Help choosing extra heating for flat

EstherH

Hi, can anyone tell me what would be the best sort of heater/radiator to buy for a flat that has wall mounted electric heaters that are rubbish. Something that can be put on for an hour in morning and approx 4 hours each night plus weekends. Would halogen be best or oil filled radiators or something else. I know fan heaters are really expensive to run but apart from that no idea. Last winter was freezing and I don't want it to be the same this time round.

Andy_WSM

EstherH wrote: »

I know fan heaters are really expensive to run but apart from that no idea. Last winter was freezing and I don't want it to be the same this time round.

I know this will be said again & again...


ALL Electric heaters cost the same to run. They all emit the same amount of energy as they consume.

What is different is comfort and heat output.

A fan heater gives instant warmth, but also noise.

An oil heater gives out a slower release of heat, but can maintain a more constant room temperature.

If you have to heat with electric then just choose the style and price range of heater you want.

The running costs are directly proportional to the consumption, so if a heater is rated at 2KW and your tariff is 11p/KWh then you will pay 22Pence per hour to run that heater, minus any time it is turned off by the thermostat.

EstherH

Thanks for the reply. It has to be electric - no gas. So it's a case of what would be most efficient under the circumstances. May be a mix of halogen and oil heater.

Andy_WSM

EstherH wrote: »

May be a mix of halogen and oil heater.

I personally hate Halogen heaters. They are only efficient as the fabric of the room remains cold while exposed bits of your body heat up - I find they give me a headache, but not everyone will suffer the same.

Oil filled heaters act more like central heating radiators so probably provide the most comfortable heat.

A good one with a built in timer & thermostat needn't set you back more than £40 or £50.

EstherH

Thanks again. Hadn't thought of a timer, that would warm up room first. Will look into that.