Conclusion. So, after looking at the different types of electric heaters available, due to its lower power-output, halogen heaters are the cheapest electric heaters to run.
Oil-filled heaters can be very energy efficient, especially for long-term use. Once the oil is heated, these heaters can continue to provide warmth even after being turned off, using less electricity overall.
The cheapest way to heat your house with electricity is to use a heat pump. Instead of using the energy to create heat (through resistive heating), you use the energy to move heat from a colder area to a warmer area. The most efficient heat pump is a water source heat pump.
What is the most efficient electric heater? All portable heaters cost more to run than gas central heating. As Vicky Dunn, energy manager at Smart Energy Greater Lincolnshire, explains: “The cheapest heating is the one you don't use. Make sure heaters are only on when required, and set as low as comfortable.
If you use a space heater in your home, please be aware that using a space heater can cause a significant increase in your monthly bill. A 1,000-watt space heater operating 12 hours a day will add about $40 to your monthly bill. If the cost does not deter you, remember how important it is to use space heaters safely.
Halogen heaters are among the most cost-effective electric heater options, with a typical power output of 1200W. Their immediate warmth in close proximity saves energy by not needing to be left running for long stretches of time.
Energy-Saving Features
Space heaters tend to use a lot of electricity and energy only to heat up a small portion of space. However, ceramic heaters tend to be the most energy-efficient option among different types of heaters.
Oil filled radiators work in a very energy efficient manner, so can be considered cheap to run in comparison with many alternative designer radiator styles.
As gas is generally cheaper than electricity – and modern gas boilers are more energy-efficient than their older counterparts – gas central heating systems are often the most cost-effective solution for heating your home.
The radiant heat means halogen heaters will heat up the area directly in-front of them, which is great if you want a quick blast of heat but not so much if you are looking to heat a whole room equally. Generally speaking, Halogen heaters are one of the most inexpensive types of electric heater.
Reverse cycle split system air conditioners (A.K.A heat pumps) – the most energy efficient electric heater. 5 and 6 star reverse cycle units can be even cheaper to run than gas heaters, producing just one-fifth of the greenhouse gas emissions that a standard electric heater creates.
Halogen Heaters: Instant Warmth at a Low Cost
For instant warmth, a halogen heater is a good choice. These heaters use energy-efficient halogen bulbs to quickly provide radiant heat.
How much electricity does an electric blanket use? Generally electric blankets, which disperse heat through built-in wires, consume little energy. On average, they cost about four cents an hour, compared to some space heaters which can cost around 15 cents an hour.
The consumption of energy depends on its wattage, typically between 15 to 115 watts. If you're based in the U.S., you might be charged around 13 cents per kWh. So, if your electric blanket consumes 100 watts and you use it for 10 hours a day, that will cost about 13 cents.
Pre- heating your bed for 1 hour on a low heat setting costs from as little as 1p, so you can afford to cosy up night after night. As sleep experts, Silentnight recommend turning off the appliance before falling asleep to regulate your core temperature for a less disturbed sleep.
At a very basic level, the cheapest heater to run will be any heater that has a very low wattage. For example, a 500 watt heater would cost just over 14p per hour under current 28.62p per kWh rates, while a more powerful 2000 watt halogen heater would cost just over 57p per hour.
(Resistive) space heaters are as close to 100% efficient as one can get. If it's a 1500W heater, you get 1500 Watts of heat, and it uses 1500 Watts of electricity.
Example (you can use an electric heater running cost calculator below for different wattages/kWh prices): If we assume the price of electricity is $0.1319 per kWh, a 1,500-watt electric space heater will cost; $0.20 to run per hour. $4.80 to run per 24 hours (day). $11.20 to run per week (8h/day).
What costs the most on your electric bill? Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.
Space heaters usually consume between 400 and 1500 watts of electricity, and the majority use around 800-1000 watts. If an electric heater is used for 3 hours a day, then it could add up to 90 kWh of electricity to your monthly electricity bill, which could be an additional 5-10% of your total monthly electricity cost.
1000w is a kw, and electricity is charged by the kw hour, which is about 15p; therefore, a 1500w heater, on continually, would cost approx. 22p an hour.