Recent findings from Utilita, a prominent energy provider in the UK, reveal alarming statistics about the rising costs associated with using portable electric heaters. According to their study, households that switch to these heaters may be facing energy bills that are up to four times higher than those relying on traditional gas central heating.
The report highlights that approximately 25 percent of UK households currently use electric heaters as an alternative to central heating. This trend persists despite the significant cost differences, with running a portable electric heater averaging about £3 per day, compared to just 90 pence for heating a single room using gas central heating.
Understanding the Financial Impact
Dimitrios Stefanoglou, a sustainable innovation analyst at Utilita, emphasized that many consumers are unaware of the long-term costs associated with portable electric heaters. He noted that nearly 51 percent of those using these heaters struggle to compare the costs of electric heating against gas options. “So we have done the work for them,” he stated.
The findings are part of Utilita’s Power Price List series, which examines the energy consumption and costs of 76 common household electrical items. The analysis indicates that 15 percent of respondents use electric heaters continuously throughout the winter, opting to forgo central heating entirely.
Environmental Concerns and Costs
In addition to financial implications, the study also highlights environmental concerns. Switching from gas heating to electric portable heaters results in an increase of approximately 34 kilograms of CO2 emissions per living room per year. This is equivalent to each household driving an additional 127 miles in a car.
Stefanoglou further detailed the substantial savings associated with gas heating. For example, heating an average-sized living room of 17.1 square meters with an electric heater could cost around £400.46 annually. In contrast, using a 20-year-old gas boiler would only cost about £136.17, while a new gas boiler equipped with smart controls could bring that figure down to £108.65.
This data serves as a critical reminder for UK households to evaluate their heating options carefully. As energy prices continue to fluctuate, understanding the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of heating choices becomes increasingly important.
