‘Why are we heating the air?’ Australians turn to warming gadgets as cold and energy costs bite

‘With personal heating devices, you can be cosy and use enormously less energy than trying to heat a room.’ Photograph: Fotografia Inc./Getty Images

Dave Southgate is toasty in his chilly Canberra home – and he pays no power bills.

A USB-rechargeable heated vest, worn underneath a jumper, and a heated scarf wrapped around his neck offer all the warmth he needs. His heat-loving wife prefers an electrically-warmed seat. They keep electric throw rugs on the couch.