Electric heaters are easy to use and cost less up front than central heating upgrades. However, they can be expensive to run, especially for long periods or in large rooms. In the UK, electricity under Ofgem’s price cap is 24.67p per kWh for a typical direct debit customer, so even a small portable heater can quickly add to costs.
How much does an electric heater cost to run?
The basic formula is:
Running cost = (Wattage ÷ 1,000) × Hours used × Electricity price per kWh
So if you use a 2,000W electric heater for 3 hours a day at 24.67p per kWh, the cost looks like this:
(2000 ÷ 1000) × 3 × 24.67p = 148.02p per day
That’s £1.48 per day, or about £44.41 per month for 30 days. At 5 hours a day, monthly cost rises to £74.01.
Why electric heaters can get expensive
Most portable electric heaters use 1,500W to 2,500W and convert electricity straight into heat. They work well for spot heating, but electricity is much more expensive per kWh than gas. Electricity is 24.67p per kWh, compared to gas at 5.74p per kWh. That’s why whole-home electric heating often costs more.
A quick real-world example
Here is what common heater usage can look like at 24.67p per kWh:
- 1,000W heater for 2 hours a day = about £14.80 per month
- 2,000W heater for 4 hours a day = about £59.21 per month
- 2,500W heater for 6 hours a day = about £111.02 per month
That is why short bursts in one occupied room can be reasonable, while daily all-evening use can become expensive quite quickly.
How to reduce the cost of electric heaters
The cheapest savings usually come from reducing runtime and heat loss rather than replacing the heater itself.
Use these steps first:
- heat only the room you are using
- close doors to keep warmth in
- lower the thermostat or setting slightly
- use timers instead of leaving the heater on continuously
- improve draught-proofing and insulation
- avoid heating empty rooms
Even modest improvements in insulation and heat retention can reduce how long a heater needs to run. Energy Saving Trust notes that home efficiency upgrades reduce heat loss and cut the energy needed to stay warm.
Electric heaters are simple and effective
Electric heaters are simple and effective. The real cost depends on three things: wattage, usage time, and electricity price. With electricity at 24.67p per kWh from April to June 2026, running heaters daily can get expensive fast. Cut costs by using heaters only when needed, reducing heat loss, and checking your running costs before using them.
FAQ about cost of electric heaters
How much does a 2kW electric heater cost to run?
At 24.67p per kWh, a 2kW heater costs about 49.34p per hour to run.
Are electric heaters expensive to run?
They can be, especially compared with gas heating, because electricity currently costs much more per kWh than gas in the UK.
What is the cheapest way to use an electric heater?
Use it in one occupied room, keep doors closed, reduce draughts, and avoid leaving it on longer than necessary.