Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity? Your Guide to Efficient Winter Heating
When the temperature drops in Australia, many households turn to oil heaters for their steady and silent warmth. But the question often arises: do oil heaters use a lot of electricity?
In this article, we unravel how much electricity oil heaters actually use, how they stack up against other heaters, and clever ways you can keep warm without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!
How Much Electricity Do Oil Heaters Use?
An oil heater typically draws between 500 W and 2,400 W, depending on the model size. Most popular units fall around 1,500 W (1.5 kW). With Australia’s average electricity cost hovering around 32 c/kWh:
1.5 kW × 1 hour = 1.5 kWh
1.5 kWh × 32 c = 48 ¢ per hour
Multiply that by daily usage:
6 hours × $0.48 = ~$2.88/day
Over 90 days (typical winter): ~$260
If you run it non-stop at 2 kW:
2 kW × 1 hour × 32 c = 64 ¢/hr (~$3.84 for 6 hrs)
Oil heaters use electricity but moderate consumption once a thermostat kicks in for space under 20 m². Many Australians pay between $80–$750 on heating over winter depending on usage and energy plan.
Factors Affecting Electricity Consumption of Oil Heaters
So, does an oil-filled heater use a lot of electricity? Actually, several important factors influence costs:
Wattage – Smaller (500–1,000 W) use less, but take longer to heat. Thermostats prevent constant max-power draw.
Electricity rate – Varies by state. Check 2025 average cost of electricity per kWh by state.
Usage time & coverage – A 1.5 kW heater in a 20 m² room for 6 hrs/day uses ~$2.88/day at 32 c.
Insulation & home design – Well-insulated homes retain heat better; drafts, windows, and insulation significantly impact running time.
Thermostat efficiency – Oil heaters with accurate thermostats cycle on/off, pulling much less power over time compared to constant-output fan heaters.
Size of room – Too large a room? Heater runs long. Too small? Energy wasted. For rooms up to 20 m², 1–1.5 kW is ideal; larger rooms need 2.5 kW+.
Comparing Oil Heaters to Other Heating Options
Oil heaters are a popular choice for home heating, but they aren't the only option. To help you decide whether oil heaters use a lot of electricity, here’s a comparison of oil heaters with other common heating options.
Heater Type | Power | Cost/hr (at 32 ¢/kWh) | Notes |
Fan Heater | 1.8 – 2.0 kW | $0.58 – $0.64 | Quick heat, high running costs |
Oil Column Heater | 1.5 – 1.8 kW | $0.48 – $0.58 | Retains heat, quieter, cycles efficiently |
Panel Heater | 1.5 – 2.0 kW | $0.48 – $0.64 | Even convection, no heat retention |
Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioner | Variable(COP 3–6) | ~$0.11–$0.21 effective cost | |
Gas Heater (Natural Gas or LPG) | Varies (rated by MJ output) | Approx. $0.20-$0.30 per MJ equivalent | Cheaper energy, but needs installation and emits CO₂ |
Oil heaters win for energy efficiency among electric resistive heaters—slow to heat initially but—once warm—they cycle off. They’re chambre favourites, quiet, safe, and clean, with no open elements. However, heat pumps blow them out of the water for efficiency and cost. Still, they require installation and aren’t always portable.
Tips to Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Costs
To ensure that your electric oil heater does not use a lot of electricity, follow these tips:
Choose the right size – Use 1–1.5 kW for ≤20 m²; upsize if needed.
Use a thermostat – Keeps temperature steady; avoids overheating.
Insulate your space – Draught-proofing, thick curtains, and sealed windows can reduce energy use by up to 25 %.
Use timers – Run during mornings/evenings, not unattended all night.
Combine with other heat sources – Pair with electric blankets (cost ~$17/year) or heat pumps during peak hours.
Take advantage of off-peak rates – In VIC & NSW, off-peak may cost ~20 c/kWh—big savings.
Clean or service regularly – Even though low-maintenance, dust buildup reduces efficiency.
Consider portable power options – A portable power station during peak demand can smooth out electricity use and cost. Most of them are now solar-compatible. You can use them to store free solar energy for night-time use, or when there is a power outage.
If you do not want your oil heater to use a lot of electricity, invest in an EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station, that can take advantage of your TOU utility plan. Its 3600Wh battery, expandable with extra batteries, keeps your home bright and cozy during winter power outages. As it’s portable, you can also move it to home offices, DIY workshops, and off-grid sheds.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Do oil heaters use a lot of electricity? Compared to other electric resistive heaters, they’re actually pretty efficient thanks to thermostats and heat retention. For a modest winter, a 1.5 kW unit might cost you around $260 over 90 days—reasonable comfort for most households. If you're looking for a way to keep your home warm during power outages and reduce your electricity bills, consider investing in a solar generator like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro. With its high capacity and flexibility, it’s a perfect solution for keeping your oil heater and other essential appliances running during the colder months.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to run an electric heater or an oil heater?
Electric heaters come in various types—fan, panel, radiant, and oil-filled. Among these, oil heaters are generally more cost-efficient over time. While both oil heaters and standard electric heaters consume similar wattage when in use (usually between 1.5–2.4 kW), oil heaters have an advantage: they retain heat even after switching off. This is due to the thermal properties of the oil inside, which continues radiating warmth without drawing more electricity. In contrast, fan heaters stop emitting heat immediately once powered down, requiring continuous energy to maintain warmth. For small to medium rooms where steady, silent heating is preferred, oil heaters are often cheaper in the long run. However, for larger spaces or quick bursts of heat, other options like reverse-cycle air conditioners may offer better cost-to-comfort ratios.
How much does it cost to run an oil heater all day?
If you run a 1.5 kW oil heater continuously for 24 hours, it would consume 36 kilowatt-hours of electricity. At an average Australian rate of 32 ¢/kWh, that adds up to about $11.52 per day or approximately $345 per month. However, in real-world use, oil heaters rarely run non-stop. Thanks to thermostats, the heater cycles on and off to maintain a consistent temperature, often cutting actual runtime in half or more. In practice, many people use oil heaters for 6–8 hours per day, which lowers the daily cost to around $2.88–$3.84. For a full winter season (about 90 days), this translates to $260–$345 in usage. The key to managing costs lies in using timers, insulating your room, and only heating spaces you actively use.
Does an oil heater use a lot of power?
Do oil-filled heaters use a lot of power? Oil heaters can appear power-hungry at first glance because they typically use between 500 to 2,400 watts (0.5–2.4 kW). However, their electricity consumption is more efficient than it seems. These heaters use a thermal oil reservoir that stays warm even after the device powers off. Once the room reaches the set temperature, the built-in thermostat reduces or stops power consumption, relying on the stored heat to maintain comfort. Unlike fan or radiant heaters that stop warming immediately, oil heaters continue radiating heat, which lowers overall electricity use. So while the peak wattage is significant, the actual kilowatt-hours used can be much lower if the heater is well-managed.
What are the disadvantages of an oil heater?
Oil heaters, while reliable and safe, do have a few downsides. Firstly, they’re relatively slow to heat up—it can take 10 to 30 minutes for them to start radiating noticeable warmth, which isn’t ideal if you want instant heat. They’re also bulkier and heavier than other types of portable heaters, making them harder to move from room to room. Because of their hot metal surfaces, they can be a burn risk to children and pets if not placed carefully. In larger or open-plan spaces, oil heaters may struggle to distribute warmth evenly. Additionally, they rely entirely on electricity, which can be more expensive than natural gas or highly efficient heat pumps.