Heat pump running cost Running a heat pump costs an average of $40 to $160 per month, making it the cheapest option for areas that don't have access to natural gas. Depending on your regional utility rates, an electric heat pump costs $0.20 to $0.50 per hour to run.
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.
1. Gas boiler. A gas boiler is still the cheapest way to heat your home when comparing various heating systems, especially when analysis the latest figures from Ofgem. As of December 2024, the cost of gas is 6.24p per kWh, a 10% increase on the previous quarter, and still higher year-on-year.
In most of the USA, where natural gas is available, a gas furnace or boiler is usually the least expensive heating system to maintain and run. Modern high SEER electric heat pumps can also be economical to run, especially if most winters are mild and don't requiring supplementing with resistance heating coils.
Electric radiators and infrared panels are among the most efficient forms of electric heating. Ceramic electric radiators deliver an even split of convection and radiation, and infrared panels use radiation as their sole method of heat transfer.
If you want to save money on your heating costs, then an infrared heater is the best type of heater to choose. An infrared heater will use less electricity than any other type of heater, and so it will be cheaper to run. Not only that, but an infrared heater will also provide you with a more efficient form of heat.
Inefficient and expensive
If the thermostat senses cold nearby, such as drafts from old windows, the system works harder to keep the room warm. This constant battling of cold drafts increases utility bills, especially during the coldest months of winter.
Unlike traditional space heaters, many solar air heaters typically need to be mounted to a roof, wall, or window, in order to collect the sun's heat. Some of these collectors can be heavy and installation may require a building permit. The way they work is relatively simple.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18 °C could be good for your health.
Halogen Heaters
This type of heat is ideal if you need to quickly warm up an area but won't be as effective in heating an entire room evenly. Halogen heaters are among the most cost-effective electric heater options, with a typical power output of 1200W.
Choosing a low-energy consumption heating system for your home. Here are some of the most commonly used low-consumption heating systems today: heat pumps, both geothermal and air source; pellet stoves and boilers; low-consumption electric radiators; and condensing boilers.
On average, if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50%–80%. Also, because the sun is free, you're protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes. If you're building a new home or refinancing, the economics are even more attractive.
How Many Solar Panels Does It Need to Run a Heater? On the average house, you will need to install three standard-size solar panels to power a heater that consumes 1500-watts of energy per hour.
Our top pick is the Lasko Duo Comfort Fan and Space Heater. It did the best in our heating tests and doubles as a tower fan during the warmer months. For a budget pick, consider the Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater, which costs under $40 and is small, efficient, and easy to use.
CHEAP AND EFFICIENT HEATING
Natural gas is usually the cheapest way. Even with higher gas prices, a heating system fueled by natural gas is typically less than electricity, propane, or heating oil.
Candles are, of course, a burning flame and like all flames they produce heat. So yes, candles do heat up a room.... but only very, very slightly! To get any sort of meaningful heat from candles, so many would be needed that they would become a fire hazard - so no, we do not suggest that you try it!
Yes, you can. The most expensive way is to use electric resistance heat. There are electric baseboard heaters, portable electric heaters, and even whole house electric heating using a blower as one would use with a fuel burning furnace. This is buying energy from your electric company and turning it into heat.
Electric baseboard heaters are generally more energy-efficient for long-term use because they convert nearly all the electricity they use into heat and can be controlled to heat specific areas. Space heaters can consume more electricity, especially when used for prolonged periods.
Electric furnace prices can range from $585 to $1,074. A new electric furnace cost to install can range from $767 to 3,523 or more.