Umair Gaines
Electric fan heaters are a popular choice for heating small spaces or providing supplementary heating in larger areas. They are lightweight, compact, and portable, making them easy to move around and ideal for quickly heating up a room. However, they can be expensive to run, especially if used frequently or for extended periods. The cost of running an electric fan heater depends on various factors, including the heater's wattage, local electricity rates, and usage duration. Typically, fan heaters use around 1-2 kWh of energy, resulting in hourly running costs of 15p to 30p. While they may be a convenient option for additional heating, they are generally not the most economical choice for whole-home heating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Running a fan heater for an hour will cost between 15p to 30p, depending on the wattage and local electricity rates. |
| Energy consumption | Fan heaters typically use 1-2 kWh of energy per hour. |
| Comparison to other heaters | Fan heaters are more expensive to run than oil-filled radiators, which are rated at less than 1 kWh. They are also more expensive than gas central heating systems. |
| Running costs | Fan heaters are cheap to purchase but expensive to run. |
| Suitability | Fan heaters are best suited for small, enclosed spaces and as a secondary heating option. |
| Safety | Fan heaters are generally safe when used properly. They should be placed on a flat, stable surface, away from flammable materials, and plugged directly into an outlet. |
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What You'll Learn
Fan heaters are expensive to run
Fan heaters are generally expensive to run, especially if used frequently or for long periods of time. They typically have a power rating of 2 or 3 kW, which can be 70-80 times more expensive than other heating methods. For example, a 2kW fan heater will cost around 28 pence per hour to run, which amounts to about $90 for a month of continuous use.
Fan heaters are best used as a supplementary heating source, for instance, in small spaces such as bathrooms, garages, or attics, or for short periods of time to quickly heat up a room. They are highly portable, compact, and lightweight, making them ideal for targeted heating in small spaces or for personal comfort.
The cost of running a fan heater depends on its wattage, your local electricity rates, and how long you use it for. For example, a 2.8kW fan heater at an electricity rate of £0.30 per kWh will cost £0.84 per hour to run.
To reduce the costs of running a fan heater, it is recommended to use it sparingly and for short periods of time. Additionally, you can consider using other heating methods, such as oil-filled radiators, which have a lower power rating and are cheaper to operate on an hourly basis.
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Oil-filled radiators are cheaper
Electric fan heaters are typically rated at 2 or 3 kW, which can be up to 80 times more expensive to run than a 1kW heater. They are usually cheap to buy and can heat a room quickly, but they are not considered economical overall. This is because they use a lot of electricity, which will significantly increase your household bills if used frequently.
However, it is worth noting that oil-filled radiators take longer to heat a room than fan heaters, so they may need to be left on for longer. This means that the overall running costs of oil-filled radiators and fan heaters are very similar.
If you are looking for a more cost-effective heating option, gas central heating is significantly cheaper than electricity. If you already have a gas central heating system installed, it is much more economical to run your boiler and heat a room's radiator than to use an electric fan heater.
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Halogen heaters are cheapest
Electric heaters can be expensive to run, especially if used frequently or for long periods of time. Fan heaters, for example, typically use 1 or 2 kWh of energy, costing between 15p to 30p per hour to run.
Halogen heaters, however, are among the cheapest radiant heaters available. They have a low power rating, producing less heat than other heaters, which makes them energy efficient and cost-effective. For instance, a 1.2kW halogen heater costs around 17 pence per hour to run, whereas a 2kW fan heater costs 28 pence per hour.
The directional heat of halogen heaters also contributes to their cost-effectiveness. While they are best suited for heating specific areas rather than entire rooms, the heat generated is highly concentrated and effective for those in its path. This intense heat means halogen heaters can be used intermittently, further reducing their running costs.
Additionally, halogen heaters heat up almost instantly, so they are more cost-effective than heaters that take longer to warm up, such as oil-filled radiators. The rapid heating of halogen heaters also allows them to be turned off sooner, resulting in lower electricity consumption.
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Infrared heaters are cheapest
Electric fan heaters are typically rated at 2 or 3 kW, which can be expensive to run. They are best used sparingly and as auxiliary heating devices. The cost of running a 2kW heater for an hour is 28 pence, and a 1500-watt heater for 24 hours costs around $7.20.
Infrared heaters, on the other hand, are the cheapest to run. They have the lowest wattage per heat, making them highly energy-efficient. They are designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible, and they don't rely on warming the air via combustion, so there is no heat loss. They are 100% efficient, turning every watt of electricity into usable heat. This makes them much cheaper to run than central heating, space heating, and air source heat pumps.
Infrared heaters are also effective in open-plan living spaces, as they can be placed in the busiest or coldest areas. They are easy to install, requiring only to be mounted on a wall and plugged into a power socket. They are also silent, making them perfect for the bedroom.
Infrared heating panels can be powered by electricity or renewable resources such as solar energy, making them a more carbon-friendly heating option. They are a popular alternative to other conventional electrical heating systems, with proven savings of up to 50% compared to other conventional heating systems.
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Gas is cheaper than electricity
Electric blow heaters can be expensive to run, especially if used frequently or to heat an entire house. Fan heaters, for example, typically have a rating of 2 or 3 kW, which can be up to 80 times more expensive than electric fans.
Gas is generally cheaper than electricity for heating, although this can vary depending on several factors. Firstly, the cost of electricity and gas in your area will determine which is the most cost-effective option. The price of natural gas is determined by supply and demand, so if your area has limited access to natural gas, this may increase the price.
The efficiency of your heating system is also a factor. A newer, more efficient electric heating system may save you money compared to an older gas system. Electric heat pumps, for example, are highly efficient and can save you money over the most cost-efficient gas boilers, especially in moderate climates. However, they may not provide enough heat in colder climates, resulting in the need for alternative fuel sources and higher bills.
The size of your home and the regional climate will also impact the cost of heating. Colder regions and larger homes will generally lead to higher energy costs. Gas heat tends to heat up homes faster than electric heat, as gas furnaces produce maximum heat as soon as they are turned on.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, the average cost of gas heat for U.S. homeowners for the winter of 2024-2025 is projected to be $602, while the average cost of electric heating is expected to be $1,054. In most regions, natural gas is the more cost-effective option, but this can vary based on local energy prices and the climate.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric fan heaters are generally considered to be expensive to run, especially if used frequently or for long periods of time. They are rated at around 2 or 3 kW, which can be up to 80 times more expensive than electric cold air fans.
Depending on the wattage and local electricity rates, an electric fan heater will cost between 15p to 30p per hour to run.
Yes, gas central heating systems are a more cost-effective option than electric fan heaters. Halogen heaters, oil-filled radiators, and infrared heaters are also cheaper to run.
