An average electric heater consumes between 1000 and 2000 watts at full power, which amounts to 1 to 2 kilowatt-hours per hour. With an electricity price of approximately 0.30 euros per kilowatt-hour, one hour of heating therefore costs about 0.30 to 0.60 euros. On a lower setting, for example 500 to 800 watts, that drops to 0.15 to 0.24 euros per hour.
What determines the consumption of an electric heater?
The power output of the heater is the most important factor: a small ceramic model for under a desk consumes significantly less than a large convector heater that has to heat an entire room. The set temperature and the presence of a thermostat also play a role. A heater with a thermostat switches itself off as soon as the desired temperature is reached and then only switches on briefly, which significantly reduces the average consumption compared to a model that continues to run at full power continuously.
What are the costs of supplemental heating per day and per month?
If you use the heater for a few hours per evening, for example three hours at an average setting of 1200 watts, that costs about 1 euro per evening. Over a whole month, that adds up to thirty euros, which can be comparable to supplemental heating with the central heating boiler for the same room. The advantage of an electric heater is that you specifically heat one room instead of the entire house, which in practice often turns out to be more economical if you are only in one room at a time.
Is an electric heater cheaper than turning on the central heating?
That depends heavily on your energy contract and how much space you want to heat. For heating one small room, such as a study or bedroom, an electric heater is often cheaper than firing up the central heating for the entire house. If you want to keep multiple rooms warm, the central heating is generally more efficient. Many people therefore combine them: the central heating at a lower temperature for the base, and an electric heater as targeted supplemental heating in the room where they are.
Direct answer: an electric heater consumes an average of 1000 to 2000 watts at full power, which amounts to 0.30 to 0.60 euros per hour. With a thermostat that switches back automatically, the actual consumption in practice is often lower.
Tips for more economical supplemental heating with an electric heater
Choose a model with an adjustable thermostat, so that the heater does not continue heating unnecessarily once the room is warm enough. Place the heater close to where you are sitting instead of in the middle of a large, open space, so that you feel heat faster without having to heat the whole room. Close doors to keep the heat in and consider a timer, so that the heater switches off automatically when you leave the room or go to bed.
Featured: Heater HW2002
Heater HW2002 — compact electric heater, suitable as quick supplemental heating for study, bedroom, or bathroom.
Control: adjustable thermostat for an even temperature without unnecessary heating.
Safety: overheating protection and tip-over protection for safe use.
Extra: compact and portable, quickly warmed up in the room where you need it.
| Setting | Power | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 500 - 800 watts | ±0.15 - 0.24 euros |
| Medium | 1000 - 1200 watts | ±0.30 - 0.36 euros |
| High | 1500 - 2000 watts | ±0.45 - 0.60 euros |
| With thermostat (average) | Variable, lower average | ±0.15 - 0.30 euros |
Looking for quick, economical supplemental heating for cold days? View the Heater HW2002 or the full range in the collection of heaters.
Frequently asked questions
Is it expensive to leave an electric heater on all day?
Yes, heating continuously on a high setting can quickly cost a few euros a day. Therefore, preferably use a model with a thermostat, which switches back automatically as soon as the desired temperature has been reached.
Which type of electric heater consumes the least?
Smaller, targeted models such as a ceramic heater generally consume less than large convector or panel heaters, simply because they have to heat a smaller space.
Is supplemental heating with a heater cheaper than turning up the central heating?
For one room, that is often the case, especially if you are otherwise only in that room. For multiple rooms at the same time, the central heating is usually more efficient.
How many watts does a heater need on average to heat a room?
For an average room of 15 to 20 square meters, 1000 to 1500 watts is usually sufficient, depending on insulation and outdoor temperature.
Can I safely leave an electric heater on all night?
Most modern heaters with overheating protection and a thermostat are suitable for this, but always check the manual and never place the heater too close to textiles or curtains.
Does a timer really save power on my heater?
Certainly. By only letting the heater run at the times you need it, you prevent unnecessary consumption without sacrificing comfort.