Umair Gaines
With the ever-increasing cost of electricity, finding the cheapest electric heater to run is essential to keeping your home warm during the winter months without breaking the bank. Halogen heaters are the most cost-effective to run due to their lower power output, which can be as low as 400W. They also have the added benefit of adjustable heat settings, allowing you to manage how much energy they use and for what duration. Tube heaters are another cheap option for frost protection and low-level background heating. Oil-filled radiators are also a great choice for sustained and consistent warmth, as they retain heat much better than other heaters, but they can be more expensive, with prices going up to 60p per hour. Fan heaters are ideal for quickly heating small spaces, but they do produce some noise. Convector heaters are another option, but they are slower to emit warmth.
Cheapest Electric Heaters to Run
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tubular heaters | Low operational costs, compact design, suitable for frost protection and background heating |
| Halogen heaters | Lower power output, adjustable heat settings, quick to heat a room |
| Oil-filled radiators | Efficient heat retention, consistent warmth, wide range of wattage and prices, thermostatic control |
| Infrared heaters | Energy-efficient, perfect for spot heating |
| Fan heaters | Quick to heat a small room, reach a longer distance |
| Convector heaters | Wattage of around 2000W, silent operation, steady heat |
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What You'll Learn
Halogen heaters are the cheapest to run
With rising energy prices, many households are looking for cost-effective ways to stay warm. Halogen heaters are the cheapest type of electric heater to run, with a wattage of around 1200W. Some models offer adjustable heat settings of 400W, 800W, and 1200W, allowing you to manage energy usage and duration. This feature significantly minimizes running expenses.
Halogen heaters are directional, allowing you to feel the heat instantly. They are perfect for quickly heating a small room. The running costs of these heaters are between 10p to 30p per hour, depending on the setting and size of the heater.
Other heater options include oil-filled radiators, which are great at retaining heat and provide a slow and steady heat that can be cost-effective. Fan heaters are also an option for those who want to quickly heat a room, but they do produce some noise during operation. Convector heaters are another option, but they are slower to emit warmth.
To save on heating costs, it is recommended to use heaters in insulated rooms, choose the right heater size for your space, use smart controls, and limit usage to only the rooms you are occupying.
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Oil-filled radiators are efficient and cheap
With rising energy prices, many households are looking for cost-effective ways to stay warm. Oil-filled radiators are a great option for those seeking an efficient and cheap electric heater. They are ideal for long-lasting, consistent heat in small spaces.
Oil-filled radiators are designed with heat-retentive thermal fluid, which ensures that heat is radiated from the radiator for a short while after being switched off. This means that oil-filled radiators do not need to be turned on for long periods to maintain your desired heat level. Their slow cooling rate means that even after they have stopped drawing power, they continue to maintain comfort levels. This makes them highly energy-efficient, as you only pay for the heat you actually use.
Oil-filled radiators are also incredibly versatile. They are portable and can be moved around the house or stored when not in use. They are also safe, with features like thermal cut-offs and cool-touch surfaces, making them ideal for homes with pets or children. They are also silent, unlike fan heaters that produce a noise.
When selecting an oil-filled radiator, it is important to consider the wattage. A higher wattage means higher electricity consumption, so it is important to match the heater type to the room size. For example, the VonHaus 800W Oil Filled Radiator is one of the most economical heaters to operate, but it may not be suitable for larger spaces.
Overall, oil-filled radiators are an efficient and cheap option for those looking to heat small spaces.
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Fan heaters are best for small spaces
With the cost of electricity rising, it's no surprise that many households are looking for cost-effective ways to stay warm. Electric heaters are a great way to warm up small spaces without breaking the bank.
Fan heaters are ideal for small spaces as they can quickly heat up a room. Cool air enters the heater at the back, passes over a heating element, and is then blown out at the front via an internal fan. This means that the warm air being produced can reach a further distance more quickly than other heaters, making them perfect for small spaces that need to be heated fast.
Fan heaters are generally available at around 2000W, and often come with thermostatic control. This means that they can be adjusted to the desired temperature and will only operate when needed, helping to reduce costs. Fan heaters are also usually bigger than other heaters, which means they need to be placed in a space where there is enough room for them to operate efficiently.
Fan heaters are a great option for small spaces such as a home office, dorm room, or small bedroom. The Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater is a great example of a fan heater that is perfect for small spaces. It warms up faster than most fan heaters, has a compact and lightweight body, and can fit right under your desk.
If you're looking for a heater for a small space, a fan heater is a great option. They are powerful, adjustable, and perfect for quickly heating up a room without costing a fortune.
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Convector heaters are silent and steady
With rising energy prices, many households are looking for cost-effective ways to stay warm. Electric heaters are a great way to warm small rooms, large rooms, and conservatories. The cheapest electric heaters to run include tubular heaters, thermostatic tube heaters, oil-filled radiators, and infrared heaters.
Convector heaters are a great option for those looking for a silent and steady heating solution. Unlike fan heaters, they operate silently, making them ideal for living and sleeping areas. They also have no moving parts, making them virtually maintenance-free. While traditional convection heaters do not heat a room as quickly as fan-forced heaters, advancements in technology are closing this gap. For example, Dimplex Convector Baseboards produce up to 40% faster airflow and are up to 42% shorter than conventional baseboards, making them a great choice for those looking for a compact and efficient convection heater.
Convector heaters work by using the natural convection process to heat the air. The heated air then rises, creating a current of warm air that circulates throughout the room. This steady airflow ensures a consistent temperature, providing a comfortable and warm environment. The lack of moving parts in convector heaters also contributes to their silent operation, making them a preferred choice for those seeking a quiet heating solution.
In addition to their silent and steady performance, convector heaters offer other benefits. Their simple design and lack of combustion make them one of the safest home heating options available. They are also versatile and can be used in various spaces, including primary living areas and bedrooms. While they may heat rooms slightly slower than fan-forced heaters, their efficiency and cost-effectiveness make them a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable heating solution.
Overall, convector heaters are an excellent option for those seeking a silent, steady, and cost-effective heating solution. With their simple design, safety features, and versatility, they provide a comfortable and warm environment without breaking the bank, especially when compared to other heating options.
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Tube heaters are cheap and frost-resistant
With the rising costs of energy, finding the cheapest electric heater to run is a priority for many households. Tube heaters are increasingly becoming a popular choice for those seeking a cheap, efficient, and frost-resistant heating solution.
Tube heaters are designed with an electric-resistant wire that generates heat when an electric current passes through it. This heating element is encased within a protective metallic or ceramic tube, ensuring safe and effective heating. One of the key advantages of tube heaters is their low operational costs, making them highly economical. For example, a 90W tube heater can provide low-cost heating at just 2p per hour, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms, where mould and dampness are a concern.
These heaters are perfect for frost protection and providing low-level background heating. They are commonly used in spaces such as greenhouses, garages, and sheds, where traditional heating methods can be expensive to run. Tube heaters can also be installed in holiday caravans' bathrooms to protect boilers from frost, thanks to their compact design and low running costs.
Additionally, modern tube heaters often include a programmable thermostat, allowing users to set and maintain accurate temperatures. This feature, combined with their low power output, makes tube heaters highly cost-effective compared to other space heaters. The thermostat helps to regulate temperatures, ensuring that the heater is not running continuously, thereby minimising running expenses.
Tube heaters are an excellent choice for those seeking a cheap and frost-resistant heating solution. With their low operational costs, compact design, and ability to provide background heating, they are a popular and economical option for a range of spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Halogen heaters are the cheapest type of electric heater to run due to their lower power output. They have a wattage of around 1200W, with adjustable heat settings of 400, 800, and 1200W. Each setting uses around 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2kW per hour, respectively, which means running costs of 10p to 30p per hour.
Tubular heaters are also cheap to run, with low operational costs. Oil-filled radiators are another economical option as they retain heat better than other heaters, meaning they continue to radiate heat for a short while after being switched off. Infrared heaters are also energy-efficient.
To reduce running costs, use heaters in insulated rooms, choose the right heater size for your space, use smart controls like thermostats and timers, and only heat the rooms you're using.
Budget electric radiators are designed to help minimise running costs. They come with features like precision electronic thermostats, timers, and thermal fluid heating technology.
To reduce reliance on electric heating, you can use blankets, rugs, and warm clothing to keep warm.
