How Much Does It Cost to Run a Fan heater in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Fan heaters blow air over a hot element and warm a room quickly, which makes them good for short bursts — a cold bathroom before a shower or a garage workshop. Left on for hours they become one of the most expensive appliances in the home.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 2,000W fan heater running 2 hours a day costs about £1.05 per day (£383 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.53
- Per day
- £1.05
- Per week
- £7.37
- Per month
- £32
- Per year
- £383
- kWh per year
- 1,456
Based on 2000W ÷ 1,000 × 2h × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Fan heater running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 30 min | 1 hr | 2 hrs | 4 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000W | £0.13 | £0.26 | £0.53 | £1.05 |
| 1,500W | £0.20 | £0.39 | £0.79 | £1.58 |
| 2,000W | £0.26 | £0.53 | £1.05 | £2.11 |
| 2,500W | £0.33 | £0.66 | £1.32 | £2.63 |
| 3,000W | £0.39 | £0.79 | £1.58 | £3.16 |
Typical fan heater cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 2.00 kWh | £0.53 |
| Per day | 4.00 kWh | £1.05 |
| Per month | 121.3 kWh | £32 |
| Per year | 1456 kWh | £383 |
What affects the cost
Run time
Fan heaters are built for short sessions; long use is costly.
Heat setting
Low and high settings typically differ by 1kW.
Thermostat
Without one, the element never switches off.
Room losses
Fan heat escapes fast through open doors.
Cheaper alternatives to a fan heater
• Oil-filled radiator with a thermostat for longer sessions • Heated airer or towel rail for bathrooms • Electric blanket in bedrooms • Central heating on a timer
How to reduce the cost
- Use it for short bursts of 15–30 minutes
- Pick a model with a thermostat and the 1kW setting
- Point it at you, not at the ceiling
- Keep it clean — dust reduces airflow
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fan heater cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.53 per hour for a 2,000W model at 26.32p/kWh.
How do I work out what my fan heater costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
How much does a 2kW fan heater cost per hour?
At 26.32p/kWh a 2kW fan heater costs about £0.53 per hour.
Are ceramic fan heaters more efficient?
No. Ceramic elements heat up quickly and feel safer, but every 2kW heater turns 2kWh of electricity into 2kWh of heat.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.