With heating bills set to rise this winter, households are looking for the most economical way to heat. So which is cheaper, a fan heater or an oil heater? Below we will figure this out.
How much does a fan heater cost to buy?
For a 1,500 watt fan heater, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150.
How much does it cost to run a fan heater?
Fan and oil heaters are different types of electric heating. According CBS, running a fan heater costs about 20 cents an hour. This is a 1500 watt heater used in a “standard” room. Let’s say you’re home eight hours a day, you’d be spending around $50 a month.
To subscribe to Kiplinger’s personal finances
Be a smarter, more informed investor.
Save up to 74%
Sign up for Kiplinger’s free email newsletters
Enjoy and thrive with Kiplinger’s best expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your email.
Profit and thrive with the best expert advice from Kiplinger – straight to your email.
Advantages and disadvantages of a fan heater
1. You have the flexibility to shop for one at the right price for you.
2. Some are equipped with temperature control which is a nice bonus, but these tend to be more expensive. However, being able to control the heat output of your fan heater means you can also better control your energy consumption and costs.
3. The size of your room. If you have a large room or a room with high ceilings, it will be more difficult (and more expensive) to heat that room with a simple fan heater. Judge in advance the size of the room you need to heat so that you can purchase the correct size fan heater.
4. Insulate your home. It’s a big. If your home is not well insulated, the released heated air will easily escape. As you might guess, a fan heater will be less efficient without proper insulation. This is where you waste the most money.
5. Fan heaters are notorious for giving off heat in the short term. When you turn it on, it immediately starts heating your room, quickly filling the fan, but once you turn it off, the heat fades. If you want to temporarily heat a room, a fan heater is a good idea, but again the heat you get won’t sustain and for many it’s not enough, especially on freezing days.
How much does an oil heater cost to buy?
For a 1,500 watt oil heater, you can expect to pay between $50 and $250.
How much does it cost to run an oil heater?
According Home Inspection Insider, running a 1,500 watt oil heater costs an average of 10 cents an hour. If you run your heater for eight hours a day, it will cost you around $25 per month.
Advantages and disadvantages of oil heaters
1. You have the flexibility to shop for one at the right price for you.
2. Most have temperature control which is a plus. This feature can help you reduce energy costs, whether a fan heater is on or off.
3. Oil heaters have good heat retention. When you turn off the oil heater, it does not cool down immediately, so still radiant heat. Less energy is needed to heat your room, further reducing your energy bill.
4. When heating a room, it usually dries the air. Oil-fired heaters maintain good air circulation, which provides warmth and clean air without drying you out. According to Healthline, dry air can increase the risk of health problems. These can range from asthma and respiratory problems to dehydration, especially in the winter.
5. Oil heaters only provide a short term solution. If you’re trying to keep a room warm for more than two hours, you’d better turn on your central heating.
The verdict
It is clear that fan heaters tend to cost less than oil heaters (when comparing models of the same wattage). But the big question is which one will lower your energy bill?
Oil heaters.
They cost about half the amount to operate as fan heaters. Other benefits include better heat retention, safer use and less dried out air.
When you’re considering investing in a new heater, whether it’s an oil-fired heater or a fan, make sure your room has a good level of insulation so it can perform better. retain heat.
If you’re able to pay a little more, you should consider an oil heater the big winner.
#Fan #Heater #Oil #Heater #Cheaper #Run