Trystan Casey
With energy costs on the rise, many people are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills. One common question is whether it is cheaper to heat a single room with an electric heater than to heat the whole house with central heating. The answer depends on various factors, such as the size of the room, the level of insulation, the external temperature, and the efficiency of the heater. Electric heaters can be a good option for those who only need to heat a small space, as they provide immediate warmth. However, gas is generally cheaper than electricity, so gas central heating is often a more cost-effective solution for heating an entire house.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of electricity per kWh | 10-15p |
| Cost of gas per kWh | 3.5-4p |
| Average cost of central heating in 2017 | £548 |
| Average cost of central heating per day | £1.50 |
| Cost of running a 2kW fan heater for an hour | 68p |
| Cost of running a 2kW fan heater for 9 hours | £6.12 |
| Cost of running a 3000W kettle for 5 minutes | <9p |
| Cost of running a 3kW stove for 9 hours | £2.70 |
| Cost of running an electric blanket for an hour | 6p |
| Cost of running an electric heater for an hour | 70p |
| Cost-effectiveness of heating a small area | Electric heaters are more cost-effective |
| Cost-effectiveness of heating a large area | Central heating is more cost-effective |
| Cost-effectiveness of heating a single room vs. the entire house | Depends on room size, insulation, external temperature, windows, efficiency of the heater, and central heating system |
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What You'll Learn
Electric heaters vs central heating
Electric heaters and central heating systems are two of the most common ways to heat your home, but which is the most cost-effective? There are several factors to consider when comparing the costs of running electric heaters versus central heating.
Firstly, it is important to note that the cost of electricity is typically higher than that of gas. In the UK, electricity costs around 10-15p/kWh, while gas costs approximately 3.5-4p/kWh. This means that gas central heating systems are generally cheaper to run than electric heaters.
However, the overall cost will depend on the size and insulation of your home, as well as your personal temperature preferences. Electric heaters may be more cost-effective if you only need to heat a small area or a single room, as they provide instant heat directly to the desired space. On the other hand, central heating systems take longer to heat a room but retain heat for longer, even after the boiler is turned off.
Additionally, the efficiency of your boiler and the type of electric heater can impact the overall cost. Modern combination boilers are more powerful and efficient than system boilers with separate hot water tanks. Similarly, different types of electric heaters, such as halogen heaters, fan heaters, oil-filled heaters, and convection heaters, vary in efficiency and cost.
It is worth noting that leaving electric heaters on overnight or unattended for long periods can be dangerous and expensive. Therefore, it is recommended to use them sparingly and consider other cost-effective alternatives, such as electric blankets or hot water bottles, to stay warm.
In conclusion, while central heating systems are generally cheaper for whole-home heating, electric heaters can be a cost-effective option for targeted heating in small spaces or as a supplement to central heating. The most suitable choice will depend on your specific needs, home characteristics, and energy costs.
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Electric heaters vs gas heaters
Electric heaters are generally more expensive to run than gas heaters. In the UK, the cost of electricity is 10-15p/kWh, while the cost of gas is just 3.5-4p/kWh. This makes gas around three times cheaper than electricity.
For example, a 2000W fan heater costs around 68p an hour to run, whereas a gas boiler costs around 10p per kilowatt-hour. However, not all boilers cost the same to run, and modern combination boilers can range from 24kW to 40kW.
The cost of running an electric heater or a gas heater will also depend on various factors such as the size and insulation of the room, the external temperature, the efficiency of the heater, and the unit rate of the user's electricity and gas tariffs. For instance, a 1.2kW halogen heater is the most efficient for heating a home, while a 3kW electric convector heater is the most effective for heating a room quickly.
Additionally, it is important to note that electric heaters provide instant heat but the temperature drops quickly when they are turned off. In contrast, gas central heating takes longer to heat a room but retains the heat for longer, even after the boiler is turned off.
Therefore, while gas heaters are generally cheaper to run, the overall cost of heating a space will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific heater or boiler being used, the size and insulation of the room, and the external temperature.
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Electric heaters vs oil heaters
Electric heaters are a popular solution for those looking to save money on their energy bills. They are lightweight, easy to move around, and provide instant warmth. However, they are more suitable for small spaces and short-term heating. Electric heaters can be more expensive if used continuously over long periods due to their continuous power consumption.
Oil heaters, on the other hand, are a stellar choice for large spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. They are the slow-and-steady champions of the heating world, providing consistent warmth. Oil heaters work by heating the thermal oil inside, which then radiates warmth evenly across the room. Even after being switched off, the oil retains heat, making them energy-efficient and a smart choice for maintaining warmth without constantly using electricity.
When it comes to energy use, oil-filled heaters are more energy-efficient and cost-effective. They are a better bet for long-term savings due to their heat retention abilities. Oil heaters take longer to heat up and cool down, so they are ideal for maintaining a constant temperature over a long period.
Electric heaters, with their instant heating capabilities, are more suitable for rapid heating of small spaces or for short periods of time. They consume more electricity if used continuously, making them more costly to run over time.
It is worth noting that the cost of running an electric heater or an oil heater depends on various factors, including the size and insulation of the room, external temperature, ceiling height, and the efficiency of the heating system.
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Running costs of electric heaters
The running costs of electric heaters depend on various factors. The wattage of the heater is the simplest way to determine its running cost. For instance, a 2000W fan heater will cost 68p an hour to run. However, if used sparingly for shorter periods, it may be a cheaper alternative to central heating.
The cost of electricity is another crucial factor. In the UK, electricity costs 10-15p/kWh, while gas is about three times cheaper at 3.5-4p/kWh. This makes gas central heating more cost-effective for heating an entire house.
The size and insulation of the room also impact the running costs. Electric heaters are more suitable for heating small areas, such as one or two rooms. They provide instant warmth but the temperature drops quickly when turned off. In contrast, central heating takes longer to heat a room but retains heat for a while after turning off.
Additionally, the external temperature, windows, efficiency of the heater, and the central heating system all play a role in determining the running costs of electric heaters.
It is worth noting that other alternatives, such as electric blankets or heated clothing, can be more cost-effective for keeping oneself warm.
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Efficiency of electric heaters
Electric heaters are almost 100% efficient in converting electricity to heat. However, electricity is more expensive than gas, making gas central heating cheaper than electric heating. The cost of electricity in the UK is 10-15p/kWh, while gas costs 3.5-4p/kWh, making gas about three times cheaper than electricity.
The efficiency of electric heaters also depends on the type of heater and the space being heated. For example, halogen heaters are the most efficient for heating a home, while electric convector heaters are best for heating a room quickly. The size, insulation, and nature of the room, as well as its ability to hold heat, also play a role in the efficiency of electric heaters.
Electric heaters are a popular choice for those who want to save money on their energy bills by only heating specific rooms or small areas. In such cases, using an electric heater can be more cost-effective than using central heating to heat an entire house. However, it is important to note that electric furnaces are more expensive to operate than other electric resistance systems due to duct heat losses and the extra energy required to distribute heated air throughout a home.
To improve the efficiency of electric heaters, it is recommended to clean or replace furnace filters as per the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, safety features such as automatic shut-off and tip-over switches can provide peace of mind when using electric heaters.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the room, the level of insulation, and the efficiency of the heater. Electric heaters are more expensive to run than gas central heating, but they can be more cost-effective if you're only heating a small area.
The cost of running an electric heater for an hour depends on its wattage and the price of electricity. For example, a 2000W fan heater costs around 68p an hour to run in the UK.
Yes, there are cheaper alternatives to electric heaters. Some options include using a hot water bottle, an electric blanket, or a heated gilet. You can also improve the insulation in your home to retain heat for longer.
