Umair Gaines
As energy prices continue to rise, finding the cheapest electric heater to run is a priority for many households. When it comes to choosing an affordable heating option, several factors come into play, such as wattage, room size, insulation, and energy efficiency. Let's explore the different types of electric heaters available and discuss some cost-effective choices to help you stay warm without breaking the bank. From oil-filled radiators to infrared heaters and tube heaters, we will examine their features, performance, and running costs to guide you in selecting the most economical option for your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Thermostatic tube heaters, halogen heaters, oil-filled heaters, fan heaters, infrared heaters, radiant heaters |
| Wattage | Higher wattage means higher electricity consumption. |
| Electricity rates | Typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Higher rates increase the cost of running the heater. |
| Energy efficiency | Energy-efficient heaters utilise advanced technologies to provide optimal heat output while minimising energy consumption. |
| Insulation | Proper insulation helps retain heat, meaning the heater doesn't have to work as hard or for as long. |
| Room size | Smaller rooms may require less powerful heaters, while larger spaces may need higher wattage models to keep the hot air circulating. |
| Portability | Portable heaters can be easily moved between rooms and plugged into different outlets, offering flexibility and convenience. |
| Smart controls | Heaters with thermostats, timers, or smart home integration allow for precise control and can help reduce energy waste. |
| Usage | Limit usage to only the rooms you're occupying, and consider using blankets, rugs, and warm clothing to reduce reliance on electric heating. |
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What You'll Learn
Oil-filled radiators
Factors Affecting Running Costs:
The running costs of oil-filled radiators are influenced by various factors, including radiator size and electricity rates. Larger radiators tend to have higher wattage, resulting in increased electricity consumption. Therefore, it's essential to choose the right radiator size for your space. Additionally, different electricity providers may have varying rates, so checking your electricity bill or provider's website is crucial to understanding your costs.
Wattage and Running Costs:
Thermostats and Timers:
Insulation and Maintenance:
Proper insulation is crucial to retaining heat and reducing energy costs. Double glazing, thermal curtains, and sealing windows and doors can prevent heat escape. Regular maintenance of your oil-filled radiator is also important. Keep it dust-free and address any minor issues promptly to ensure optimal performance and extend its lifespan.
In summary, oil-filled radiators offer a cost-effective and consistent heating solution, especially when combined with thoughtful considerations about wattage, insulation, and the use of thermostats and timers. By following these tips, you can efficiently manage your heating costs while staying warm and comfortable.
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Infrared heaters
The cost of running an infrared heater depends on its wattage and the electricity rate. For example, a 1000W heater consumes 1kWh of electricity, costing approximately £0.34 per hour in the UK. Infrared heaters with lower wattages are cheaper to run but may not provide enough warmth for larger spaces.
To save on running costs, infrared heaters can be paired with digital thermostats and smart home systems to reduce energy waste. Proper insulation also helps retain heat, meaning the heater doesn't need to run as long or use as much energy.
While some users have found that infrared heaters do not heat up rooms significantly, they are perfect for spot heating and energy-efficient performance.
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Halogen heaters
When it comes to choosing the cheapest electric heater to run, it's important to consider factors such as wattage, the size of the space you want to heat, and how long you intend to use the heater. Halogen heaters, in particular, have some distinct advantages and disadvantages that can make them a cost-effective option in certain situations.
The cost of running a halogen heater depends on its wattage and the electricity rate in your region. For example, a 400W halogen heater will cost approximately 14p to run each hour under a 34p per kWh rate. On the other hand, a 1500W halogen heater will cost significantly more to run, approximately 51p per hour under the same rate. It's worth noting that electricity rates can vary, and in the UK, the cost of electricity is 24.50p per kWh.
While halogen heaters have their benefits, they may not be suitable for heating an entire home. Running a halogen heater in every room could be expensive, but their portability makes them convenient for moving between rooms. Additionally, they are relatively inexpensive to purchase, with prices starting at around £15. Many models also come with thermostats and controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your desired level.
When considering the cheapest electric heater to run, it's worth exploring other options as well. Oil-filled radiators, for instance, are known for their low usage costs and ability to provide consistent heat for longer periods. Additionally, infrared heaters are energy-efficient and perfect for spot heating. Smart panel heaters offer modern programmability for precise heating needs, and thermostatic tube heaters are known for their low operating costs. Ultimately, the cheapest option may depend on your specific circumstances, including the size of your space, your heating requirements, and your energy provider.
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Wattage
Halogen heaters typically have a wattage of around 1200W, with some models offering adjustable settings of 400W, 800W, and 1200W. These adjustable settings allow for running costs as low as 10p per hour, making halogen heaters one of the cheapest options.
Fan heaters are a common choice, with wattages ranging from 1000W to 2000W. A 2kW fan heater will cost approximately 50p per hour to run, or around £1.99 if left on for four hours. While fan heaters are effective at distributing heat quickly, they may not be the most economical choice for prolonged use.
Convector heaters usually have a wattage of 2000W, costing around 50p per hour to run. While they take longer to heat a room, the heat lingers even after they are turned off, which can make them more economical in certain situations.
Radiator bar-style heaters vary significantly in wattage, ranging from 300W to 2500W. Consequently, their running costs can start as low as 7p per hour but can go up to 62p per hour for the higher wattage models.
Tube heaters are gaining popularity for their low operational costs, with a 90W model costing just 2p per hour to run. They are ideal for frost protection and low-level background heating.
When considering the cheapest electric heater to run, it's important to evaluate not only the wattage but also your specific heating needs, such as room size and desired temperature.
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Insulation
When it comes to choosing the cheapest electric heater to run, it's important to consider factors such as wattage, the design and technology of the heater, and the cost of running it daily and monthly. For example, lower wattage heaters use less electricity but may not be suitable for larger spaces. Additionally, the design and technology of a heater impact how much electricity is converted into usable heat. Oil-filled radiators, infrared heaters, and thermostatic tube heaters are often mentioned as some of the most efficient options.
To save costs, it is recommended to use heaters in insulated rooms to prevent heat loss. Proper insulation helps retain heat, meaning your heater doesn't need to work as hard or for as long. Insulating your electric water heater is an easy and inexpensive way to improve energy efficiency and save money each month. Water heater insulation could reduce standby heat losses by 25%-45% and lower water heating costs by about 7%-16%. Pre-cut jackets or blankets are available for around $20, but it's important to ensure that safety warnings, controls, and access areas are not covered.
If you're looking for ways to insulate your home, Rockwool is a good insulation type for electric heaters due to its fire performance and temperature range. It is recommended to maintain a clearance of 3 feet in front of the heater. Additionally, consider insulating your water heater tank to improve efficiency and save money. A ridged piece of insulation or a bottom board can help prevent heat loss into the floor, reducing water heating energy consumption by 4%-9%.
To summarise, when choosing an electric heater, consider factors such as wattage and heater design. Oil-filled radiators, infrared heaters, and thermostatic tube heaters are efficient options. Remember to use heaters in insulated spaces to prevent heat loss. Insulating your electric water heater and water heater tank can lead to significant energy and cost savings. Always ensure that safety precautions are followed when installing insulation.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several factors to consider when choosing an electric heater, including the wattage, the size of the room, the type of heater, and the cost of electricity.
Tubular heaters, halogen heaters, oil-filled radiators, and infrared heaters are some of the cheapest electric heaters to run.
To make your electric heater more cost-effective, you can use smart controls such as thermostats and timers, improve insulation, and layer up with warm clothing and blankets.
Gas central heating is generally cheaper to run than electric heaters due to lower gas prices. Electric blankets can also be a cost-effective alternative to heating an entire room.
