How Much Does it Cost to Run Energy-efficient Electric Heaters Wall Mounted?
Alexander BevanIf you want to upgrade your heating system while saving energy, consider installing energy-efficient electric heaters wall mounted. These sleek and compact units not only provide efficient heating but also help reduce your carbon footprint. But how much will it cost to run them?
In this article, we'll break down the cost of running energy-efficient wall-mounted electric heaters compared to other heating solutions. By understanding the respective costs, you can determine whether these heaters are the right choice for your home.
Do Plug-in Wall Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?
While wattage and electricity rates are the primary drivers of electric wall heater operating costs, several other factors can impact the overall expenses associated with these heating appliances. Before you get an electric wall heater, you need to consider:
Heating Capacity
The size and heating capacity of an electric wall heater affect its energy consumption. Larger units for bigger spaces use more electricity than smaller models for smaller rooms.
Room Size
Choose a heater sized appropriately for the space to ensure optimal, efficient, and cost-effective heating.
Usage Patterns and Thermostat Settings
The frequency and duration of use significantly impact energy usage and costs. Supplemental heating for a few hours daily results in lower bills than using the heater as the primary heat source. Adjusting thermostat settings can also help manage consumption and costs.
Energy Efficiency
Some wall heaters are designed for energy efficiency with advanced technologies, and energy-stare-rated models adhere to strict energy efficiency standards, offering significant cost savings.
Targeted Heating/Heating Zones
Electric wall heaters provide targeted or zone-based heating, allowing you to heat specific areas and avoid the energy waste of heating the entire home, resulting in substantial savings.
Supplementary Heating
Electric wall heaters are a supplementary heating solution that will reduce overall heating costs by warming spaces not covered by central heating. This can be patios, workshop sheds, or greenhouses.
How do I choose an electric wall heater?
There are various types of electric wall heaters on the market. While they all run on electricity, their mode of operation is different. Here are the various types of electric heaters available:
Electric Wall Heaters
Electric wall heaters come in three options: convection heaters, radiant heaters, and fan heaters. They each have a unique mechanism for heating a room or space.
Convection Heaters
Convection heaters function by utilising electric elements to heat the air surrounding them. As the air becomes warmer, it rises and spreads throughout the room, ensuring a consistent and evenly distributed heat. These heaters are popular in residential and office settings due to their simplicity and effectiveness. They are typically mounted on walls and available in various sizes to accommodate room dimensions.
Radiant Heaters
Radiant heaters employ infrared technology to emit heat directly towards objects and individuals in their path, rather than heating the air. This results in immediate warmth and energy efficiency, as there is no wasted energy on heating the surrounding air. They prove particularly useful in spaces such as bathrooms and outdoor areas, delivering quick and focused heat.
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters incorporate a fan that blows air over a heating element, rapidly dispersing warm air into the room. This makes them ideal for quickly heating smaller spaces or providing an additional boost of warmth. They are compact and easy to install, making them a versatile choice for various environments.
Panel Heaters
Panel heaters are slim, wall-mounted electric panels that provide even heat distribution. Their thin design makes them discreet, blending seamlessly with modern interiors. These heaters are energy-efficient and often feature programmable thermostats and timers for precise heating control.
Although slim, panel heaters are large and limited to large spaces. They cannot be installed in small cupboards, in an aviary, or in a kennel where space is limited. Tubular wall-mounted electric heaters are more applicable in tiny spaces.
Tube Heaters
Tube heaters consist of long, cylindrical heating elements that radiate warmth over a large area. They are typically mounted on walls and are designed to produce efficient, uniform heat, making them suitable for both residential and industrial environments. The elongated shape allows for flexible installation in tight spaces, such as garages, workshops, and greenhouses. Tube heaters are often used in areas where traditional heating methods may be impractical, providing reliable warmth while remaining energy-efficient. Their design helps to minimise cold spots, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere even in larger or irregularly shaped rooms.
What type of Heater Uses the Least Electricity?
To determine the cost of running different home heaters, we need to consider their power ratings (in watts) and their duration of usage. We'll use the 1 October to 31 December 2024 electricity rate in the UK of 24.50 p per KWh (Ofgem, 2024).
Here are the typical power ratings for heating solutions found in our homes
- Convection heater: 2000 watts
- Radiant heater: 1200 watts
- Fan heater: 1500 watts
- Panel heater: 250 watts
- Tube heaters: 100 watts
Assuming each heater runs for an hour a day,
Convection heater
Power= 2kW
Time= 1 hour
Electricity rate = 24.50 per kWh
Cost per day = 2kW x 1h x 24.50 per kWh = 49 p
Cost per month = 49p x 30 = £14.7
Radiant Heater
Power = 1.2 Kw (1200 watts /1000)
Time = 1 hour
Electricity Rate = 24.50 per kWh
Cost per day = 1.2 kW x 1h x 24.50/kWh = 29.4 p
Cost per month = 29.4p x 30 = (882p/100p) = £8.82
Fan Heater
Power = 1.5 kW
Time = 1 hour
Electricity rate = 24.50 per kWh
Cost per day = 1.5 kW x 1h x 24.50 per kWh = 36.75 p
Cost per month = 36.75 p x 30 = £11
Panel Heater
Power = 0.25 kW
Time = 1 hour
Electricity rate = 24.50/kWh
Cost per day = 0.25 kW x 1h x 24.50p/kWh = 6.13
Cost per month = 6.13 x 30 = £1.8
Tube Heater
Power = 0.1 kW
Time = 1 hour
Electricity rate = 24.50 per kWh
Cost per day = 0.1 kW x 1h x 24.50 per kWh = 2.45p
Cost per month = 2.45p x 30 = £ 0.7
What is the Cheapest Way to Heat a Room With Electricity?
From our calculations, wall mount electric heaters are the cheapest way to heat a room. Here is a summary of the monthly cost of using an electric wall heater for an hour compared to conventional heating methods.
- Convection heater: £14.7
- Radiant Heater: £8.82
- Fan heater: £11
- Panel heater: £1.8
- Tube heater: £0.7
Moreover, newer models of thermostatic energy-efficient electric heaters wall mounted use less electricity compared to their counterparts. They come in sizes ranging from 1 to 4 feet each with varying power ratings. Here is an overview of how much it will cost to run them:
Electric wall heater size Power Monthly Cost:
Are plug-in electric radiators cheaper than gas?
While gas central heating is a common feature in most UK homes, energy-efficient electric radiators are a more economical alternative. Electric heaters are easy to install and operate and their monthly electric consumption is lower.
Gas heaters are expensive to install as they require a complex network of pipes running through the entire house. Some of the heat produced through the pipes is lost as it gets absorbed by the surfaces onto which the pipes are installed In addition, gas heaters heat an entire house and cannot be used to focus heating in one area like your greenhouse or garden shed
Since gas heaters are centralised, they cannot be moved. Also, they use a single thermostat fitted in a central location as well. A centralised thermostat may not get accurate readings of the entire house; hence, it is likely that some rooms will be warmer than others.
Electric radiators are cheaper to install as one only needs to mount the heater on the wall with provided brackets. Once you plug in the power cord, the heater instantly supplies heat to your shed, greenhouse, or bedroom.
Also, electric radiators are portable. You can detach them from their current location and install them elsewhere without the need of an electrician. Also, the inbuilt thermostat in the electric radiator will always take an accurate reading of the space it is in; hence, adjust the heat to suit specific rooms.
Are electric wall heaters safe?
Electric wall heaters are generally safe per the manufacturer's guidelines. To ensure the safety of both you and your family, here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Overheat protection: modern electric wall heaters have a built-in thermal overheating protection feature. This feature automatically shuts off the heater if it becomes too hot, reducing the fire risk or damage.
2. Thermal cut protection: Some portable electric heaters come with a thermal cut protection feature to prevent overheating. This helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of fire.
3. Thermostat control: Look for electric wall heaters that have a thermostat control. This allows you to set and maintain a desired temperature in the room. By preventing overheating, it ensures a safe and comfortable environment for you and your furry friend.
4. Cool-Touch housing: Consider models that have a cool-touch housing design. This means that even when the heater is in use, the exterior remains cool to the touch.
5. Tube-heater guards: Another brilliant alternative to cool-touch housing is tubular heater guards. These heating guards provide a robust barrier between the heater and curious pets or children. The fortified barrier protects your valuables from fire hazards.
Tips for Safe Usage
1. Proper installation: It is crucial to install the heater correctly, following the manufacturer's instructions, especially for wall-mounted units. Incorrect installation can pose electrical hazards.
2. Clearance: maintain sufficient clearance around the heater. Keep furniture, drapes, bedding, and other flammable materials at least three feet away for optimal functioning of the heater.
3. Stable Placement: If you are using a portable electric heater, place it on a flat and stable surface to prevent it from tipping over.
4. Unplug when not in use: Always remember to unplug the heater when it is not in use to minimise the risk of electrical fires.
5. Regular maintenance: Keep the heater clean and free of dust and debris, as they can cause overheating. It is essential to regularly inspect the heater for any signs of damage or wear.
6. Avoid extension cords: Instead of using extension cords or power strips, it is advisable to plug the heater directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords and power strips can overheat and potentially cause fires.
Conclusion
Energy-efficient electric heaters wall-mounted provide a practical and cost-effective heating solution for your home or business. Wall-mounted heaters are more economical, resulting in significantly lower operating expenses. These heaters are safe when used correctly and incorporate modern safety technologies like overheat protection and tube heater housing. Choosing the right size and model of electric wall heater ensures you experience efficient and focused heating for any area in your home.
Be sure to check out the Electricity Cost Calculator by Morris below, to easily calculate the costs of running your electric devices and make informed choices for your home!