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Have your property’s oil filled radiators installed, and is your point of concern about energy costs? While these radiators are known for their heat retention and quiet operation, they’re often a point of contemplation for homeowners.
Questions like ‘Are these causing the high energy costs? Or is there any way I can save on bills using these radiators? often comes to mind. This guide will answer all your questions and concerns. So, bear with us as we do a deep dive.
How Do Oil Filled Radiators Work?
Inside the oil filled radiator is a special oil that holds heat well. An electric element warms this oil, and as it heats up, the oil moves through the radiator’s metal fins. This releases warmth into your room through both direct heat and air movement.
The oil inside these radiators is sealed for life, so you never need to replace it or worry about leaks.
Do Oil Filled Radiators Use a Lot of Electricity?
This is a common question: Do oil-filled radiators use a lot of electricity? The answer isn’t simple—it depends on the power rating, how long you use it, and your electricity costs.
Many people think all electric radiators are costly to run. While some electric heaters do use more electricity, oil-filled radiators are generally quite power-smart thanks to their ability to retain heat.
These radiators are very good at turning power into heat—almost every watt goes straight to heating the oil, with very little waste. But like all electric heating, higher power models will use more electricity.
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What Affects the Cost to Run an Oil-Filled Radiator?
To understand what you’ll pay to run your oil-filled radiator, look at these key factors:
- Power rating – Most oil-filled radiators range from 400w to 2,500w. Higher power means more heat but also higher electricity use.
- Hours of use – The longer your radiator runs, the more it costs. These heaters work best for shorter periods in one room, not for all-day use.
- Electricity prices – UK power rates usually range from 15p to 27p per unit (kWh). If you have cheaper night rates, using your radiator can save money.
- Room size and drafts – A small, well-sealed room holds heat better, making your radiator more cost-effective. Big or drafty rooms need more power to stay warm.
- Temperature control – Setting your thermostat even a degree or two lower can cut power use without making you feel cold.
How to Work Out Oil-Filled Radiator Running Costs?
Want to know what your radiator costs to run? Use this simple math:
Cost = (Power in kW) × (Hours Used) × (Price per kWh)
For a 1,500W (1.5kW) radiator running for 4 hours at 15p per kWh: 1.5 × 4 × 0.15 = £0.90
Here’s a quick cost guide by power rating:
- 400W radiator: about 6p per hour
- 1,000W radiator: about 15p per hour
- 2,000W radiator: about 30p per hour
- 2,500W radiator: about 38p per hour
Remember, these figures show costs when the radiator is heating at full power.
Are Oil-Filled Radiators Cheaper to Run Than Other Heaters?
For heating several rooms or your whole house, central heating systems are typically more cost-effective. Here’s how they compare:
- For one room: Oil-filled radiators often cost less to run
- For your whole home, Central heating is usually cheaper
- For portable heating, Oil-filled radiators offer good value
How to Cut Your Oil-Filled Radiator Running Costs?
Want to stay warm without breaking the bank? Try these tips to lower your oil-filled radiator energy costs:
- Use the thermostat wisely – Set it to a comfortable but not too high temperature (18-20°C works for most people) instead of maximum power.
- Use timers – Program your radiator to heat rooms just before you need them and turn down when you don’t.
- Improve your insulation – Seal gaps around windows and doors, use thick curtains, and add insulation where you can to help keep heat in.
- Keep it clean – Dust your radiator and check it now and then for any problems that might make it less efficient.
Oil-Filled Radiators vs Central Heating vs Convection Heaters
How do oil-filled radiators stack up against other popular heating systems?
1. Oil-Filled Radiators
- Best for: Heating one room, moving from room to room, quiet operation
- Heat retention: Excellent—keeps warming after being turned off
- Energy efficiency: Good for heating specific areas
- Starting cost: £30-£150
- Running cost: Moderate when used smartly
2. Central Heating Systems
- Best for: Heating your whole house, even temperature throughout
- Heat retention: Depends on your home’s insulation
- Energy efficiency: Good for heating many rooms at once
- Starting cost: £2,000-£5,000+
- Running cost: Cost-effective for whole-house heating
3. Convection Heaters
- Best for: Quick heating, now and then use
- Heat retention: Poor—stops heating almost right away when turned off
- Energy efficiency: Usually lower than oil-filled radiators
- Starting cost: £20-£100
- Running cost: Higher for long-term use
If you’re wondering whether oil-filled radiators use more energy than central heating, remember that for heating your whole home, central heating works out cheaper. But for heating specific rooms, oil-filled radiators offer better value and flexibility.
Free Radiator Upgrades: The ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 scheme helps improve energy efficiency in UK homes, mainly for people with lower incomes and those who struggle to pay heating bills.
1. What Can You Get?
The scheme might give you free or low-cost heating upgrades, which could include oil-filled radiators or even better options like heat pumps, based on your situation.
2. Who Can Apply?
You might qualify if you:
- Get certain benefits
- Live in a home with poor energy ratings
- Are older, disabled, or have young children
- Live in social housing with poor energy performance
3. How to Apply
- Contact an approved ECO4 installer or your energy company
- Check if you qualify
- Have your home checked
- Get your new heating installed
Many local councils have similar programs too, so check with your local authority about other energy-saving grants in your area.
Final Thoughts
Oil-filled radiators are a great heating option for many homes. They offer a good mix of efficiency, portability, and cost-effectiveness when used the right way.
Their ability to retain heat even after being turned off makes them cheaper to run than many other portable heaters.
FAQs
It totally depends on the size and capacity of your oil radiator. If you are using a 400W radiator, it will cost you around 6p per hour. While for the large capacity radiators like 2000W to 2500W, it usually costs 30p to 38p per hour respectively.
Not really, usually these radiators are designed to be energy efficient. They keep on providing heat even when the heating element is off. This makes it an ultimate choice for efficiency seekers.
Absolutely yes. The oil inside is completely sealed for life, so there’s no risk of leaks, spills, or the need for messy top-ups. And because the heating elements are safely tucked away inside the unit, there are no exposed wires or glowing coils to worry about.
In short, yes, they are usually economical to run, but it also depends on the usage. This works best for single rooms. However, if you’re planning to heat your entire house, central heating systems will typically work out more economically overall.
