If you want to save money on your
Generally speaking, Halogen heaters are one of the most inexpensive types of electric heater. They average around 1200W in terms of power output and because they provide instant-heat at close quarters, you shouldn't need to leave them on for long periods of time.
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.
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.
Electric heaters that deliver radiant warmth are considered the most efficient. This is because infrared radiation heats objects directly, sinking deeply beneath the surface. It's a natural, soothing form of warmth that lasts longer than convection, which relies on heating the air.
Far Infrared Heaters are the most efficient of all the space heater options and consume the lowest wattage, making them the cheapest to run. Far Infrared is radiant heating and is most easily absorbed by people's skin. In fact, all objects, including us emit and absorb infrared.
Oil filled radiators are more economical to run because they retain heatlonger and power demand through the temperature control is called upon less frequently. Electric heaters heat only the room you are in and not the entire house, providing extra heat only where required and helping to optimise energy consumption.
Oil Heaters
The oil, acting as a heat reservoir, then gradually releases the heat into the surrounding space, providing a steady and consistent source of warmth. This option offers safe and gentle heating for long, unattended use.
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.
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.
Even after switching it off, that oil keeps the heat flowing, making it a smart choice for maintaining warmth without constantly guzzling electricity. Energy Efficient: Oil-filled heaters keep rooms warm long after switching off, making them champs at saving energy.
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).
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.
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.
The convector heater doesn't need to be on for as long as the oil filled radiator so it would use less power to heat a room, but as the oil radiator retains more heat, it will use less power to keep the room at the optimum temperature.
Running Costs for Small Spaces
Now, for the burning question: Is it cheaper to run an oil-filled radiator than central heating? In many cases, yes. If you're only looking to heat one room at a time or want warmth for a few hours, an oil-filled radiator can save you a decent chunk of change.
Based off current energy prices, we can confirm that halogen heaters are officially the cheapest type of electric heater to run. But if you want to know more about how much it costs to run an electric heater, we've done the research and gathered expert advice so you can understand the running cost of each type.
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.
But the big question is, which will lower your energy bill? Oil heaters. They cost around half the amount to run than fan heaters do. Other benefits include better heat retention, safer use, and less dried-out air.
The disadvantages of heating with oil
It currently costs more than any other fuel used for heating. For example, heating with oil currently costs two to three times more than heating with gas.
Once the area or room reaches a comfortable temperature, oil-filled heaters will automatically cycle on and off to maintain that warmth, instead of running continuously, saving you money while preventing overheated rooms. Oil never needs replenishing. The oil isn't used as fuel, so there's no need to replace it, ever.
The hot oil heats the fins, which in turn radiates heat into the surrounding air. Unlike an electric radiator, which heats up quickly and provides instant heat, an oil filled radiator takes longer to heat up but retains heat for longer periods, making it more energy efficient.