Oil filled radiators are a popular choice for targeted room heating, but at 1500-2500W they can significantly impact your electricity bill. Unlike central heating, these portable heaters run continuously to maintain temperature, making it crucial to understand their true running costs.
Adjust the settings below to see real-time cost estimates for your Oil Filled Radiator
Check your device label or manual for wattage
Default: $0.16/kWh (America average)
⚠️ These are estimates based on continuous usage at the specified wattage. Actual costs may vary based on usage patterns, thermostat cycling, and local electricity rates.
Average running costs for a 2000W Oil Filled Radiator at $0.16/kWh (US average)
| Usage | Energy (kWh) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | 2.00 | $0.320 |
| 8 Hours/Day | 16.00 | $2.56 |
| Per Month (30 days) | 480.00 | $76.80 |
| Per Year (365 days) | 5840.00 | $934.40 |
* Based on 8 hours daily usage. Use the calculator above for your specific usage pattern.
Use the built-in thermostat - it cycles the radiator on/off at approximately 50% duty cycle, cutting costs in half
Heat only the room you're using instead of the entire house - one radiator is cheaper than central heating for single-room use
Set the temperature 2-3°F lower than usual and wear a sweater - each degree costs about 3% more to maintain
For heating a single room, yes. A 2000W radiator costs around $0.32/hour, while running central heating for the whole house costs $1-3/hour depending on your system. However, for multiple rooms, central heating becomes more cost-effective.
Once at temperature, the thermostat cycles the heating element on and off (roughly 50% duty cycle), so a 2000W radiator effectively uses about 1000W on average. This is why leaving them on low is more efficient than constantly heating from cold.