What Is The Cheapest Electric Heater To Run? Complete Guide To Saving Money
Finding the most cost-effective way to heat your home during winter months can be tricky, especially with energy prices constantly changing. What is the cheapest electric heater to run is a question many of us ask when trying to keep warm without breaking the bank.
We’ve put together this guide to look at different types of electric heaters, their efficiency, and which ones will cost you the least to operate.
Key Takeaways
- Running Costs Compared: Learn about the efficiency of different electric heaters and which types use the least electricity per hour.
- Energy Efficiency Features: Find out which features to look for when buying an electric heater to ensure lower running costs.
- Best Value Options: Discover which electric heaters offer the best balance between purchase price and ongoing running costs.
Different Types Of Electric Heaters
Before comparing costs, it’s important to understand the different types of heaters available. Each type has its own way of producing heat, which affects its energy consumption and running costs.
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters are among the most common types of portable electric heaters. They work by passing air over a heating element and then blowing the warm air into the room.
Fan heaters typically heat up rooms quickly, are lightweight and easy to move, and have a power output of 1kW to 3kW. Many models include features like adjustable thermostat and overheat protection, and often have a cold air setting for summer use.
While they provide instant heat, fan heaters aren’t usually the most economical for continuous use. The heated air rises to the ceiling and the heat quickly dissipates once turned off.
Oil Filled Radiators
Oil filled radiators work differently than fan heaters. The electric element heats oil sealed within the radiator, which then radiates heat into the room.
These heaters take longer to warm up but retain heat after being switched off. They’re heavier and less portable than fan heaters, but have temperature settings to maintain a steady heat.
Oil filled heaters are often more efficient for heating rooms for longer periods, as they continue radiating warmth even after being turned off.
Halogen Heaters
Halogen heaters use halogen lamps to produce infrared heat that warms objects and people directly rather than heating the air.
These heaters provide instant warmth and are usually cheaper to buy. They can get extremely hot to touch, but are lightweight and easily portable. Most models have multiple heat settings for flexibility.
Halogen heater models are usually good for providing direct heat to people rather than warming entire rooms.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters work similarly to halogen heaters but often use different technology to produce radiant heat that directly warms people and objects.
They provide efficient direct heating with no air circulation (good for allergy sufferers). They come in various designs including panels and portable units, though they’re often more expensive to purchase initially.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, infrared heaters can be very efficient as they don’t waste energy heating air that rises to the ceiling.
Convection Heaters
Convection heaters work by heating the air which then circulates naturally around the room.
These heaters provide even heating throughout a room and are often wall-mounted or freestanding. Some may include a fan to speed up heat distribution, and most usually have a programmable thermostat for better control.
Convector heater models are good for whole-room heating but might not be the most economical for short periods.
Electric Panel Heaters
Electric panel heaters are slim, wall-mounted units that heat through a combination of radiation and convection.
These are unobtrusive and save floor space, heat up relatively quickly, and can be controlled by timers and thermostats. They work well in well-insulated rooms.
Panel heater models aren’t usually the cheapest to run but can be practical in certain situations.
What Type Of Electric Heater Is The Cheapest To Run?
When considering what type of electric heater is the cheapest to run, we need to look at several factors including power consumption (measured in kilowatts), how efficiently they convert electricity to heat, how well they maintain heat in a room, and control features that prevent energy waste.
| Heater Type | Average Power Rating | Efficiency Notes | Estimated Cost Per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Filled | 1.5kW – 2.5kW | Retains heat well | 40p – 68p |
| Infrared | 0.4kW – 1.8kW | Direct heating, very efficient | 11p – 49p |
| Halogen | 0.4kW – 1.2kW | Direct heating | 11p – 33p |
| Fan | 1kW – 3kW | Quick but heat dissipates | 27p – 81p |
| Convection | 1kW – 2kW | Even heating but slow | 27p – 54p |
| Panel | 0.5kW – 2kW | Depends on insulation | 14p – 54p |
Costs based on average UK electricity price of 27p per kWh as of 2025
Based on pure running costs, infrared heaters and halogen heaters with lower wattage tend to be the cheapest electric heater to run per hour. However, their effectiveness depends on the space you’re heating and how you use them.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy points out that the efficiency of an electric heater isn’t just about its power rating but also about how it distributes heat in your specific room.
What Is The Cheapest Electric Heater To Run UK?
In the UK context, with our specific energy prices and typical home layouts, certain heaters perform more economically than others.
What is the cheapest electric heater to run UK households should consider? Let’s look at the factors that matter most in British homes:
Most Economical For Small Spaces
For heating small, enclosed spaces in UK homes, low-wattage infrared heaters or halogen heaters at around 400W-700W are often the cheapest electric heaters to operate. They provide direct heat without wasting energy warming unused areas.
Best For Medium To Large Rooms
For larger living spaces that need consistent heating, oil filled radiators with thermostatic controls often prove to be what electric heater is the cheapest to run over longer periods. Although they use more power initially, their heat retention makes them efficient.
Ceramic fan heaters with thermostats can also be cost-effective as they cycle on and off to maintain temperature rather than running constantly.
Factors That Affect Running Costs
Several factors influence what is the cheapest to run electric heater in your specific situation, including room insulation, ambient temperature, ceiling height, and usage patterns. Well-insulated spaces retain heat better, which can significantly reduce how long your heater needs to run.
The UK Government’s Simple Energy Advice service suggests that improving your home’s insulation can reduce the amount of heating needed by up to 30%, regardless of what type of heater you use.
Energy Efficient Features To Look For
When shopping for the cheapest electric heater to run, certain features can make a significant difference to energy costs:
Thermostats
An adjustable thermostat is perhaps the most important energy efficiency feature. It ensures the heater only operates when needed to maintain your desired temperature, potentially cutting your electricity bill by 30-50%.
Timers
Programmable timers prevent heaters from running unnecessarily. Setting a heater to turn off automatically after half an hour of use, or to switch on just before you get home, can make even a less efficient heater more economical overall.
Multiple Power Settings
Heaters with multiple heat settings allow you to use only as much power as needed. Using a 1kW setting instead of 2kW when it’s sufficient can halve your running costs.
Research from Which? magazine has shown that heaters with good thermostatic controls and multiple power settings can save up to £60 per winter season compared to basic models.
Smart Controls
Some modern electric heaters offer smart controls that can be operated remotely or learn your habits. These can significantly reduce energy waste by ensuring heating is only used when needed.
What Is The Cheapest Electric Heater To Run Per Hour?
If we focus specifically on what is the cheapest electric heater to run per hour, the simple answer is: the one with the lowest wattage that meets your heating needs.
Let’s break down the hourly costs more precisely:
Low-Wattage Options
A 400W halogen or infrared heater costs approximately 11p per hour, while a 500W panel heater runs at about 14p per hour, and a 700W oil-filled radiator section at approximately 19p per hour.
Medium-Wattage Options
For medium-power heaters, a 1kW (1000W) convector heater costs approximately 27p per hour, a 1.2kW oil-filled radiator about 32p per hour, and a 1.5kW fan heater around 41p per hour.
High-Wattage Options
Higher power options include a 2kW convection heater at approximately 54p per hour, a 2.5kW oil-filled radiator at approximately 68p per hour, and a 3kW fan heater at approximately 81p per hour.
It’s worth noting that the cheapest to run may not always provide adequate heat. An underpowered heater running constantly may cost more than a more powerful one that reaches the desired temperature quickly and then cycles off.
According to Ofgem, the energy regulator, the actual cost per hour will vary based on your electricity tariff, so we recommend checking your specific rate.
Comparing Electric Heaters To Other Heating Solutions
How do electric heaters compare to other heating solutions like gas central heating?
Electric Heaters vs Gas Central Heating
Gas central heating systems typically cost less to run than electric heating. Current estimates suggest gas heating costs around 7-10p per kWh compared to electricity at 27p per kWh.
However, electric heaters have several advantages: no installation costs, the ability to heat just one room, portability and flexibility, no maintenance costs, and 100% efficiency at point of use.
When Electric Heating Makes Financial Sense
Electric heating is most economical when heating small spaces, using heating for short periods, in well-insulated rooms, as a supplement to other heating, or in properties without gas connections.
The Energy Saving Trust notes that in some scenarios, particularly for infrequently used rooms, an electric heater can be more cost-effective than running a central heating system for the entire house.
The Most Cost Effective Electric Heaters
When balancing purchase price with running costs, these options often provide the best value:
Budget Friendly Options
The Everhot electric heater range and similar branded low-wattage infrared or halogen heaters (400W-800W) can be purchased for £30-£60 and are among the cheapest electric heaters to run.
Mid-Range Value
Small oil-filled radiators with good thermostatic controls often provide the best balance between purchase price (£60-£120) and running costs for regular use.
Premium Energy Savers
High-quality infrared panel heaters or smart controlled radiators may cost £150-£300 but can save money long-term through superior efficiency and better control systems.
Consumer organisation Which? has tested numerous electric heaters and found that some of the most energy-efficient models aren’t necessarily the most expensive, suggesting we should look at features rather than just price.
Special Considerations For Different Spaces
Different rooms have different heating needs, affecting which is the cheapest electric heater to run for each space.
Bedrooms
For bedrooms, low-wattage oil-filled heaters or panel heaters with timers and thermostats are often most economical, as they can warm the room before bedtime and maintain a lower temperature during sleep.
Living Rooms
Larger spaces like living rooms might benefit from infrared heaters positioned to warm seating areas directly, rather than trying to heat the entire air volume.
Home Offices
For home offices where you sit in one position, direct heating from small halogen or infrared heaters can be the most cost-effective solution, using as little as 400W.
Bathrooms
Special bathroom-safe fan heaters or panel heaters are required for these humid environments. While they may not be the most economical to run, their safety features are essential.
NHS advice on keeping warm at home suggests that maintaining different temperatures in different rooms can be both healthier and more economical – with bedrooms ideally at 18°C and living rooms at 21°C.
Overall
Finding what is the cheapest electric heater to run depends largely on your specific circumstances. For direct, immediate heating of individuals, low-wattage infrared or halogen heaters are typically the most economical. For longer-term heating of rooms, oil-filled radiators with good thermostatic controls often provide the best balance of comfort and economy.
The most important factors in keeping costs down are choosing the right wattage for your space, using thermostatic controls effectively, ensuring your space is well insulated, and heating only the areas you’re using.
Remember that the cheapest running costs don’t always mean the most effective heating. Sometimes spending a little more on electricity for the right type of heater can provide much better comfort than trying to heat with an inadequate but slightly cheaper option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest portable electric heater to run?
Low-wattage (400W-800W) infrared heaters or halogen heaters are typically the cheapest portable heaters to run, costing between 11-22p per hour. They provide direct heat to people and objects rather than wasting energy heating all the air in a room.
Are oil filled radiators cheaper to run than fan heaters?
Oil filled radiators are usually cheaper to run than fan heaters for longer periods because they retain heat after being switched off and typically cycle on and off to maintain temperature. Fan heaters use more constant power but heat rooms more quickly.
Do infrared heaters use less electricity?
Yes, infrared heaters often use less electricity than conventional heater types because they directly heat objects and people rather than wasting energy heating air that rises to the ceiling. A typical infrared heater might use 30-40% less electricity than a fan heater for the same perceived warmth.
How can I reduce my electric heater running costs?
To reduce running costs: use thermostatic controls to prevent overheating, only heat rooms you’re using, improve insulation with draught excluders and curtains, use timers to avoid wastage, and choose the lowest wattage setting that maintains comfort.
Are electric panel heaters expensive to run?
Electric panel heaters are moderately expensive to run compared to other options. They typically cost between 14-54p per hour depending on their wattage (0.5kW-2kW). They’re most efficient in well-insulated rooms where heat loss is minimized.
Which electric heater is best for overnight use?
Low-wattage oil filled radiators with thermostatic controls are usually best for overnight use as they provide gentle background heat, maintain a steady temperature, operate quietly, and have lower power output which keeps running costs manageable.
Do ceramic heaters use less electricity than other types?
Ceramic fan heater models often use electricity more efficiently than standard fan heaters because the ceramic elements retain heat longer and distribute it more evenly. However, they still typically use more electricity than infrared or oil-filled options for the same heat output.
Is it cheaper to run central heating or electric heaters?
For whole-house heating, central heating systems (especially gas) are almost always cheaper to run than individual electric heaters. However, for heating single rooms for short periods, a well-chosen electric heater may be more economical than turning on the entire central heating system.
