Portable heaters: Oil filled vs convector. Which is cheaper to run?

confused_landlord

In the past Argos used to mention running costs per hour for the oil filled, but now it doesn't state running costs for either.

I'll probably run it for around 5 hours per day, if that's any help.

Thanks in advance.

Robwiz

The cost to run depends on the power rating in kWh. Generally, any electric heater will turn all the electricity it draws into heat so most people would say it doesn't matter which type you choose.

That said, an oil filled rad takes longer to warm up than a convector but will give off heat after it's switched off. You'll feel the effects of a convector much sooner after it is switched on.

Take the heater's power rating and multiply it by your electricity company's cost per unit to get the hourly cost. For example, at 2 kW heater on a tariff of 13 pence per unit would cost 26 p/hour, so £1.30 for your five hours per day.

Jonesya

They're all 100% efficient so cost the same for a given heat output, the best way to save is probably to get one with a thermostat and timer, so its only running when required and heating the room to the required temperature but no more.

For cost, take the rating in kW and multiply by your unit cost so typically 12p/kWh. Is 2kw heater cost 24p per hour to run, if running continuously.