How much does it cost to run an electric heater? And how can you save?

Whether you’re battling a cold snap or trying to avoid turning into an ice cube in your draughty living room, flipping on a plug-in heater seems like the perfect solution. But have you ever stopped to think about what it really costs to run an electric heater, and bask in that toasty warmth?

The best electric heaters can seem like an affordable alternative to cranking up the heating – or at least a way to supplement that heat or warm up a room that does't have UFH or radiators. However, different types and sizes use different amounts of electricity. Knowing how much using your electric heater costs, especially after the new energy price cap came into effect from July 2024, means you can decide how often you use it.

We’ve worked out how much you can expect to spend per hour or evening to run an electric heater – as well as ways you can reduce your energy bills. You might also want to track your usage by getting a smart meter, if you don't already have one.

How much does it cost to run an electric heater?

The best way to work out how much does it cost to run an electric heater is to find out how much you pay for energy per pence/kWh. You should be able to find this on your utility bill. 

Electricity prices have thankfully started to come down this year, following the spike last year. In October 2023 energy prices were being capped again at 27p per kWh, then they went up to 29p per kWh in January 2024. On 1st July the price cap dropped to 22.36p per kWh. We've rounded up this figure to the nearest penny (23p) in the calculations below to illustrate the highest amount it could cost to run an electric heater from July 2024.

Electric heaters show how much energy they use as their heat output. For example, a 2kW fan heater would cost 46p an hour to run on full power. Over a four-hour evening, this would be £1.84, and over a week, £12.88. 

Similarly, an example 3kW convector heater would cost 69p per hour to run on full power, £2.76 an evening and £19.32 a week, which shows how a more a powerful heater can cost over a week.

‘Remember that central heating is a lot cheaper to run than an electric heater,’ says John Lawless, a heating expert at BestHeating. ‘For every unit of heat put out by an electric heater, it will cost around three times as much as a unit of heat from one of your radiators.’

Are some electric heaters cheaper to run than others?

‘Electric heating is a little different in terms of judging a product’s energy efficiency,’ explains Nick Duggan, Director at the Radiator Centre. ‘Unlike washing machines, electric radiators do not come with Energy Performance certificates as, in theory, putting 1000 watts into an electric radiator should produce 1000 watts of heat.’

There are several types of heater that use electricity, and they vary in how much does it cost to run an electric heater:

• Fan heaters are light and easily portable. They heat rooms quickly by running a current through a coil to heat it up, then drawing air over it. This warm air is then blown out and circulated. You find different heat outputs ranging from 0.5kW to 3kW. Heaters with ceramic plates around the element will be more efficient and safer.
• Convector heaters work in a similar way, by heating up the air using an element, but are usually larger and can look more like radiators. They may have an optional fan to speed up heat distribution but not always, meaning they’re quieter to run but slower. Common heat outputs range from 2kW to 3kW.
• Oil-filled radiators work by heating up an element that’s submerged in fluid, which when warm, circulates around the radiator. While their heat outputs are similar, around 1kW to 2.5kW, they’ll continue to provide heat after they’ve been turned off, so don’t have to be on as long.

What energy saving features should I look for when buying an electric heater?

Electric heaters are more expensive to run than gas central heating, so look for features that make them as efficient as possible and help you to save energy.

1. Thermostat/climate control

Most electric heaters will have a thermostat or climate control, meaning that when the temperature you’ve set it to is reached, it’ll maintain it. Not only does this prevent you from becoming too hot, it means you won’t have to keep turning the heater on and off.

2. Timer

Timers allow you to set your heater to come on before you arrive home – meaning that you can opt for a lower heat for longer to help save energy. They’re also good for switching it off so you don’t forget. Try the TP-Link Tapo P110 Mini Smart Socket, £9.49, Amazon.

3. Variable heat

Multiple settings on an electric heater enable you to choose a lower one on milder days. Ideally look for at least three settings and/or a variable dial so your space won’t overheat.

How can I cut the cost of running an electric heater?

If you're concerned about how much does it cost to run an electric heater then it's absolutely worth working out how to lower those energy bills. Here are our top tips...

1. Buy the right heater

Choose an electric heater that suits the size of the room. A small heater will struggle to heat a large space, meaning it’ll be on constantly on full – less efficient than a larger heater on a lower setting less of the time.

2. Turn down your thermostat

It can be more economical to set your central heating to low and use an electric heater to boost the temperature in the room you’re in. This means you can be cosy while watching TV without heating the rest of your house as much.

3. Set a schedule

If your electric heater doesn’t have its own timer, or is limited to one setting, add a smart plug. This means you can decide when the heater is on and off all day long.

4. Keep the heat in

Poor insulation can cause up to 25% heat loss, meaning you’ll have your electric heater on for longer or at a higher setting. Add draught excluders around windows and doors, keyhole covers to exterior doors, and opt for thicker curtains. On a larger scale, upgrade any single glazing to double, check your loft insulation is sufficient and think about installing cavity wall insulation.