Comparing the Different Types of Heaters for the UK Home: Cost, Efficiency, and Effectiveness
Sep 23
10 min read
1
56
0
As the chilly winds of winter roll in, finding the best way to keep your home warm and cozy becomes a top priority for many households across the UK.
With various types of heaters available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one will suit your needs best. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of fan heaters, convector heaters, halogen heaters, and oil-filled radiators, helping you make an informed decision based on cost, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Fan Heaters
Great for heating a small area quickly, fan heaters are generally the first thought for people looking for a quick fix. They are perfect for setting to the side of your desk, beside your bed or at your feet in the living room. They're not however the most economic to run and shouldn't be a long term solution. Let's explore how they can become an addition to your home:
Initial Cost: Fan heaters are known for being budget-friendly, making them a popular choice for those looking to warm up smaller rooms without breaking the bank.
Cost of Running: While fan heaters are inexpensive to purchase, it's important to note that they are not the most energy-efficient option. The cost of running fan heaters can add up over time, especially if used frequently.
Space Suitability: Fan heaters are most effective in smaller areas or as a supplementary heat source in larger rooms. They work well for quickly heating up a space but might not be the best choice for prolonged heating in larger areas.
Top Picks:
2 POWER SETTINGS: Featuring intense 1000W and 2000W output settings to combat the climate whatever the weather.
ENERGY SAVING: Save on energy costs by only heating the rooms you need. Powerful convection and portable heating for only £1.02 an hour
3 HEAT SETTINGS: Features cool, warm and hot air functions for use all year round
EASY TO USE: Easily adjust the settings using the control panel.
2 YEAR GUARANTEE: Assured Warmlite quality with a 2 year extended guarantee
2. Russell Hobbs 1800W/1.8KW Electric Fan Heater in Grey with Adjustable Thermostat
This versatile fan heater can be used in a horizontal or vertical position, depending on the setting. The compact design and cool touch outer are ideal if you need a heat source that can be moved around the home, from room to room.
RETRO STYLING – Stylish retro curves, grey body and silver trim
1.8kW MAXIMUM HEAT OUTPUT – Choose from 2 Heat Settings (900/1800W)
20M2 ROOM SIZE – Ideal for heating spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms
VERSATILE HEATING – This adaptable fan heater can be used horizontally or vertically to suit any setting
2 YEAR GUARANTEE - This product comes with a free one year manufacturer guarantee. A free second year guarantee is available upon registering your product
3. PALINTH Electric Heater 1500W Space Silent Heaters for Home Low Energy, 4 Modes Portable Ceramic Fan Heater with Thermostat
Energy Saving ECO Mode: By automatically adapting its output to ambient temperature, our electric fan heater ensures your surroundings meet the desired comfort levels.
Extensive Safety Measures: Crafted using V0 flame-retardant materials, enhanced by the tip-over and overheat protection mechanisms, child lock, and a 24H automatic shutdown function in the absence of activity, the ETL certification underscores its commitment to your safety.
Noiseless Experience: The portable heater features a silent fan design, the working sound is below 40 db, provides you better sleep and working environment. 1-8 hours timing design to turn the heater on and off at the time you need for ultimate comfort and energy efficiency.
Compact and Portable: The size of this electric heater energy efficient is 10 inch, weighs only 5 lbs, easy to carry. Hidden handle helps you freely move around in houses to live in. Space-saving and easy to store. The space heater is suitable for home, indoor spaces, living rooms, bedrooms, basements and offices, among others.
Convector Heaters
A somewhat more appropriate long-term solution to a chilly home, convector heaters are generally seen to provide a gentler room-warming service. It may take a little longer to feel the effect, but gently ticking away in the background, they will take the chill off a room. The addition of a thermostat means these are units you can "set and forget", switching them on as you need a boost in warmth.
Initial Cost: Convector heaters are moderately priced, offering a good balance between cost and performance. They are ideal for providing consistent warmth in medium-sized rooms.
Cost of Running: Convector heaters are more energy-efficient compared to fan heaters, making them a cost-effective option for heating your home during cold weather months.
Space Suitability: Convector heaters are suitable for medium-sized rooms, offering a good distribution of heat. They are a reliable choice for maintaining a comfortable temperature over an extended period.
Top picks:
3 HEAT SETTINGS: Offering a choice of 3 heat settings of 750W, 1250W and 2000W, each setting provides a powerful output suitable for a range of different climates
ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT: Providing a maximum temperature of 110°C, you are in complete control of the temperature by simply adjusting the settings to suit your needs
SAFE AND SECURE: For added peace of mind when in use around children and pets, the heater comes with built-in overheat protection, automatically turning off if knocked over.
2 YEAR GUARANTEE: Assured Warmlite quality with a standard 1 year manufacturer guarantee with an optional 1 year extension when registered online
2. DONYER POWER Convector Radiator Heater 2000W Room Heating with Adjustable Thermostat Black
3 settings in heating output：750W/1250W/2000W (Setting 1: 750W, Setting 2: 1250W, Setting 3: 2000W. Note: Setting 3 means both switches are turned on)
Have two supporters , two wall-mounted holes on the back, free-standing and wall mounted (Fixings Not Supplied)
It is recommended that old and ageing electrical sockets are used with caution to avoid problems such as short-circuiting of the power supply due to poor circuit contact.
Overheating automatic protection in three levels: manual temperature control, automatic temperature control and fuse
3. Duronic Electric Heater HV220 WE Oil Free Convection Heaters, Micathermic Panel Heaters, Portable Radiator with Mica Panels Convector Radiators
SUPERIOR TO OIL HEATERS - While oil heaters offer certain benefits, micathermic heaters, especially electric panel heaters, surpass them in several key aspects. Duronic micapanel heaters, a form of micathermic panel heater, reach full capacity within just one minute - significantly faster than any oil radiator.
ADJUSTABLE HEAT SETTINGS - The HV220 electric panel heater is a highly efficient device, offering two programmable heat settings of 1kW and 2kW, allowing you to control the heat output according to your needs. It also includes a thermostat that can be set to maintain your desired room temperature. For quick heating, the 2kW setting is ideal. However, for a more gradual, consistent warmth, the 1kW option is suitable, especially when a rapid increase in temperature is not required.
Halogen Heaters
Halogen heaters are the more recent addition to the heater line up. They use more energy efficient halogen heat panels to provide the heat for a more efficient unit. Quite commonly paired with a fan and thermostat, these are probably most comparable to a fan heater but with the benefit of a lower running cost. Still not an ideal long term solution, they're great for quick boosts to heat.
Initial Cost: Halogen heaters are slightly more expensive upfront than fan or convector heaters. However, they are known for their instant heat production, making them a popular choice for quick and powerful warmth when needed.
Cost of Running: Halogen heaters can be cost-effective for short bursts of heating due to their rapid warmth delivery. However, they may consume more energy compared to other types of heaters if used continuously.
Space Suitability: Halogen heaters are well-suited for small to medium-sized rooms where quick heating is desired. They are efficient at providing heat instantly, making them a convenient option for spot heating.
Top Picks:
Versatile Heating Options: Three power settings (400W, 800W, 1200W) to customise warmth according to your preferences and room size.
Long-Lasting Performance: Incorporates an extra-long-lasting feature with replaceable halogen tubes, ensuring extended use and easy maintenance.
Adjustable Heat Settings: Customise your comfort with multiple heat settings, allowing you to choose the temperature that suits your preference.
Super Silent Operation: Enjoy a quiet and peaceful environment with super silent operation, ideal for use in bedrooms, offices, or shared spaces.
Tip Over Protection: Additional safety measure with tip-over protection, automatically shutting off the heater if accidentally knocked over.
Quiet Comfort in Any Room: Provides a quiet and efficient heating solution, making it suitable for creating a cozy atmosphere in any room.
2. Amazon Basics ECO Oscillating Portable Tower Heater, 2 Fan Speeds, 3 Heat Settings, Timer and Remote Control, with UK plug, 2200W, White
Tower heater: With three heat settings, two fan speeds and a 5-35° C temperature range, this heater provides levels of comfort not too hot, and not too cold
Sustainably Snug: Keeping your home warm without a hefty power bill isn't too much to ask.That's why this heater features an energy-efficient mode, lets you stay cosy
Breathe Easy: Having your windows closed all winter can lead to rooms getting a little stuffy. This heater features an in-built dust filter to keep things fresh
Safety First: With built-in overheat protection, a tip-over switch, and a child lock, this tower heater is packed with user-friendly safety features.
Oscillating function shares the warmth around
Remote control enabled so you can stay snuggled up
3 heat settings and 2 fan speeds to let you customise your comfort
Energy-efficient eco setting to help the planet and your wallet
Adjusts between 5-35° C for that "just right" feeling
Includes tip-over switch and overheat protection for added safety
Built-in dust filter so you can breathe easy
3. Quartz Heater 1200W, Wall Mounted, 2 Heat Settings, Pull Cord Operation, Halogen Heater, Silver Chrome
Wall Mounted Heater 1200w Quartz, silver chrome colour. Multi use heating solution for Bathroom, Patio, Garage, Workshop, Gym, Conservatory, Laundry room and Kitchen etc.
Wall mounting, Tilt adjustable to direct heat, Pull cord operation, Two (2) heat settings - 600W (1 element) or 1200W (2 elements).
UKCA Marked Approved to British Standard. Minimum wall mounting height 1.8m, 400mm clearance above, 200mm clearance on each side.
Fitted with 1.3 Meter long cable and BS 3 Pin UK Plug. For bathroom fixed installation, remove BS plug and connect wire to the main outside socket.
Oil-Filled Radiators
The most effective for of portable room heating in my opinion, oil filled radiators are heavy, bulky and generally fairly large but my god can they heat a room. They work in a similar way to wall mounted radiators, using the heat from the internal liquid and its metal body to radiate heat into the space. They take much longer to heat up initially but once they're up to temperature they will tick on and off and easily maintain the warmth.
Initial Cost: Oil-filled radiators are typically the most expensive upfront among the heaters discussed here. However, they are lauded for their energy efficiency and ability to retain heat even after being turned off.
Cost of Running: While oil-filled radiators may have a higher initial cost, they are one of the most efficient heaters when it comes to running costs. They can provide long-lasting warmth without consuming excessive amounts of energy.
Space Suitability: Oil-filled radiators are ideal for larger rooms or spaces that require consistent heating over extended periods. They are valued for their ability to maintain a steady temperature without fluctuation.
Top picks:
EFFICIENT HEATING: The three heating power levels of this multifunctional heater are 600/900/1500W.It mainly provides you with efficient and stable heating. Seven heat sinks design ensures efficient heat dissipation, so that the warmth is evenly distributed, no longer worry about localised overheating, so that you can stay warm whether at home or in the office.
SAFETY FIRST: Our oil filled heater has overheat protection and dumping power off function. If the product is accidentally dumped or gets too hot, it will automatically shut off, giving you peace of mind in your home and office.
LOW NOISE OPERATION: Our oil filled heater adopt advanced technology, the noise is very low when running, it will not disturb your rest, study or work.
2. Pro Breeze® 2500W Oil Filled Radiator, 11 Fin - Portable Electric Heater - Built-in Timer, 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat - White
Powerful Heating: This 2500W oil filled radiator features 11 powerful heating fins which quickly and efficiently warm and circulate hot air throughout your room.
3 Heat Settings & Adjustable Thermostat: A fully adjustable thermostat and 3 heat settings of 2500W, 1300W and 1200W allow you to find and maintain the perfect room temperature.
24 Hour Timer: Improve energy efficiency and lower your energy bills by selecting when you want the heater to run - wake up or return to a cosy warm room without heating your home.
Advanced Safety: Built-in overheat protection, safety tip-over switch and automatic thermal shutoff ensure the radiator instantly switches off in any unsafe situation.
3. De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD41025T Oil Filled Radiator - White
Be impressed with the slim-line Dragon 4 radiator from De'Longhi. Perfect for large rooms or spaces up to 75 m³, the powerful 2500 Watt output and 3 heat settings makes it easier for you to find the ideal temperature and stay toasty and warm - faster.
The enhanced chimney effect accelerates hot air through vents for effective heating
2.5 kW heat output and three heat settings
Elegant design and pure brilliant white finish
Pre-assembled easy wheels and carry handle for easy transportation
10 year manufacturer's warranty
Heating power - Med (Watt): 1400, Heating power - Min (Watt): 1100
Rated voltage/Frequency (V and Hz): 230 and 50
Different types of heaters Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing a heater for your home in the UK, it's essential to consider factors such as the initial cost, running expenses, and suitability for the space you intend to heat. Each type of heater has its unique advantages, whether it's the instant heat of a halogen heater, the efficiency of an oil-filled radiator, the budget-friendliness of fan heaters, or the balanced performance of convector heaters. By weighing these factors, you can select a heater that meets your heating needs effectively and economically.
Stay warm and cozy this winter with the right heater that suits your home heating requirements!
Disclaimer: Purchases made through the affiliate links provided generate myself revenue.
SEO Keywords: heater, heaters, home heating, cold weather, cost-effective, efficient heating
Related Posts
