How much does it cost to run a electric heater?
A electric heater typically draws about 2,500 W. At the current Ofgem price-cap electricity rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 3-hour use costs about £1.96, and one hour costs roughly 65.3p.
Electric heater running cost: ~2.50 kWh per hour ≈ 65.3p/hour. A typical 3-hour use ≈ £1.96 at 26.11p/kWh.
Electric heater running-cost calculator
A electric heater draws about 2,500 W. Set how long you run it and we apply the current Ofgem electricity unit rate of 26.11p/kWh.
Cost to run for 3 hours
£1.96
Uses 7.50 kWh at 26.11p/kWh.
- Per day
- £1.96
- Per week
- £13.71
- Per year
- £714.76
Per-day/week/year figures assume one 3-hour run each day. Wattage is typical/indicative — your model may differ.
How the cost is worked out
- Wattage: a electric heater draws about 2,500 W.
- Convert to kW: 2,500 ÷ 1,000 = 2.50 kW.
- Multiply by hours: 2.50 kW × 3 h = 7.50 kWh.
- Multiply by the unit rate: 7.50 kWh × 26.11p ≈ £1.96.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric heater?
A electric heater draws about 2,500 W. At the Ofgem cap rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 3-hour use costs roughly £1.96, and one hour costs about 65.3p.
How much electricity does a electric heater use per hour?
At 2,500 W, a electric heater uses about 2.50 kWh per hour, which is roughly 65.3p at the current cap rate.
Running costs for other appliances
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Wattage (2,500 W) is typical/indicative — your model may differ. Source: Heatable — How much energy do appliances use (typical ratings; draws on Energy Saving Trust / Centre for Sustainable Energy). Electricity unit rate from Ofgem — Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (cap period 1 July to 30 September 2026, fetched 2026-06-18). Ofgem figures © Ofgem, Open Government Licence v3.0. Appliance wattages are typical/indicative, not measured. Ofgem.