How much does it cost to use an electric heater for an evening – and has it increased?

HOUSEHOLDS trying to clamp down on their energy bills might trade central heating for an electric heater.

However, while they can offer a good alternative to traditional heating, it's not always the best option for saving cash.

We asked experts how much it actually costs to run an electric heater and what downsides to look out for when making the switch.

Electrical heaters are usually cheap to buy, making it seem like a cost-effective way of keeping warm.

An electric heater is a plug-in device that works as electricity is passed through a resistor and converted into heat.

As you can apply the heat directly at you and warm up the exact room you're in, you'd think it would be cheaper than running the heating.

But comparison expert Which? pointed out: "Central heating is much more effective at maintaining a stable temperature over a longer period, whereas the heat from an electric heater will soon dissipate if the rest of your home is cold."

Meanwhile, electric heaters heat a much smaller area.

The expert said: "Although the comparison might make it look as though your electric heater is cheaper to run, it will only be heating one room, whereas your central heating will be aiming to heat your whole home.

"A heater in each room would definitely end up costing much more."

Therefore electric heaters are cheaper for a short-term blast in a small area, but central heating is generally better for long-term use.

However electric heaters can also vary in cost depending on which one you have.

To work out which is the better option for you, you should evaluate how much you are spending on your current heating appliances.

Here's the equation you use to work out how much your devices are costing you:

Cost = power (kilowatt) x cost of one kWh (pence) x the length of time (just the one-off meal, or over a week or month.)

How much to run an electric heater?

According to price comparison site Which?, electric heaters can cost you anywhere between 8p and 76p an hour based on which one you buy and how many kW it uses.

Electric portable heaters should cost 24.5p/kWh under the current energy price cap which has been in force since October 1.

This means an electric heater which uses 2kWh, run for an hour a day, would cost £178.80 across the year.

It is worth keeping in mind, however, that from April those figures will go back down slightly.

For example, the cost of electricity before the October energy price cap was 22.6p/kWh - which was £164.98 over the year.

This means that based on those figures, overall you could find using your electric heather slightly more economical across the year, even if it is only pennies.

Of course, this price will vary depending on how long you use the device for - and the times you will mostly use it is in the winter.

If you want a cheaper alternative, a log burner might be a savvy solution.

Or you could cosy up under an electric blanket, or try out a wearable hot water bottle.

We have also revealed how using your thermostat wisely can help you to save on your bills.

Risks to keep in mind

While electric heaters are simple to use, there are still risks to consider when it comes to safety.

Because the hot bars on electric heaters are exposed, they could easily spark a fire if they touch other household items.

Here are some checks you can make to keep you and your family safe:

• It should be on a level surface - you don't want it to be knocked over or fall off
• Keep it well away from flammable objects like paper, furniture or curtains
• Never use it to dry your clothes
• Don't leave it unattended for long periods of time, especially when you're asleep
• You should never power it from an extension lead – they can overheat and start a fire fast
• Always check your heater for damage and deterioration - do not use it if it's not in good condition
• Make sure you buy from manufacturers or retailers that you know and trust - second-hand heaters could be faulty
• Double check your appliance is registered and hasn't been recalled
• Have somebody check your smoke alarm or make sure you know it's working - it's imperative to detect anything that goes wrong about the house

Other ways to cut your energy bills

If you're feeling uneasy about the risks, there are lots of alternatives to using a heater.

This includes a few easy tips to remember, such as closing your curtains in the evening.

By doing this, you can keep the heat in when temperatures drop outside, and then open them in the morning to let the sun in.

Also, make sure that you close all of your windows and keep doors closed around the house to prevent draughts.

You can buy draught excluders which can be cheap - we spotted them in B&Q for £5.97 - but you should always shop around for better offers.

Also be mindful of how much you're spending on household appliances -  the kettle is ranked one of the costliest, followed by the shower, heating and a fan-assisted oven.

You can read about how much they cost and how to keep prices down here.

Also, Energy Saving Trust estimates that between 9-16% of electricity used in homes is through appliances in standby mode. 

On a £500 bill, this could account for as much as £80. Read here to learn which items you should check are unplugged.

And remember installing a smart meter is free and usually provided by your energy supplier.

They keep an accurate and updated record of your energy consumption so you can keep an eye on what you're using.

There are also a handful of cost of living payments to help with bills coming - including the Warm Home Discount and £900 one-off payment, as well as the £25 cold weather payment entering accounts this week.

You can read more about those payments in our round up here.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

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