Finding the Cheapest Electric Heater to Run This Winter

Finding the Cheapest Electric Heater to Run This Winter

This winter, staying warm without overspending is a priority for many households. Tubular heaters are the cheapest electric heater to run this winter, offering efficient heating at low operational costs. In this article, we'll explore various types of electric heaters—including halogen, oil-filled, fan, and tube heaters—comparing their energy consumption, performance, and unique features. We'll also discuss factors affecting running costs, such as wattage, energy efficiency and room size, helping you make an informed choice for your heating needs. Additionally, we’ll touch on safety considerations and the potential of renewable energy options. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which heater is the most economical for your home.

 

 

Factors Influencing the Running Costs of Electric Heaters

To identify the cheapest electric heater to run, consider the following factors:

 

Wattage: Higher wattage means higher electricity consumption. Look for cheap-to-run electric heaters with adjustable settings to manage energy use effectively.

Energy Efficiency: Check efficiency ratings and energy labels; higher efficiency translates to more heat output per unit of electricity consumed.

Thermostat and Temperature Control: Heaters with thermostats help maintain a steady temperature, reducing energy waste.

Room Size and Insulation: Ensure the heater's capacity matches the room size. Good insulation helps to retain warmth, minimising heating needs.

Usage Time: The longer and more frequently you use a heater, the higher the running costs. Short, occasional use is more economical.

 

The Best Methods for Heating a Room with Electricity

To find the best option for heating a room, it's essential to understand the different types of space heaters available. The main types include:

• Halogen Haters
• Oil-Filled Heaters
• Fan Heaters
• Tube Heaters

Halogen Heaters: Instant Warmth at a Low Cost

For instant warmth, a halogen heater is a good choice. These heaters use energy-efficient halogen bulbs to quickly provide radiant heat.

 

Advantages of Halogen Heaters:

• Ideal for small spaces
• Provides immediate warmth
• Focused heating
• Easy to install
• Environmentally friendly
• Silent operation
• Portable and lightweight

Disadvantages:

• Heat dissipates quickly when turned off
• Not suitable for large rooms
• Bulky for tight spaces
• Higher operational costs with continuous use

Cost of Running a Halogen Heater:

With an average output of 1200W and UK electricity costing 24.50p per kWh:

 

Output power: 1200W / 1000 = 1.2kWh

Cost per hour: 1.2kWh x 24.50p = 29.4p

Oil-Filled Heaters: Efficient and Long-Lasting Heat

Oil-filled heaters, or radiators, use oil to generate heat and maintain warmth longer than halogen heaters.

 

Advantages of Oil-Filled Heaters:

• Excellent heat retention
• Energy-efficient (retains warmth when off)
• Silent operation
• Low maintenance (sealed oil)
• Thermal cut-off for safety

Disadvantages:

• Slow to warm up
• Best for background warmth, not instant heating
• Heavy and bulky

Cost of Running an Oil-Filled Heater:

With a typical output of 1500W:

 

Power rating: 1500W / 1000 = 1.5kW

Cost per hour: 1.5kW x 24.50p = 36.75p

 

 

Electric Fan Heaters: Quick and Convenient Heating

Fan heaters use a fan to distribute warm air quickly throughout a room.

Advantages of Electric Fan Heaters:

• Rapidly heats a room
• Compact and easy to move
• Affordable and economical
• Available in various sizes

Disadvantages:

• Noisy operation
• Concentrates heat around the unit
• Can dry out the air

Cost of Running a Fan Heater:

With an average power output of 1125W:

 

Power rating: 1125W / 1000 = 1.13kW

Cost per hour: 1.13kW x 24.50p = 27.56p

Tube Heaters: Cost-Effective and Gentle Heating

Tube heaters are gaining popularity for frost protection and low-level background heating, making them a great option for anyone seeking a cheap to run electric heater.

 

Advantages of Tube Heaters:

• Efficient and cost-effective
• Even heat distribution
• Space-saving (can be mounted)
• Ideal for specific areas like greenhouses, cupboards, and bathrooms

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for quickly heating large spaces
• Limited effectiveness in large rooms
• Some models may be bulky

Cost of Running a Tube Heater:

For a 4ft thermostatic tube heater with an output of 190W:

 

Power rating: 190W / 1000 = 0.19kWh

Cost per hour: 0.19 kWh x 24.50p = 4.66p

 

What Type of Electric Heater is the Cheapest to Run?

When selecting the cheapest electric heater to run, evaluate the daily and monthly costs. Based on our comparisons, thermostatic tube heaters stand out as the most economical options.

 

Cost Overview of Different Heaters:

Heater	Cost per Hour	Cost in 24 Hours	Cost per Month
Tube Heater	4.66p	£1	£30
Halogen Heater	29.4p	£7.10	£213
Fan Heater	27.56p	£6.60	£198
Oil-Filled Heater	36.75p	£8.80	£264

 

A tube heater is indeed the cheapest electric heater to run during winter, thanks to its low operational costs.

Is an Electric Heater Cheaper Than Central Heating?

The cost-effectiveness of electric heaters compared to central heating varies by system type. Common central heating systems in the UK include:

 

Gas Central Heating: Generally more efficient and cheaper due to lower gas prices.

LPG Central Heating: Similar to gas but often costlier.

Electric Central Heating: Can be expensive, especially with high electricity rates.

Oil Central Heating: Requires regular refilling and storage.

Renewable Heating: High efficiency but may involve higher initial costs.

Advantages of Tube Heaters Over Central Heating:

Operation: Efficient spot heating without extensive ductwork.

Efficiency: Direct conversion of electricity to heat.

Cost-Effectiveness: Lower installation and maintenance costs.

Flexibility: Customised heating for individual rooms or settings like aviaries and vivariums.

Ease of Installation: Simple to mount, suitable for various spaces.

Conclusion: Choosing the Most Affordable Electric Heating Solution

The thermostatic tube heater emerges as the cheapest electric heater to run across various settings, making it an ideal choice for a range of applications. Whether you're looking to maintain a stable temperature in a greenhouse, provide gentle warmth in a bathroom, or protect sensitive plants in a grow tent or grow room, tubular heaters offer efficient heating with minimal energy consumption. They are also perfect for use in cupboards, caravans, patios, vivariums and aviaries, where targeted heating is essential. With such versatility, you can easily explore the many ways to utilise these heaters effectively.

As a cost-effective solution, many tubular heaters operate at a running cost close to 1p per hour, significantly helping to reduce energy bills while ensuring comfort in various environments. Their low running costs, combined with their versatility and effective heating capabilities, make them one of the best cheap-to-run electric heaters available on the market. Investing in tubular heaters is a smart decision for anyone seeking economical and efficient heating solutions, providing consistent warmth while saving space and energy.

To help you better understand the energy consumption of your heaters, we encourage you to use the "Electricity Cost Calculator by Morris" below to easily calculate the running costs of your radiators and make informed decisions for your heating needs.