HOUSEHOLDS trying to clamp down on their energy bills might trade central heating for an electric heater.
However, while they can offer a good alternative to traditional heating, it’s not always the best option for saving cash.
We asked experts how much it actually costs to run an electric heater and what downsides to look out for when making the switch.
Electrical heaters are usually cheap to buy, making it seem like a cost-effective way of keeping warm.
An electric convection heater is a plug-in device that works as electricity is passed through a resistor and converted into heat.
As you can apply the heat directly at you and warm up the exact room you’re in, you’d think it would be cheaper than running the heating.
However, experts at Which? said: “Central heating is much more effective at maintaining a stable temperature over a longer period, whereas the heat from an electric heater will soon dissipate if the rest of your home is cold.”
Which? added: “Although the comparison might make it look as though your electric heater is cheaper to run, it will only be heating one room, whereas your central heating will be aiming to heat your whole home.
“A heater in each room would definitely end up costing much more.”
Therefore, electric heaters are cheaper for a short-term blast in a small area, but central heating is generally better for long-term use.
However, electric heaters can also vary in cost depending on which one you have.
To determine which is the better option for you, you should evaluate how much you spend on your current heating appliances.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6345562212112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Here’s the equation you use to work out how much your devices are costing you:
Cost = power (kilowatt) x cost of one kWh (pence) x the length of time.
How much does it cost to run an electric heater?
According to price comparison site Which?, electric heaters can cost you anywhere between 8p and 76p an hour based on which one you buy and how many kW it uses.
Electric portable heaters should cost 24.86p/kWh under the current energy price cap, which has been in force since January 1.
This means an electric heater which uses 2kWh, run for an hour a day, would cost £182.50 across the year.
Of course, this price will vary depending on how long you use the device for – and the times you will mostly use it is in the winter.
A log burner might be a savvy solution if you want a cheaper alternative.
Or you could cosy up under an electric blanket, or try out a wearable hot water bottle.
What are the risks of using electric heaters?
While electric heaters are simple to use, there are still risks to consider regarding safety.
Because the hot bars on electric heaters are exposed, they could quickly spark a fire if they touch other household items.
Here are some checks you can make to keep you and your family safe:
- It should be on a level surface – you don’t want it to be knocked over or fall off
- Keep it well away from flammable objects like paper, furniture or curtains
- Never use it to dry your clothes
- Don’t leave it unattended for long periods of time, especially when you’re asleep
- You should never power it from an extension lead – they can overheat and start a fire fast
- Always check your heater for damage and deterioration – do not use it if it’s not in good condition
- Make sure you buy from manufacturers or retailers that you know and trust – second-hand heaters could be faulty
- Double check your appliance is registered and hasn’t been recalled
- Have somebody check your smoke alarm or make sure you know it’s working – it’s imperative to detect anything that goes wrong about the house
How can I keep warm without the heating?
It’s better to have your heating on for a few hours in the evening and then set the timer so it comes on an hour before you plan to get up.
Another way to keep warm at night is to layer up and ensure you have a thick winter duvet.
Consider buying an electric blanket; they are another great way to keep warm, and most cost around 2.4p an hour to run.
Turning one on about half an hour before you sleep will warm your bed up and cost just over 1p.
Get yourself a hot water bottle, they are always great way of keeping warm and they are perfect for snuggling up with in bed – you’ll just need to factor in the cost of boiling your kettle or heating water on your stove.
Alternatively, if you want to have the central heating on in your bedroom, turn off the radiators in the rooms you’re not using to cut costs.
Don’t forget about preventative measures, such as draught-proofing your home and sealing your windows to stop cold air from coming in. Shut your curtains to help keep heat in, too.
Prices for draught excludes start from a fiver in most stores, but a thick blanket rolled up next to a draughty door will work just as well.
Loft insulation is also very important as it can stop heat escaping, slashing your heating bill.
You can buy insulation from all local builder merchants or retailers such as B&Q and Wickes.
If you turn your boiler’s flow temperature down you could save around £180 annually on your energy bills.
A couple managed to cut £400 off their EDF Energy bill by turning off their immersion heater.
Topping up loft insulation and switching to a smart meter can also bring a household further savings.
Reducing draughts and heat loss will also help to cut your heating costs, so grab some draught excluders and consider increasing your insulation.
It’s also important to consider which rooms in your home need heating.
You won’t be using each one 24/7, so ensure the heating is set to frost protection in any rooms that aren’t occupied.
There is also a list of other common boiler problems we’ve rounded up that could be pumping up your bills.