Is it cheaper to run 1 or more electric radiators in the same space?

jgarrett

We bought a property last year and it came with brand new, modern, electric radiators. There is no gas to the property.

The property is fairly small with 1 bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen all on the same floor.

My question is, is it cheaper to run 1 radiator in the space but it may keep coming on to top up the heat, or, have more than 1, say 3, in the same space.

ArbitraryRandom

in the long run, it really doesn't make a difference as long as they all have thermostats - It's like asking will I use more water if I fill a cup from one jug or two. 2 radiators will each work half as hard to maintain the temp. 

Short term it could use slightly more... because the room will heat up faster so the total time the room is at max temp will be longer. 

matelodave

The amount of heat required to heat the space up to your desired temperature and to keep it there are directly proportional to the temperature difference between inside and outside, therefore you need the same amount of heat however you provide it. ie 1x2k, 2x1kw or even 4x500w and they'll all cost the same to provide the same amount of heat so it really doesn't make a lot of difference.

The subtle difference being that a single heater may seem to take a bit longer in a big room than say two heaters at half the power, one at each end of the room but it will still need the same amount of energy to achieve the desired overall temperature. Once the room is up to temperature, the thermostats take over and maintain it.

However all that said, if you want different temps at different times then just heat the space appropriately and keep the doors closed (ie dont heat the bedroom unless you are in there, same with the bathroom)

Gerry1

Bad news if they're panel heaters running on daytime electricity.  Nothing is more expensive to run (except using them on Economy 7 whose daytime rate is even more expensive).

If you're planning to stay a reasonable time and it's impossible to get gas then the least worst option may be to get High Heat Retention Night Storage Heaters such as Dimplex Quantum on E7.

They would also increase the value of the property and make it easier to sell.

Following the energy crisis, awareness of running costs is much higher: many potential buyers would run a mile when they discover it has only electric panel heaters...😧

markin

A heat pump air to water can match Gas, even a split A/c unit that heats air to air, if the is no room for a large water tank can with lower install costs.

EssexHebridean

markin said:

A heat pump air to water can match Gas, even a split A/c unit that heats air to air, if the is no room for a large water tank can with lower install costs.

If the property is a flat, as it sounds as though it may be, getting permission for something like that may currently be an issue, sadly.