Heated airing cupboard - tube heater

poorbabe

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

It depends on how much power it uses.

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

AGBAGB

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

Agreed only use it when you need to.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

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

ormus

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

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

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

poorbabe

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

AGBAGB

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

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