Our Guide to Electric Heaters This Winter
As the chill of winter settles in, temperatures are dropping and energy bills rising. In the pursuit of comfort and cost-effective heating options, many turn to electric heaters to stave off the cold. However, navigating the world of electric heaters can be overwhelming, with a lot of options to choose from with different features and cost implications. If you find yourself wondering about the differences between various electric heaters and which ones are the most cost-effective to run, you're not alone. With our expert knowledge, we’re going to go through everything you need to know about electric heating, helping you make an informed decision to keep your home snug without breaking the bank this winter!
Types of Electric Heaters and Their Efficiency
This might seem a little obvious, but the defining factor of electric heaters is well… that they’re powered by electricity! Despite this, the way in which many electric heaters heat your room differs. Here are some of the different types of electric heaters and their running costs:
Electric Fan Heaters
Electric fan heaters are lightweight and portable, making them a breeze to move around your home. Their plug-and-play setup ensures instant warmth, requiring nothing more than a power outlet. Perfect for those who seek quick and easily adjustable heating solutions. As well as their lightweight and portable design, these heaters boast the ability to heat a room rapidly, providing swift relief from the winter chill. Ideal for spaces where you need a quick temperature boost, but be prepared for a bit of noise as they operate.
These heaters come with various heat outputs, ranging from 0.5kW to 3kW, costing between 13.5p and 81p per hour.
Convector Heaters
Larger than fan heaters but still portable, convector heaters offer a more even distribution of warmth. They work by heating up cold air as it passes through, providing a quieter heating solution compared to fan heaters. Some convector heaters come equipped with smart features, allowing you to control your heating conveniently through your smartphone or smart speaker. This tech-savvy aspect adds a layer of modern convenience to your heating experience. Some may include an optional fan to expedite heat distribution, making them quieter but slower in warming up spaces.
Standard heat outputs for convector heaters range from 2kW to 3kW, which would cost between 54p and 81p per hour of use.
Oil-Filled Radiators
Functioning as a heat reservoir, oil-filled radiators retain heat even after being turned off. While they may be slower to heat up initially, they are cost-effective to run and can be a reliable source of warmth. Look for models with wheels to counter their bulkiness and weight.
Despite having similar heat outputs, approximately 1kW to 2.5kW which would cost between 27p and 67.5p per hour, they continue to emit heat even after being turned off, reducing the overall duration they need to be active.
It’s also key to remember that the cost of electric heaters a dependent on many factors including:
- The size of the room you are heating
- The level of insulation you have
- The thermostat setting you set your electric heater to
- The time of day you run your eclectic heater
Features to Look For in an Electric Heater
Climate Control
Many electric heaters with a thermostat or climate control feature, ensuring that once your desired temperature is reached, the heater will maintain it. This not only prevents overheating but also eliminates the need for constant manual adjustments.
Timer Functionality
Electric heaters with timers provide the convenience of scheduling your heater to start before you return home, allowing for energy-efficient heating at a lower temperature for extended periods. Additionally, timers help in automatically turning off the heater, providing a practical solution to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Variable Heat Settings
Electric heaters with multiple settings, preferably three or more, or a variable dial, offer flexibility in choosing the appropriate heat level for different conditions. This ensures that your space remains comfortable without the risk of overheating on milder days.
Cutting the cost of an electric heater
Select the Appropriate Heater for You and Your Home
Opt for an electric heater that matches the dimensions of the room. Using a small heater in a large space may result in constant full-power operation, which is less efficient compared to a larger heater operating at a lower setting for a shorter duration.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Consider lowering your central heating thermostat and using an electric heater to augment the warmth in the specific room you occupy. This allows you to stay comfortable while conserving energy, especially when you don't need to heat the entire house.
Create a Heating Schedule
If your electric heater lacks a built-in timer or offers limited settings, integrate a smart plug. This enables you to schedule when the heater is active or inactive throughout the day, enhancing control over its usage.
Prevent Heat Loss
Addressing poor insulation can mitigate of heat loss, reducing the need for prolonged or higher-intensity use of an electric heater. Install draught excluders around windows and doors, add keyhole covers to exterior doors, and opt for thicker curtains. On a larger scale, consider upgrading single glazing to double, ensuring adequate loft insulation, and contemplating the installation of cavity wall insulation.
The Perfect Electric Heaters to Keep You Warm This Winter
Dyson AM09 Hot & Cool Fan Heater Bladeless Lightweight Fan 2000w White & Nickel
RRP: £399.99 Our Price: £209.99 (Save £190)
- Remote control - full control from anywhere in your room
- One touch oscillation control
- AM09 pivots on its own center of gravity, staying put without clamping
- Bladeless - no fast-spinning blades or visible heating elements
- Minimal design makes it super easy to clean
Warmlite WL46018C Electric Stove Heater LED Log Flame Effect Portable Cream
RRP: £199.99 Our Price: £82.99 (Save £117)
- Two heat settings of 1000 W and 2000 W provide a range of heating options
- Realistic LED log flame effect
- Compact, free-standing design
Igenix IG2655 2500w Oil Filled Radiator Portable Electric Heater White
RRP: £89.99 Our Price: £83.99 (Save £6)
- Machine welded design for leak-free operation
- 24 hour timer and three heat settings 800 W/1200 W/2500 W
- Can be moved around different rooms with easy glide castors
- Safety tilt switch, extended base for added stability and overheat protection for added safety
De'Longhi HSX2320 NEW 2000W Thermo Slim Convector Heater with Thermostat
RRP: £69.99 Our Price: £36.99 (Save £33)
- Great for occasional usage - delivers fast heat to the immediate area around it
- No installation or assembly required - Simply plug it in and use immediately
- Speed up heat distribution when necessary with a choice of three fan assisted settings
- Move it from room to room with ease using the built-in carry handles
- Its fitted with a thermostat which helps maintain the perfect temperature
Here at Direct Vacuums, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service and support. Our extensive range of heating and cooling appliances are available as refurbished, like new, and brand new. We supply brands such as Igenix, Tristar, Princess, and more! We also offer a range of resources to help you get the most out of your electric heater.
