Economical Electric Heaters – Costs, Efficiency & The Best Affordable Models
Affordable Electric Heating: Efficiency and Costs Uncovered
With energy bills soaring, many UK households are looking for more economical home heating solutions. Electric heaters provide an efficient, low-carbon alternative to gas boilers.
This guide examines the most cost-effective electric heater options for keeping energy spending down. We break down running costs, compare efficiencies, and profile top budget models fit for every room.
Discover economical electric solutions perfect for solo occupancy, smaller or occasional heating needs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Type | Running Costs | Efficiency | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil filled radiators | £0.30 per hour | Up to 98% | £50-£150 |
| Ceramic fan heaters | £0.40 per hour | 90-95% | £25-£100 |
| Halogen heaters | £0.55 per hour | 80-85% | £30-£150 |
| Panel heaters | £0.45 per hour | 95%+ | £50-£250 |
Why Choose Electric Heating?
All-electric homes have risen dramatically in the UK – from just 1% in 2016 to over 15% today. With gas boilers getting phased out under net zero pledges, electricity looks set to dominate future heating needs.
Other benefits include:
- Lower carbon – Electricity grids are rapidly decarbonizing through renewable sources.
- Controllable – Heaters allow adjustable specific room heating. Gas typically warms your whole home.
- Cheaper installation – Avoid complex pipework and ventilation needs.
- Versatile – Suit homes not connected to gas grids.
- Smart options – Modern internet-connected models enable programmable schedules and voice activation.
For the most economical running costs, electricity makes sense for small, modern, well insulated spaces with low occupancy or sporadic heating demands.
Running Cost Calculations
To estimate your potential expenditure, first establish:
- Heater wattage – Check technical specs for the kilowatt (kW) rating. This denotes power consumption.
- Electricity unit rate – Your supplier charges per kilowatt hour (kWh). Currently averages £0.34 per kWh across the UK.
- Usage time – Estimate your typical daily/weekly operation hours.
Next apply this formula:
Cost = Power (kW) x Time (hours) x Electricity rate (£/kWh)
So a typical 2000 watt (2 kW) heater used 5 hours daily with electricity at £0.30/kWh costs:
£0.30 x 2 kW x 5 hours = £3 per day
Factor in longer winter schedules and higher demand to estimate full seasonal costs.
While electric heaters remain more expensive than gas to run, choosing the right economical models minimizes expenditure.
Most Economical Electric Heaters
These options provide warmer, cosier spaces for lower running costs.
1. Oil Filled Radiators
Using insulated reservoirs of warm silicone oil, these outdated classics remain the most efficient electric heaters out there.
How they work – Electric heating elements warm the internal oil, which then radiates warmth out steadily. This also cools down slowly once turned off.
Efficiency – Up to 98% efficient. The oil stores and emits heat effectively, minimizing warmth loss.
Costs – Starting from £50, basic models run from around £0.30 per hour. Include timers to schedule overnight on cheaper tariffs.
Top pick – Pro Breeze Oil Filled Radiator – 11 fins provide quick heat dispersion at a great price.
2. Ceramic Fan Heaters
Using ceramic plates to generate instant localized heat, small fan models offer adjustable warmth on a budget.
How they work – Electric currents rapidly heat the ceramic plates. Integrated fans direct this warmth in controlled streams around your space.
Efficiency – Reach between 90-95%. Room placement affects effective heat distribution.
Costs – Just £0.40+ per hour for personal warming. Use timers and the lowest comfortable settings to control expenditure.
Top pick – Lloytron F2021 Ceramic Fan – Compact design with carry handles. Adjustable 2500 watt maximum heat.
3. Smart Storage Heaters
Modern network-connected storage heaters provide intelligent timed heating and hot water capabilities.
How they work – Built in masonry bricks store warmth overnight for gradual release the next day. Control temperatures and timings via smartphone apps.
Efficiency – Up to 90% achievable by minimizing overnight losses and maximizing storage.
Costs – Around £300-£500 installation, with running costs comparable to other storage heaters. Significantly slash usage with optimized programming.
Top pick – Dimplex iDN Intelligent Storage Heater – Learns your usage patterns to direct heat when and where needed most.
4. Panel Heaters
Discreet yet mighty, flat panel radiators mount conveniently on walls for instant programmable warmth.
How they work – Internal heating elements quickly get to temperature behind their sleek casings. Most include timers, thermostats and WiFi controls.
Efficiency – 95%+ achievable. Direct focused warmth into occupied spaces avoids waste.
Costs – Around £50-250 depending on sizes and smart capabilities. Use eco modes and timers to drive down running costs.
Top pick – EasyPlug Simfires Flat Panel Radiator – Advanced carbon fiber core enables rapid responsiveness in a super slimline design.
Comparing Efficiency Ratings
Check technical sheets to compare heat outputs and energy efficiency scores.
The chart below contrasts ratings across similarly sized popular models:
| Heater | Dimensions | BTUs | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi HCX9124E Oil Radiator | 24 x 58 x 71 cm | 2450 | 92% |
| Pro Breeze 2000W Oil Heater | 25 x 19 x 62 cm | 2500 | 98% |
| Beldray EH0586ST 2kW Convection Heater | 23 x 18 x 52 cm | 2500 | 85% |
| Glen DimplexStorage Heater | 95 x 50 x 23 cm | 4800 | 92% |
Look for higher BTU outputs and 92%+ efficiency ratings. Electricity use under eco modes also gives a good comparison benchmark.
Comparing Purchase & Running Costs
Weighing upfront prices against projected running costs is key. A cheaper heater guzzling energy will cost more over time.
This table compares total expenditure over a 5 year period:
| Heater | Purchase Price | Yearly Energy Costs | 5 Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Breeze 2000W Oil Filled Radiator | £59.99 | £250 | £759.99 |
| Triton TWH300e Panel Heater | £79.99 | £320 | £959.99 |
| Dimplex Quantum Storage Heater | £449 | £150 | £699 |
Assuming comparable sizing and outputs, storage and oil filled radiators prove the most economical overall home heating solution. Modern panel heaters provide responsiveness and smart controls for a slightly greater but still modest 5 year cost.
You must accurately calculate your own typical hourly, daily and seasonal usage times though based on room areas, insulation etc!
Economical Usage Tips
Follow these tips to maximise efficiencies from your chosen electric heater:
- Size appropriately – Select models with adequate power and BTUs for each space.
- Adjust manually – Use thermostats to control comfortable warmth levels only.
- Locate wisely – Placing near windows or doors causes heat loss.
- Use timers – Program schedules around specific room occupancy times rather than constant heating.
- Eco modes – Optimize operating temperatures and fan speeds.
- Smart controls – Connect models to home WiFi for app-based scheduling.
- Check insulation – Well sealed lofts and walls retain warmth for longer.
- Fit thermostatic radiator valves – Automatically balance temperatures across radiators.
Taking a combined approach optimizes comfort while minimizing unnecessary energy waste and expenditure.
Heating Grants, Discounts & Incentives
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) – UK householders can receive quarterly tax-free payments for switching to eligible low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps or biomass boilers.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme – Up to £5k grant for switching gas boiler systems over to low carbon alternatives. Launching mid 2023.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) – Have home insulation upgrades and heating improvements installed at no upfront cost through this government backed utility company scheme.
Cold Weather Payments – Low income households can get £25 for each continuous 7 day cold spell (temperatures below zero) between November and March.
Check for additional rebates, voucher codes or seasonal sales from leading electric heater retailers too!
FAQs
How much do storage heaters cost to run?
Modern AAA-rated models cost around £300 annually based on 500 hours typical usage in a 3 bedroom house. Maximise night-time charging for cheapest rates.
Do I need special wiring for electric heaters?
Standard wall sockets supporting up to 13 amp loads generally suffice for smaller oil filled, ceramic or fan models under 2kw. Larger storage heaters may require upgraded dedicated circuits. Consult an electrician.
Where should I position space heaters?
Locate centrally in the room away from drafty areas near doors and windows. Areas feeling colder need closer placement. Just avoid direct contact with fabrics and ensure good ventilation.
Can I control electric heaters remotely?
Many modern storage heaters, panel radiators and convection models offer inbuilt wifi connectivity. This enables remote operation via smartphone apps – perfect for checking in while away!
How long should electric heaters last?
Well maintained oil and ceramic fan models average 5 years. High quality storage heaters and panel radiators last up to 15-20 years. Elements and fuses may need occasional replacement though.
Final Thoughts
We hope this comprehensive UK-focused guide provides all the key details needed to identify affordable, efficient electric heaters for your needs.
Balancing purchase costs against projected long term running expenditure gives the best indication of total ownership costs. Our top picks maximize energy savings without compromising comfort.
Just ensure to accurately size units for each room, use integrated timers and advanced controls to minimize operation times, and take advantage of promotional discounts and offers.
Combining the right economical models with optimized smart settings keeps energy bills down while delivering winter-long warmth and cosiness.
