Otis Singleton
With the cold season approaching, many households are looking for cost-effective ways to stay warm. While all electric heaters have the same efficiency, the cost of running them depends on their wattage and the electricity rate. The cheapest electric heaters to run include thermostatic tube heaters, oil-filled radiators, infrared heaters, and halogen heaters.
Characteristics and Values of Electric Heaters that are Cheapest to Run
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Thermostatic tube heaters, halogen heaters, oil-filled radiators, infrared heaters, smart panel heaters |
| Wattage | Higher wattage means higher electricity consumption |
| Running cost | £0.15-£0.20 per hour for a 500W model, £0.34 per hour for a 1000W heater |
| Electricity rate | 24.50p per kWh, 27.03p per kWh as of April 1, 2025 |
| Energy efficiency | Oil-filled radiators and infrared heaters are among the most efficient |
| Features | Thermostats, timers, smart home integration, frost protection |
| Usage | Use in insulated rooms, match the heater to the room size, layer up with blankets and warm clothing |
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Halogen heaters
Electric heaters are a great way to provide extra warmth to your home, and halogen heaters are one of the most popular options due to their low cost and high efficiency. Here is some detailed information about halogen heaters and how they compare to other types of electric heaters in terms of running costs.
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Oil-filled radiators
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Fan heaters
One of the key advantages of fan heaters is their
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Wattage
Fan heaters, for instance, typically have wattages ranging from 1000W to 2000W, with 2kW being the most common, especially in budget models. They are known for their quick heating capabilities and portability, making them a popular choice for many. However, it is important to note that they produce some noise due to the internal fan.
Convector heaters, on the other hand, usually have a wattage of around 2000W, with some low-wattage options also available. They operate silently and distribute heat evenly by creating a convection current in the room. While they may take longer to heat a room compared to fan heaters, the heat lingers even after they are turned off, making them a more economical choice in certain situations.
Halogen heaters generally have a wattage of around 1200W, with some models offering adjustable heat settings of 400W, 800W, and 1200W. Their radiant heat is ideal for warming objects or people directly, making them well-suited for open and poorly insulated spaces. They are also the cheapest to run, with running costs ranging from 10p to 30p per hour, depending on the setting.
Tube heaters, including thermostatic tube heaters, have gained popularity for their low operational costs, making them an excellent choice for frost protection and background heating. For example, a 90W tube heater can cost as little as 2p per hour to run.
Lastly, oil-filled radiators typically have a wattage of around 1500W, but their built-in thermostats help control the temperature, preventing them from constantly drawing power. They are well-suited for smaller, well-insulated rooms as they retain heat effectively, reducing the overall energy consumption.
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Thermostats and timers
Thermostats enable you to set a desired temperature, ensuring the heater automatically turns off when that temperature is reached. This feature is crucial for preventing overheating and helps you avoid overspending on energy. Additionally, thermostats allow you to adjust the heat and power output, giving you greater control over your heater's energy consumption. This is especially beneficial if you only need to heat a specific area within a room, as you can lower the thermostat setting and conserve energy.
Timers, on the other hand, provide a different type of control by letting you determine how long the heater runs. This feature is particularly useful for turning the heater off automatically after you've fallen asleep or when you're no longer in the room. Timers help reduce waste by ensuring the heater isn't running continuously, even when it's no longer needed.
Some heaters come with built-in thermostats and timers, while others may require the use of smart plugs to replicate these functions. For example, the HMP1500 heater lacks a built-in thermostat or Wi-Fi connection, but you can plug it into a smart plug to add timer functionality.
When choosing an electric heater, it's important to consider not just the presence of a thermostat and timer but also the ease of use and intuitiveness of these controls. Look for heaters with clearly labelled timer functions and thermostats that are simple to adjust, allowing you to fine-tune the temperature to your comfort level without wasting energy.
In conclusion, thermostats and timers are invaluable tools for managing your heater's energy usage and keeping running costs down. By selecting heaters with these features and using them effectively, you can stay warm during the colder months without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest electric heaters to run include thermostatic tube heaters, oil-filled radiators, infrared heaters, and halogen heaters.
The running cost of an electric heater depends on its wattage and the electricity rate. For example, a 1000W heater consumes 1kWh of electricity, costing approximately £0.34 per hour (based on an average UK rate of £0.34 per kWh).
When choosing an electric heater, consider the size of the room, the desired temperature, and the running costs. It is also important to evaluate the daily and monthly costs of the heater.
Yes, instead of heating an entire room, you can use an electric blanket to warm your bed. Additionally, you can use smart controls, layer up with blankets and warm clothing, or invest in proper insulation to retain heat and reduce heat loss.
