Heated airing cupboard - tube heater

poorbabe · 14 January 2010 at 10:49PM

Hi

I'm not sure this should be in here or the utilities section but here goes:

I have an airing cupboard with a tube heater in it. I'd not used it in the 4.5 years I've lived here so far as I had a lot of 'stuff' in it as well as bedding/towels etc. Now that I've sorted it out I've discovered the joys of a warm cupboard, but wanted to know if it's a good thing to leave it 'always on' or only when I've put in some damp clothing? Is this expensive?

I should add any electrics I don't use I switch off at the wall so there are very few items 'always on' in my flat.

Cheers

ariba10 · 14 January 2010 at 10:53PM

It depends on how much power it uses.

Is there a plate or any information on it shewing Wattage or Amperage.

AGBAGB · 14 January 2010 at 11:31PM

If its what I'm thinking it should be between about 40 to 100 watts. So very roughly 10 - 20p per day! so may be £70 odd if you left it on all year. (and the thermal cutout never opperated)

Just use it when you need it or perhaps plug it via a timer so it only comes on for few hours a day.

Mankysteve · 15 January 2010 at 12:27AM

Agreed only use it when you need to.

frugalmacdugal · 15 January 2010 at 6:27AM

Hi,

if you're on E7 type heating just use it overnight, either manually or timed.

ormus · 15 January 2010 at 4:50PM

tube heaters are typically 60 watts per foot (length).
so the small ones are very cheap to run. hence their use in greenhouses etc...

poorbabe · 15 January 2010 at 9:49PM

Once again the good MSE folk come through :T:T

I managed to find some information at the 'other' end of the tube. Good thing I'm very short :rolleyes::

It's an Alto AL5330; 230-240v - 60Hz. 115-120 watts (I'm assuming this is the power range?). Any comments?

It's so snuggly in the cupboard I could sleep in there :rotfl:, but I'll restrain myself.

Given my 'switch it off at the wall, unless necessary' persona, I'll think I'll only use it as a dryer after washing machine use and if caught in heavy rain. Winter only and completely off during the warmer weather (whenever that is!).

ormus · 15 January 2010 at 10:15PM

for comparison,
using a 120 watts heater is the same as using 2 x 60 watt light bulbs.

poorbabe · 15 January 2010 at 11:56PM

Could be pricey having it always on then. I'll switch off when not needed.

AGBAGB · 16 January 2010 at 1:14PM

It will be using around 3 units of electricity per day. If 10p per unit so £100+ per year. Switch it off or put on a timer. A couple of hours a day should keep clothes aired.

poorbabe · 16 January 2010 at 3:30PM

Thanks AGBAGB. I'll stick with my 'on when necessary' approach. Can't afford an extra £100+ when I've got debts to clear.

Heated airing cupboard - tube heater

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