Wiktor Wise
Electric heaters are a convenient way to warm up a room quickly, but they can be expensive to run. The cost of running an electric heater depends on several factors, including the type of heater, its power output, and how long it is used for. For example, a 2kW fan heater costs 49.7p an hour to run on full power, while a 3kW convector heater costs just under 75p per hour. Running multiple heaters concurrently will also increase costs. Additionally, electric heaters are generally more expensive to run than central heating systems, with electric heat costing around three times as much as heat from radiators. To reduce running costs, it is recommended to use electric heaters sparingly and only heat occupied rooms. Improving insulation and draught-proofing can also help keep costs down.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of running an electric heater | Depends on the power output of the heater, the length of time it is used for, and the cost of energy |
| Cheapest type of electric heater | Halogen heaters |
| Cheapest type of heating | Central heating is cheaper than electric heaters, which are in turn cheaper than gas heating |
| Reducing costs | Insulating the home, reducing draughts, and using heaters with thermostats and timers can all help to reduce costs |
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What You'll Learn
Electric heaters are more expensive than central heating
Electric heaters are more expensive to run than central heating systems. The cost of running an electric heater depends on how much energy it uses to generate heat and how long it is used for. For example, a 2kW fan heater costs 49.7p per hour to run on full power, while a 3kW convector heater costs just under 75p per hour. This means that running nine electric heaters concurrently can cost around £3 in just 30 minutes.
Electric heaters are also more expensive than central heating systems per unit of heat. According to John Lawless, a heating expert at BestHeating, "for every unit of heat put out by an electric heater, it will cost around three times as much as a unit of heat from one of your radiators." This is because electricity is more expensive than gas. For example, in some places, electricity costs 22 cents per kWh, while natural gas is between 3.3 and 5.5 times cheaper.
Additionally, electric heaters may not be as efficient as central heating systems in achieving an even level of heat throughout a room, which can make their running costs more expensive over long periods. They also rarely have thermostats or timers, which can further increase their running costs.
To reduce the running costs of electric heaters, it is important to regulate their power output and how long they are used for. Using them intermittently to heat a room, rather than over long periods, can help to keep costs down. Additionally, insulating the room and reducing draughts can help to keep heat in and lower bills.
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Running costs depend on heat output and duration of use
The cost of running an electric heater depends on its heat output and how long you use it for. The cost of electricity is measured in kilowatts per hour (kWh). In the UK, the current average cost of electricity is 27.03p per kWh.
Fan heaters are available in a range of heat outputs, from 0.5kW to 3kW. A 2kW fan heater would cost 49.7p an hour to run on full power, while a 3kW heater would cost just under 75p per hour. Over a four-hour period, a 2kW fan heater would cost £1.98 to run, while a 3kW heater would cost £2.98.
Convector heaters are similar to fan heaters but are usually larger and quieter to run. They also have a heat output of 2kW to 3kW. Oil-filled radiators are a type of convector heater that retains heat better than other room heaters, as they continue to radiate heat for a short while after being switched off. They are a good choice for heating a room for a few hours at a time.
The most effective way to reduce the running costs of an electric heater is to keep the heat in, by insulating and reducing draughts.
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Insulation and draught-proofing can reduce costs
Electric heaters can be expensive to run, especially if used for long periods, as electricity is often more costly than gas. However, insulation and draught-proofing can help to reduce these costs.
Insulating your home can significantly reduce heat loss, lowering energy consumption and, in turn, reducing utility bills. Loft insulation alone can save up to £240 per year, and it remains efficient for at least 42 years. Houses can lose up to 25% of their heat through the roof, so loft insulation is a simple and effective way to prevent this. Insulating pipes, tanks, and radiators is another quick, easy, and affordable way to save money on energy bills. For example, adding a jacket to a hot water cylinder helps the water stay hotter for longer.
Draught-proofing is another simple and cost-effective way to reduce heating costs. It involves blocking air leaks with strips of plastic, foam, or metal around doors, windows, and fireplaces. Common areas for draughts include windows, door frames, letterboxes, and chimneys. Draught-proofing strips are a useful and inexpensive option, helping to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. They typically cost around £100-200 and will pay for themselves in 5-10 years.
Other low-cost draught-proofing solutions include heavy curtains, blinds, and draught excluders. Cavity wall insulation, double glazing, and secondary glazing can also dramatically reduce heating bills.
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Electric heaters are good for quick, localised heating
Electric heaters are a good option for quick, localised heating. They are designed to deliver instant warmth to a specific area or person, making them ideal for targeted heating rather than heating an entire house. This is particularly useful when you need to warm up a small room quickly or only want to heat the room you are occupying.
Fan heaters, for example, work by running a current through a coil to heat it up and then drawing air over it. This warm air is then blown out and circulated, providing rapid heating to a focused area. They are typically available in power outputs ranging from 0.5kW to 3kW and can be equipped with thermostatic controls and timers to regulate their output and usage duration. However, it is important to note that fan heaters may produce noise during operation due to the built-in fan.
Another type of electric heater, the convector heater, functions similarly to fan heaters but usually lacks an internal fan. Instead, they rely on natural convection currents to distribute heat, making them quieter to operate but slower to heat a room. Convector heaters often have higher power outputs, typically ranging from 2kW to 3kW, and may also feature thermostats for temperature control.
The cost of running an electric heater depends on its energy usage and operating duration. For example, a 2kW fan heater would cost approximately 49.7p per hour to run on full power, while a 3kW convector heater would cost just under 75p per hour. Therefore, it is essential to consider factors such as the heater's wattage, your energy costs, and the desired operating time to estimate the running costs accurately.
To reduce running costs, it is advisable to implement measures that retain heat and minimise heat loss. This can include using insulation, heavy curtains, blinds, draught excluders, and double glazing. By combining electric heaters with such cost-saving solutions, you can efficiently heat specific areas while managing your energy expenses.
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Oil-filled radiators are more cost-effective than fan heaters
Electric heaters can be an expensive way to heat your home, especially with rising electricity prices. Fan heaters and oil-filled radiators are two of the most popular options for portable electric heaters. They both have their pros and cons, but oil-filled radiators are more cost-effective than fan heaters.
Fan heaters are known to give off short-term heat. They are perfect for quick fixes when the cold creeps in, as they heat up a room almost instantly. They are also lightweight, compact, and easily portable, making them ideal for warming up different rooms. However, they tend to have higher running expenses if used constantly. A 2kW fan heater, for example, would cost 49.7p an hour to run on full power, which would amount to £13.92 a week.
On the other hand, oil-filled radiators are better suited for longer, more consistent heating. They use oil as a heat reservoir, warming up and holding onto that heat long after they are switched off. This makes them more energy-efficient for extended use, as they don't need to be constantly using electricity. They are also quieter than fan heaters, as they don't have an internal fan. Oil-filled radiators are generally safer, too, as they have enclosed heating elements and cooler exteriors, making them ideal for homes with children or pets.
Fan heaters are usually cheaper to buy than oil-filled radiators, but the latter is the more cost-effective option in the long run, as they have lower running costs.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of running an electric heater depends on the heater's wattage and the duration of usage. For example, a 2kW fan heater costs 49.7p per hour to run on full power.
Electric heaters can be expensive to run, especially if used for long periods of time. Electric heaters are more expensive to run than central heating systems, with electric heat costing around three times as much per unit of heat.
Natural gas is often cheaper than electricity for heating purposes. Oil-filled radiators are also a more cost-effective electric heating option, as they retain heat better than other heaters and continue to radiate heat after being switched off.
To reduce running costs, you can insulate your home and reduce draughts with low-cost solutions such as heavy curtains, blinds, and draught excluders. Additionally, you can use the heater sparingly and only heat occupied rooms.
