Running an electric heater in the UK can cost you £100+ per month — and most people don’t realise they’re doing it wrong.
It’s not the heater itself that’s expensive.
It’s how long you leave it running.
In this guide, you’ll see the real cost per hour, what actually drives your bill up, and how to use an electric heater without overspending.
🔥 Quick Answer
Electric heaters in the UK typically cost between £0.30 and £0.70 per hour to run.
They’re not always expensive — but they become costly very quickly if used for long periods.
- Cheap for short bursts of heat
- Expensive for all-day use
- Best for heating one room only
⚡ At a Glance — Should You Use One?
Use it if:
- You only need to heat one room
- You use it for short periods (1–3 hours)
- You want fast, targeted warmth
Avoid it if:
- You leave it running all day
- You’re heating multiple rooms
- Your home loses heat quickly
👉 Want the cheapest setup overall? Start here:
➡️ cheapest way to heat a room UK
Most people don’t realise they’re not overpaying because of the heater — they’re overpaying because of how they use it.
Let’s break down the real numbers.
💰 Electric Heater Running Cost UK
Electricity in the UK typically costs around £0.28–£0.35 per kWh.
Real Cost Per Hour
| Power | Cost per hour | Monthly (5h/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 500W | ~£0.15 | ~£22 |
| 1000W | ~£0.30 | ~£45 |
| 1500W | ~£0.45 | ~£67 |
| 2000W | ~£0.60–£0.70 | ~£90–£105 |
👉 Here’s the key takeaway:
A heater doesn’t become expensive because of its power —
it becomes expensive because of how many hours you run it.
If you only use it for 1–2 hours, it’s relatively cheap.
If you leave it on for 6+ hours, it quickly becomes one of the most expensive ways to heat your home.
👉 For a deeper breakdown:
➡️ how much electricity do heaters use UK
⚠️ Cost Reality (What Most People Get Wrong)
Running a 2000W heater for around 5 hours a day can cost roughly £90–£105 per month in the UK.
That’s where most people go wrong.
They assume the heater is cheap because the hourly cost looks low — but over time, it adds up fast.
👉 This is why runtime matters more than anything else.
⚖️ Which Type of Electric Heater Is Best?
No electric heater is “cheaper” by design.
They all convert electricity into heat at similar efficiency.
What changes is:
- how fast they heat
- how long they retain heat
- how long you need to run them
🧾 Quick Comparison (Real Use, Not Specs)
| Type | Best For | Heat Style | Running Behaviour | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-Filled Radiator | Bedrooms, long sessions | Slow & steady | Retains heat | Best overall |
| Ceramic Fan Heater | Small rooms, quick heat | Very fast | Cools quickly | Best for short use |
| Convector Heater | Occasional use | Moderate | Needs longer runtime | Budget option |
👉 If you’re deciding between them:
➡️ electric heater vs oil radiator cost UK
🧠 What Actually Makes Electric Heaters Expensive
Electric heaters are simple — but they become expensive under specific conditions.
1. Long daily usage
This is the biggest cost factor.
2. Heating the wrong space
They’re for rooms, not entire homes.
3. Heat loss
Poor insulation = wasted money.
👉 Fix this first:
➡️ best draught excluders UK
4. No control over runtime
Without timers, they run longer than needed.
💡 The Smart Way to Reduce Costs (Most People Ignore This)
Most people try to reduce heating costs by replacing their heater.
That’s usually the wrong move.
The fastest way to cut your electricity bill is to control how long your heater runs.
A smart plug lets you automatically turn your heater on and off — avoiding the most expensive mistake: leaving it on too long.
👉 See the best options here:
➡️ best smart plugs UK
🏠 When Electric Heaters Are Actually Cheap
Electric heaters can be one of the cheapest heating options in the UK — if used correctly.
They work best when:
- You heat one room only
- You use them for short periods
- You avoid turning on central heating
👉 In these cases, they’re often the
➡️ cheapest way to heat a room UK
❌ When They Become Expensive
They become costly when:
- You run them all day
- You use them across multiple rooms
- Your home loses heat quickly
- You don’t control usage
👉 This is when your bill spikes.
🚨 Common Mistakes That Increase Your Bill
- Running heaters for 6–8 hours daily
- Heating empty rooms
- Ignoring insulation
- Using maximum power unnecessarily
- Not using timers or smart plugs
👉 Most of these can be fixed instantly with better control.
🏆 Recommended Electric Heaters (Smart Choices)
🥇 Oil-Filled Radiator
Best overall if you run your heater for longer periods and want stable heat.
- Retains warmth after turning off
- Ideal for bedrooms
- Reduces constant runtime
👉 View on Amazon UK
🥈 Ceramic Fan Heater
Best for quick heat without long usage.
- Heats fast
- Great for short sessions
- Avoids long runtime costs
👉 Check latest price
🥉 Convector Heater
Best for occasional, low-cost setups.
- Affordable
- Simple and portable
- Not ideal for long use
👉 See deals on Amazon
👉 Full comparison:
➡️ best energy-efficient heaters UK
🔚 Final Recommendation
Electric heaters aren’t inherently expensive — but they become expensive very quickly when used incorrectly.
👉 If you only need to heat one room for short periods, they’re a smart and cost-effective option.
👉 If you’re running them for hours every day, they’re one of the most expensive ways to heat your home.
The best strategy is simple:
- Use them for targeted heating
- Limit runtime
- Improve insulation
- Use smart control
👉 Start here:
➡️ best energy-efficient heaters UK
❓ FAQ
Are electric heaters cheaper than gas in the UK?
Gas is usually cheaper per kWh, but electric heaters are better for short-term use.
How much does a 2000W heater cost?
Around £0.60–£0.70 per hour.
Is it cheaper to leave it on low?
No — cost depends on total energy used over time.
Do smart plugs save money?
Yes — they reduce unnecessary runtime and improve efficiency.