you’ll need:

• 5 -6 flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or chicken
• 1 package taco seasoning
• Chopped onion
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• Sliced black olives and jalapeno (optional)
• 2 -2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (Sharp or Mexican are good)
• Cooking spray

Directions:

Brown the beef, with onions and jalapenos.
Drain, add the Taco mix as directed.
Spray a casserole-baking dish with oil spray.
Add the flour tortillas in layers, laying them flat.
Spread each tortilla with 1-2 tablespoons of beans.
Distribute desired amount of meat mixture on beans.
Spread beans and meat with 2-3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce.
Add some olives and cheese.
Continue to layer until desired amount of tortillas are used, stopping with beans, meat, sauce, and cheese.
Heat until thoroughly hot in microwave.

Dessert: Cup Brownie

[source: http://www.squidoo.com/fiveminutebrownie]

This one has been a favourite in internet circles for years. You’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• Dash of salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/3 teaspoon vanilla
• Small handful of chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:
Whisk together dry ingredients in a coffee mug, standard size (11 oz.) or larger.
Add oil, water, and vanilla and mix thoroughly, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides.
Mix in chocolate chips if desired.
Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. The finished product should be soft and chewy.

So you see, your microwave can create delicious fare after all – and much healthier meals than a deep fryer!