How much does a oil-filled radiator cost to run?

Oil-filled radiator running cost at different electricity prices

The figures use 1,500 watts and 6 hours a day. Your own price per kWh is on your electricity bill, so pick the row closest to it, or change the numbers in the calculator.

Cost = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × price per kWh. For a 1,500W oil-filled radiator, one hour uses 1.5 kWh.

Oil-filled radiator running cost by hours of use

How long you use it matters more than almost anything else. The table shows the cost of using a 1,500W oil-filled radiator for different amounts of time each day at 27p per kWh.

How much power does a oil-filled radiator use?

A typical oil-filled radiator is rated around 1,500W, which is 1.5 kW. Over a year of the use above that adds up to about 3,285 kWh. A thermostat switches the element off once the room is warm, so real use is lower than the full-power figure for the hours it is on.

Wattage varies between models. Look for the power rating on the label, in the manual or on the maker's website, and enter it in the calculator for an exact answer.

How it compares with other appliances

Typical wattage and typical use for each appliance, at the same electricity price. A high cost per hour does not always mean a high yearly cost, because it depends on how often you use it.

Ways to cut the cost of running a oil-filled radiator

• Use it less at peak times if you are on a time-of-use tariff, and more when power is cheapest.
• Choose a model with a high energy rating when you replace it. The saving over its life is often bigger than the price difference.
• Switch it off at the wall when it is not in use if it has a standby draw.
• Check your tariff. A lower unit rate cuts the cost of every appliance in the house.