Beatrice Lang
Electric wall heaters are a convenient way to bring warmth to a room. They are easy to install and use, and newer models are more energy-efficient. However, they can be expensive to run, especially when compared to other heat sources. The cost of running an electric wall heater depends on various factors, including wattage, electricity rates, room size, insulation, and location. This article will explore these factors in detail and provide insights into the costs and benefits of using electric wall heaters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Running cost | Power (Watts) x Price of Electricity (£ per kWh) x No. of Running Hours ÷ 1,000 |
| Cost of electricity per hour | Higher than gas |
| Wattage | 1,500 watts |
| Cost of running a 2,000W heater for 24 hours | £9.42 |
| Cost of running two 750W heaters for 24 hours | $2.88 |
| Cost of running a 90W tubular wall-mounted heater for an hour | 2 pence |
| Location of the house | Extreme weather, sea level, coastal winds, detached or terraced property |
| Size of the room | Larger rooms require more electricity |
| Insulation | Well-insulated houses are cheaper to heat |
| Type of heater | Some heaters can be adjusted to run on different wattages |
| Installation cost | $115 to $250 per unit |
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What You'll Learn
Electric wall heaters are hard-wired into an electrical branch circuit
The process involves connecting the heater to the electrical supply via the circuit breaker or fuse box. This direct connection provides a dedicated power source for the heater, separate from other electrical devices or lighting in the room. This is an important safety feature as it reduces the risk of overloading the circuit and also allows for better control and management of energy usage.
When installed correctly, hard-wired electric wall heaters are safe and reliable. The dedicated circuit ensures that the heater operates independently, reducing the chances of electrical issues or interference with other appliances. It's important to note that the heater's placement is crucial, and it should be positioned where it can adequately heat the desired area without obstruction.
Additionally, hard-wiring an electric wall heater provides a neat and tidy installation. The heater is usually flush-mounted on the wall, with the wiring concealed behind, resulting in a seamless and unobtrusive appearance. This can be a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to portable space heaters, which often have visible power cords and may take up valuable floor space. Overall, hard-wiring electric wall heaters offer a permanent and efficient heating solution for your home.
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They are more expensive to run than gas heaters
Electric wall heaters are generally considered to be more expensive to run than gas heaters. The cost of electricity per hour is higher than that of gas, and off-peak electricity tariffs can also significantly increase costs, depending on the provider. For example, a 2000W electric heater can cost approximately £9.42 to run for 24 hours. Leaving an electric heater on for 24 hours can cost up to £23.55, resulting in much higher electricity bills.
The main factors influencing the running costs of electric heaters are wattage and electricity rates. Most electric heaters use 1500 watts of electricity, and the higher the wattage, the higher the running cost. For instance, a 750-watt heater costs around $0.12 per hour to run, while two such heaters cost $0.24. The location of your home can also impact costs, with properties exposed to extreme weather or at higher altitudes requiring more energy to heat.
Electric wall heaters are hard-wired into an electrical branch circuit and usually have thermostats on the devices. Some models have detached thermostats, allowing a single thermostat to control multiple heaters in one space. While electricity is not the most efficient way to heat a house, electric heaters do have certain advantages. They are designed to heat specific spaces, and they convert 100% of their fuel to heat, unlike gas heating, which loses some heat through exhaust vents.
Despite these advantages, electric heaters are generally more expensive to run than gas heaters due to the higher cost of electricity. However, it's important to consider other factors such as room size, insulation, and house location, as these can also impact heating costs. Additionally, gas heaters can be expensive to install, requiring a complex network of pipes throughout the house, whereas electric heaters are generally easier and cheaper to install.
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The cost of running an electric heater depends on its wattage
Electric heaters are generally considered expensive to run, especially when compared to other heat sources such as gas. However, there are several factors that affect the cost of running an electric heater, with wattage being a primary driver of operating costs.
The wattage of an electric heater is a measurement of its power and heating capacity. A heater with a higher wattage will cost more to run than a lower-wattage heater. Most electric heaters use 1,500 watts of electricity, but some can be adjusted to run on a wide range of different wattages. For example, a 2,000-watt heater with an electricity price of £0.18 kWh will cost approximately £9.42 to run for 24 hours. In comparison, a 1,500-watt heater will cost approximately $2.88 to run for the same duration.
The size and heating capacity of an electric heater also affect its energy consumption. Larger units for bigger spaces use more electricity than smaller models for smaller rooms. Choosing a heater that is appropriately sized for the space ensures optimal, efficient, and cost-effective heating. Additionally, the location of your home can impact the cost of running an electric heater. Homes in higher or more exposed locations tend to be colder and take longer to heat, resulting in higher costs.
It is worth noting that electric heaters are more cost-effective when used to target specific areas or rooms, rather than heating an entire home. Newer models of thermostatic energy-efficient electric heaters also use less electricity, making them a more economical choice.
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The price of electricity in your area impacts the cost
The price of electricity in your area impacts the overall cost of running an electric wall heater. This is because the cost of running an electric heater is calculated by multiplying the power (watts) by the price of electricity (£ per kilowatt-hour) and the number of running hours, then dividing the total by 1,000.
For example, a 2,000-watt heater with an average electricity price of £0.18 per kilowatt-hour, running for 24 hours, will cost approximately £9.42. The same heater in an area with a higher electricity price of, for instance, £0.28 per kilowatt-hour, will cost approximately £13.46 for the same duration.
The wattage of the heater also plays a significant role in determining the overall cost. Most electric heaters use 1,500 watts of electricity, but some may have higher or lower wattage, impacting the cost of running them. For example, a 500-watt heater will cost significantly less to run than a 2,000-watt heater.
Additionally, the size of the room and the duration of use will also influence the overall cost. A larger room or a longer heating duration will result in higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher costs. Therefore, it is essential to consider the price of electricity in your area when determining the cost of running an electric wall heater, as this will impact the overall expenses.
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The size of the room and the heater's placement also matter
The size of the room and the heater's placement are important factors in determining the cost of running an electric wall heater. Firstly, the room's size and volume of space will dictate the power and size of the heater required. A small room will heat up faster and require a lower-wattage heater, whereas a larger, open-plan space will need a more powerful heater to warm the area effectively. The placement of the heater within the room is also key. For example, a heater placed under a window will need to compensate for the cold air entering the room, whereas a heater in the centre of a wall will distribute heat more evenly.
When considering the placement of the heater, it is important to take into account any furniture or objects that may obstruct the heat flow. For example, if the heater is placed behind a sofa or a large piece of furniture, the heat may be absorbed or blocked, resulting in inefficient heating and higher running costs. Ideally, the heater should be placed in an area with good airflow and minimal obstructions to ensure even heat distribution and efficient operation.
Additionally, the height of the heater on the wall is a factor. Electric heaters tend to distribute heat upwards, so placing the heater at a higher level can help
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Frequently asked questions
Electric wall heaters are generally considered to be expensive to run, especially when compared to other heat sources such as gas. The cost of electricity per hour is higher than gas, and off-peak electricity tariffs can also increase costs. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the running costs of electric heaters, such as wattage, electricity rates, room size, and usage patterns.
The two main factors that impact the running costs of electric heaters are the heater's wattage and the price of electricity in your area. Most electric heaters use 1,500 watts of electricity, and a higher wattage will result in a higher running cost. The size of the room and the heating capacity of the heater will also affect its energy consumption, with larger units for bigger spaces using more electricity.
To reduce the running costs of your electric wall heater, consider the size and location of your home, as well as the insulation and type of house. Terraced properties benefit from the passing of heat between houses, while detached houses are more exposed and take longer to heat. Additionally, you can ensure your heater is the right size for the room and consider upgrading to an electronic thermostat to optimize energy savings.
