Molly Ayala
Electric heaters are a convenient way to warm up a small space, but they can be expensive to run if they are not energy efficient. The cost of running an electric heater depends on several factors, including the heater's wattage, the hours used, the cost of electricity in your area, and the heater's efficiency. In the UK, electricity costs are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and as of 2023, electricity costs around 30 pence per kilowatt, while gas costs around 8 pence. This makes electricity a more expensive option for heating than gas.
To reduce the costs of running an electric heater, you can use a thermostat to control the temperature and set timers to manage how long the heater stays on. Modern electric heaters also offer advanced features such as remote control through smartphone apps, allowing you to turn heaters on and off as needed. Storage heaters are another option that can be cost-efficient if you can secure a good deal on off-peak electricity tariffs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Running costs | Influenced by the radiator's efficiency, electricity cost in the area, and usage |
| Cost-effectiveness | More cost-effective than fossil fuels like gas or coal |
| Cost-saving methods | Thermostats, timers, and scheduling |
| Electricity costs | Measured in kW/h |
| Storage heaters | Cost-efficient for those on Economy 7 or 10 tariffs; utilise off-peak electricity tariffs |
| Oil-filled heaters | Energy-efficient, providing long-lasting heat |
| Ceramic heaters | More heat per watt than metal heaters; some have thermostatic control |
| Fan heaters | Portable, can be used for cooling, and can be controlled via smartphone |
| Plinth heaters | Ideal for small kitchens |
| Smart heaters | Controlled remotely through an app |
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What You'll Learn
Electric heaters are more expensive than gas
Electric heaters are more expensive to run than gas heaters. While electricity costs are constantly fluctuating, they are generally much higher per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than gas. As an example, one source states that electricity costs thirty pence per kW, while gas costs eight pence. This means that even an electric heater that is 100% efficient will cost more to run than a gas heater.
The running costs of electric heaters are influenced by several factors, including the heater's wattage, the cost of electricity in your area, and how often you use the heater. For instance, an electric heater with a wattage of 1.5 kW and an electricity rate of £0.30/kWh will cost approximately £0.45 per hour to run.
Another factor that affects the cost of running an electric heater is its efficiency. Modern electric heaters have evolved to include advanced features that reduce energy consumption while maintaining a warm home. These features include programmable thermostats, precise temperature control, and superior insulation materials. However, some types of electric heaters, such as storage heaters, are known to be inefficient and can result in high running costs.
To reduce the running costs of electric heaters, it is recommended to use a thermostat to control their use and set a comfortable temperature. Timers can also be used to control how long the heater stays on, ensuring that it is only on when necessary. Additionally, it is important to consider the size of the premises and the number of heaters installed, as these factors can significantly impact the overall running costs.
While electric heaters may be more expensive to run than gas heaters, they can still be a cost-effective option in certain situations. For example, electric heaters can be a good choice for small spaces or as an additional heat source. Moreover, smart electric heaters offer features such as remote control and scheduling, allowing users to customise their heating needs and minimise energy usage.
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Running costs depend on the heater's efficiency, electricity cost, and usage
Running costs for electric heaters depend on the heater's efficiency, electricity costs, and usage. Electric heaters are generally more expensive to run than gas central heating, with electricity costing around 30 pence per kW, compared to 8 pence for gas. However, electric heaters are pretty much 100% efficient, while combi gas boilers are only 70-80% efficient, and some modern electric radiators can be even more efficient.
The wattage, hours used, and pence per kWh of electricity used influence the cost of running an electric heater. For example, a 0.9 kW heater used for 7 hours at 15 pence per kWh would cost around 94.5 pence. A 1.5 kW heater at 30 pence per kWh would cost 45 pence per hour.
Electric heaters can be an expensive way to heat your home if they are not energy efficient. However, there are ways to reduce the running costs. Using a thermostat to control the temperature and turning the heater off when it is not needed can help to save money. Timers can also be used to control how long the heater stays on, and modern electric heaters often have programming functions to help you set up an efficient heating schedule.
The size of the premises, the number of heaters installed, and the external conditions can also affect the running costs. Electric heaters are a good option for heating small spaces and can be a cost-effective choice compared to fossil fuels, especially if you take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs.
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Storage heaters are cheaper to run with an Economy 7 tariff
Electric heaters are generally considered more expensive to run than gas central heating. However, storage heaters can be cheaper to run with an Economy 7 tariff, which offers cheaper electricity rates during off-peak times, typically from 12 pm to 7 am.
Storage heaters work by storing thermal energy during the cheaper off-peak hours and then releasing that stored heat during the day when electricity rates are higher. This makes them a sustainable way of saving and supplying energy and heat to your home.
The Dimplex Quantum high heat retention storage heater, for example, is said to be up to 27% cheaper to run and uses 22% less energy than comparable static storage heaters.
However, it is important to note that to benefit from the Economy 7 tariff, you need to use more than 42% of your annual electricity consumption at the off-peak rate. This is usually the case for those with night storage heaters as their main heating source.
While storage heaters with Economy 7 tariffs can be a cost-effective option, it is not the only factor to consider. The efficiency of the heater, the cost of electricity in your area, and how you use the heater can also impact the overall cost of running an electric heater.
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Modern electric heaters have energy-saving features
Electric heaters have a reputation for being expensive to run, and electricity costs more than gas in the UK. However, modern electric heaters have evolved to be more energy-efficient, and there are ways to minimise costs.
One way to reduce energy consumption is to use an electric heater in one room, rather than turning on the central heating throughout your home. Electric fan heaters, for example, are a good option for heating small rooms without needing to turn on the central heating. Fan heaters are often portable, and some can also be used as cooling fans in warm weather. Plinth heaters are another option for small spaces, such as kitchens, as they fit neatly at the base of kitchen cabinets.
Other energy-efficient electric heating options include mini-split heat pumps, which move heat from the outside air into your home, making them more efficient than traditional electric heaters. PTACs (often used in hotels) also offer programmable thermostats and digital controls for better energy performance.
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Electric heaters are ideal for small spaces
Electric heaters are a more expensive heating option than gas, with electricity costing more per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than gas. However, electric heaters are pretty much 100% efficient, whereas combi gas boilers are only 70-80% efficient. So, while a single electric heater could be cheaper in specific circumstances, gas central heating is usually cheaper overall.
The cost of running an electric heater depends on several factors, including the heater's wattage, the electricity rate, how long the heater is used for, and the efficiency of the heater. For example, if your electric heater has a wattage of 1.5 kW and your electricity rate is £0.30/kWh, the estimated running cost per hour would be £0.45.
To reduce the costs of running an electric heater, you can use a thermostat to control the temperature, and a timer to control how long the heater stays on. You can also use your electric heater alongside other items, such as electric throws and blankets, to reduce the amount of time the heater needs to be on.
Modern electric heaters often have programming functions, allowing you to set up a heating schedule that suits your routine and only heats rooms when necessary. Some heaters can even be controlled via a smartphone app, giving you on-the-go control over your heating.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of running an electric heater depends on several factors, including the heater's wattage, the electricity rate, how long the heater is used for, the heater's efficiency, and the cost of electricity in your area. As an example calculation, if your electric heater has a wattage of 1.5 kW and your electricity rate is £0.30/kWh, the estimated running cost per hour would be £0.45.
In general, electricity is much more expensive per kWh than gas. However, electric heaters are pretty much 100% efficient, whereas combi gas boilers are only 70-80% efficient. Therefore, while gas central heating is usually cheaper, an electric heater could be more cost-effective in specific circumstances.
There are several ways to reduce the running costs of an electric heater:
- Only use heaters when necessary, rather than keeping them on low constantly.
- Set up a thermostat to control their use and automatically turn off the heater when the desired temperature is reached.
- Use timers to control how long your electric heater stays on.
- Take advantage of cheaper, off-peak electricity tariffs.
