Save Big This Winter: Aircon vs Electric vs Gas – What Heats Best in South Africa?

When winter hits, South Africans turn to heating to keep their homes comfortable. But which heating solution is truly the most cost-effective over time? If you’re a homeowner trying to make a smart choice for both your wallet and the environment, the answer might surprise you. Spoiler alert: it’s your air conditioner – specifically, an LG Dual Inverter unit.

Let’s break down the costs and discover how LG Residential Air Conditioners (RACs) stack up against traditional electric and gas heaters in South African conditions.

Upfront Costs Compared

While aircons have a higher initial investment, this is offset quickly by much lower operating costs and dual-functionality (cooling in summer, heating in winter).

Running Costs: 5-Year and 10-Year Energy Usage Comparison

Assumptions Used:

• Usage: 5 hours per day, 5 months of heating per year

• Electricity cost: R2.84 per kWh (2025 Eskom average)

• Gas (LPG) cost: R37 per kg

• LG Dual Inverter heating power input: ~771W (0.771 kW)

• Electric heater power: 2,000W (2 kW)

• Gas heater usage: 0.3kg/hr average

Estimated Annual Energy Use & Costs

👉 Savings over 10 years:

• vs Electric: R13,090

• vs Gas: R75,040

Note: These figures exclude maintenance and are based on average mid-tier usage patterns.

Why LG Airconditioners Are the Smartest Winter Choice

✅ Extreme Energy Efficiency

• COP (Coefficient of Performance) up to 3.8

• Rated heating input as low as 771W

• Uses less than half the electricity of a traditional heater

✅ Dual Inverter Technology

• Adjusts power use dynamically based on room conditions

• Fast heating and smart scheduling reduce waste

✅ Perfect for Solar & Inverters

• Low startup power means less strain on backup systems

• Schedule via LG ThinQ™ App during daylight for solar users

✅ Total Comfort

• 4-Way Swing distributes heat evenly

• Whisper-quiet performance (as low as 19dB)

Final Verdict:

While electric and gas heaters may seem cheaper at first, they quickly become the more expensive choice. Over 10 years, LG RACs can save homeowners tens of thousands of Rands – all while offering smarter, cleaner, and more convenient climate control.

If you’re serious about reducing your energy bills, switch to LG this winter and feel the warmth of long-term savings.