If you’re choosing between a fan heater and a convector heater, you’re probably asking one thing:
👉 Which one is cheaper to run?
The answer isn’t as simple as wattage.
👉 It depends on how you use them.
Quick Answer
How much electricity do electric heaters use?
Most electric heaters in the UK use 0.5kWh to 2kWh per hour, depending on power output.
At a typical UK electricity rate, that works out at roughly:
- 500W heater: about 12p per hour
- 1000W heater: about 25p per hour
- 1500W heater: about 37p per hour
- 2000W heater: about 49p per hour
What matters most is runtime. A powerful heater used for 30 minutes can cost less than a lower-powered one left on for hours.
🧠 How These Heaters Actually Work
Understanding this is what most people skip — and why they overpay.
🟢 Fan Heaters
Fan heaters:
- heat up instantly
- push hot air into the room
- are designed for short bursts
👉 Best for:
- quick warmth
- small spaces
- short usage
🟢 Convector Heaters
Convector heaters:
- heat air gradually
- rely on natural circulation
- maintain temperature over time
👉 Best for:
- longer sessions
- background heating
- quiet use
💸 Running Cost (UK Reality)
Here’s the truth:
👉 Most heaters use between 1000W and 2000W
So:
👉 cost per hour is often similar
💰 Example (UK electricity average)
- 1000W → ~25p/hour
- 2000W → ~50p/hour
👉 For a full breakdown, see best energy-efficient heaters UK.
🔥 What Actually Changes the Cost
👉 Not the heater type
👉 The time it runs
🟢 Fan Heater Cost
- heats fast
- used for short time
👉 Typical usage:
- 15–30 minutes
👉 Result:
✔ lower total cost (if used correctly)
🟢 Convector Heater Cost
- heats slower
- runs longer
👉 Typical usage:
- 2–5 hours
👉 Result:
❌ higher cost if left on too long
👉 To understand real usage impact, see how much electricity do heaters use UK.
🔗 Compare With Other Heating Options
If you’re deciding between heating methods, also check:
- electric heater vs oil radiator cost UK
- cheapest way to heat a room UK
👉 These give a wider cost perspective.
⚠️ When Each One Becomes Expensive
❌ Fan Heater
Becomes expensive if:
- used for long periods
- heating large rooms
❌ Convector Heater
Becomes expensive if:
- left running all day
- used without insulation
👉 Heat loss is a major factor — fix that first.
🧠 Best Use Cases (THIS IS THE KEY)
🟢 Choose a Fan Heater if:
- you want instant heat
- you use it for short periods
- you heat one small space
🟢 Choose a Convector Heater if:
- you need steady warmth
- you stay in the room longer
- you want quieter operation
🔥 Quick Decision Guide
<div class=”ap-box-blue”>
👉 Don’t overthink it:
- 👉 Quick heat → Fan heater
- 👉 Longer sessions → Convector heater
- 👉 Saving money → depends on usage
</div>
💡 Real Cost Example
Let’s compare:
Fan heater
- 30 min/day
→ ~£7–£15/month
Convector heater
- 4 hours/day
→ ~£60–£100/month
👉 That’s the difference:
runtime matters more than heater type
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Heating too much space
Wastes energy
❌ Leaving heaters running
Main cause of high bills
❌ Ignoring insulation
Heat escapes = more runtime
🧊 Reality Check
<div class=”ap-box-red”>
⚠️ No heater is “cheap” if used incorrectly.
👉 The biggest cost factor is how long you run it. </div>
🏁 Final Recommendation
<div class=”ap-box-blue”> <h3>👉 Which one should you choose?</h3> <ul> <li>👉 Most people → Fan heater (short use)</li> <li>👉 Longer use → Convector heater</li> <li>👉 Want lowest cost → reduce runtime</li> </ul>
👉 If you want better options overall, see:
<strong>best energy-efficient heaters UK</strong> </div>
❓ FAQ
Is a fan heater cheaper than a convector heater?
Yes — but only for short usage.
Which heater is best for a bedroom?
Convector heaters are usually quieter and better for longer use.
Do they use the same electricity?
Yes, similar wattage = similar cost per hour.
What matters most for cost?
👉 Runtime, not heater type.