Price of running an electric heater versus central heating compared

13 December 2023 , 13:59

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With soaring energy costs, many Brits are struggling to stay warm this winter (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This Christmas is going to be a cold one - with snow and freezing temps already hitting parts of the UK.

But, as rising energy costs continue to cripple Brits - many of us are looking to tighten the purse strings when it comes to staying warm. However, not only is sitting in a cold house uncomfortable, it can also lead to a slew of issues including damp and mould.

Most of us throw on a jumper if we're feeling a little bit chilly - and reluctantly flick on the central heating if we're still too cold. But, as electric heaters boom into popularity - which is the cheapest way to keep the house warm?

How much does an electric heater cost?

There are two main types of electric heaters: Fan and Oil. Depending on the size and power outage, fan heaters tend to be the cheaper option, with retailer Argos selling one for £25 and Amazon flogging a similar brand from just £13.85.

Oil heaters do tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from £40 to over £100. But, does their efficiency weigh out the initial cost to purchase one?

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How much does it cost to run an electric heater?

Based on the average October price cap electricity rate of 27p her Kwh, Look After My Bills has calculated the costs of running a 700W fan heater vs a 2,000W version. Per hour, the 700W machine costs around 19p, which works out at £6.65 a week if you run it for five hours a day.

The 2,000W version, which would be more suited to those with larger rooms or high ceilings, costs 54p per hour. This works out at £18.90 per week for a five-hour use per day.

When it comes to oil heaters - the price does not vary too much. A 650W oil heater costs 18p an hour - which works out at £6.30 a week. For a 2,5000W version, you'll be spending 68p an hour, or £23.80 a week.

It's also worth noting that oil heaters have strong heat retention - so even when you turn the device off, it will take a while to cool down and therefore will still give off heat.

How much does central heating cost?

While your house probably already has a central heating system built in, costs can occur if you purchase devices like Nest - which allow you to turn your heating on when you're not home. It's the perfect tool for commuters, who dread coming back to a freezing home - but costs around £140.

Of course, it's not necessary - but can help you control your costs and prevent huge bills from accidentally leaving your heating on high.

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How much does central heating cost to run?

The current Ofgem price cap limits the price of gas to 6.89p/kWh and 27.35p/kWH for electricity. This means for a 24KW gas boiler - you'll be spending £1.65 per hour. Turning on eight radiators with a 12KW electric boiler is nearly double, at £3.28 per hour.

While these prices are significantly more than running a fan or oil heater - it's important to take into consideration the amount of heat needed to warm the entire house, and not just one room.

There are ways to reduce your heating costs, without taking too much of a warmth-sacrifice. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that households who turn their thermostats down by just one degree could reduce bills by up to 10 per cent. An average thermostat temperature of 18.7C is in line with heating guidance, as the Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to between 18C and 21C during winter.