How Much Does an Electric Heater Cost to Run: Full Guide
In winter, many people use electric heaters to keep their homes warm and cozy. But once you turn one on, it starts using a lot of electricity right away. That’s why many families worry about their bills going up.
To help you keep your energy costs under control, let’s see how much does an electric blow heater cost to run. Knowing this will help you figure out if your heater uses too much power and how long you should run it each day.
We’ll also share a few simple tips to help you save money. Let’s get started.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Heater?
Electric heaters are known for using quite a lot of electricity. But not all of them cost the same to run. The brand, model, and build quality can affect how much power they use.
Your local electricity rate also matters. To get a clear idea of how much does an electric heater cost to run UK, you’ll need to know your heater’s power rating and the price you pay per unit of electricity.
Let’s use the UK’s average electricity price of about 27 pence per kWh as an example.
If your heater is 2 kW and you use it at full power:
Per hour: £0.54
Per night (4 hours): £2.16
Per week: £15.12
For a more powerful 3 kW heater:
Per hour: £0.81
Per night: £3.24
Per week: £22.68
In short, the more power your heater uses and the longer you run it, the higher your bill will be. Bigger heaters warm up more space but also use more energy.
Key Factors That Affect Running Costs
Heater power and electricity rates are not the only factors influencing the cost. In real life, a few other things also affect how much you pay to run your heater. Here’s what matters most and how each one changes your total cost.
1. Room Size
How long your heater takes to warm up a room depends on the size of the space.
Heat rises first and then spreads around. In small rooms, you’ll feel the warmth quickly. But in big rooms or places with high ceilings or open layouts, the heater needs to run longer and use more power to reach a comfortable temperature.
2. Room Location
Where your home is and how it faces can change how well your heater works.
Homes in warmer or lower areas heat up faster. Places near the coast, in windy spots, or at higher altitudes need more heating time to stay warm.
Detached houses also lose heat faster because they’re open on all sides. Terraced or semi-detached homes share walls, so they hold heat better and need less energy.
3. Insulation Quality
Good insulation helps keep heat inside your home, so your heater doesn’t need to work as hard.
If the insulation is poor, warmth escapes easily. That means your heater has to run longer, use more electricity, and push up your heating bill.
How to Calculate the Cost of Running an Electric Heater
If you want to calculate the electricity bill for your electric heater, here’s a simple way to do it.
First, gather a few key details:
Your electricity rate: You can find this on your bill or ask your energy provider.
Your heater’s power rating: This is usually shown on the label or in the manual, measured in watts (W).
Your average daily use: Note how many hours a day you usually have it on.
Once you have these numbers, use this formula:
Electric heater running cost = Heater power (W) × Electricity rate (p/kWh or £/kWh) × Operating hours ÷ 1000
Here’s an example:
Electricity rate = 27 p/kWh
Power = 3000 W
Running time = 4 hours
3000 × 27 × 4 ÷ 1000 = 324 pence (£3.24)
So, running a 3 kW heater for 4 hours costs about £3.24.
How to Reduce the Cost of Running an Electric Heater
Running an electric heater isn’t cheap, but a few simple habits can help you use less power and save on electricity bill. Here are some easy ways to save:
1. Choose the Right Heater
There are a few common types: fan heaters, convector heaters, and oil-filled radiators.
Fan heaters warm up quickly and are easy to move around. They’re best for small spaces but cool down fast once turned off.
Convector heaters heat the whole room evenly and stay warm longer, making them better for closed rooms.
Oil-filled radiators take more time to heat up but hold warmth even after switching off, perfect for bedrooms or long use.
Pick a heater that fits your room size, how long you use it, and what kind of warmth you need.
2. Use a Thermostat
Choose a heater with a built-in thermostat. It keeps the room at your preferred temperature and stops the heater from using extra power when it doesn’t need to.
3. Adjust the Power Setting
Many heaters have different power levels. Use lower settings on mild days and higher ones only when it’s really cold. This helps you save energy without feeling chilly.
4. Insulate the Room
Keep the warmth inside by sealing any gaps around windows and doors. Use double-glazed windows if possible, and add insulation to walls for better heat retention.
5. Use a Timer
A timer can warm your room before you arrive and switch the heater off later. This avoids wasting electricity by leaving it on too long.
6. Try a Prepaid Energy Plan
Switching to prepaid electricity plans can help you manage your heating costs more effectively. These plans let you see how much power you’re using in real time, so you can adjust your heater use and avoid surprises on your bill.
7. Use a Power Station During Off-Peak Hours
If you have a portable power station, charge it at night when electricity is cheaper, then use it to power your heater during the day. It helps reduce your energy bill and avoid high peak-hour rates.
For most households, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station is a great choice. With a 4000W power output, expandable up to 6000W, and a capacity ranging from 4kWh to 12kWh, it can easily handle large heaters. It operates quietly at just 30 decibels.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
For households with large-capacity heating needs — e.g., running multiple high-wattage heaters or powering whole-room daytime heating after off-peak charging — choose the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station + Smart Extra Battery. Each unit provides 4,096 Wh, giving a combined capacity of ≈8.2 kWh; charge them overnight and use by day to shave peak costs.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station + Smart Extra Battery
Conclusion
So, how much does an electric heater cost to run? A 2 kW heater used for four hours costs about £2.16 a night, while a 3 kW one can reach £3.24. The final amount depends on things like room size, insulation, and your electricity rate.
Using thermostats, timers, and good insulation helps keep the heat in and your bills low. For even smarter energy use, EcoFlow power stations provide reliable backup power to run your heater efficiently during peak hours or sudden power cuts.
FAQs
How much does an electric heater cost per hour?
The cost of running an electric heater depends mainly on its wattage and your electricity tariff. For example, with the UK's average rate of 27p per kWh, a 2kW heater costs around 54p per hour (2 × 27p), while a 3kW model costs roughly 81p per hour.
However, this figure can vary depending on insulation quality, outdoor temperature, and room size. If your home retains heat well, the heater won't need to stay on constantly, helping you save money over time while maintaining comfort.
Does an electric heater use a lot of electricity?
Yes, electric heaters tend to use a significant amount of electricity because they directly convert electrical energy into heat. A 2kW heater running for five hours consumes about 10kWh of power, costing roughly £2.70 at 27p/kWh. This can add up quickly if used daily in winter.
To reduce costs, try using the heater only when necessary, close off unused rooms, and maintain proper insulation. Smart thermostats and timers can also help optimize heating time and keep electricity bills under better control.
How much does it cost to run a 1500 watt electric heater for 24 hours?
A 1500W (1.5kW) electric heater consumes 1.5 kilowatt-hours per hour. At an average UK electricity rate of 27p per kWh, running it continuously for 24 hours would cost about £9.72 (1.5 × 27 × 24 ÷ 100 = 972p).
However, heaters rarely operate at full power all day. They cycle on and off once the room reaches the set temperature. Effective insulation, closing windows and doors, and using thermostatic controls can help significantly lower your energy use and overall heating costs throughout the winter.
How much is 1 hour of heating in the UK?
In the UK, the cost of one hour of electric heating typically ranges between 30p and £1, depending on the type and power of the heater. A 1kW panel heater may cost around 27p per hour, while a 3kW fan or oil-filled radiator could reach about 81p.
Energy-efficient habits, such as using programmable timers, maintaining good home insulation, and heating only occupied rooms, can help reduce overall costs.