How Much Does It Cost to Run a Oil-filled radiator in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Oil-filled radiators heat oil sealed inside their fins, which then releases warmth slowly. They draw the same electricity per hour as any heater at the same wattage, but the thermostat cycles them off once the room is warm, so real-world running costs are often lower than a fan heater left on.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 1,500W oil-filled radiator running 5 hours a day costs about £1.38 per day (£503 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.28
- Per day
- £1.38
- Per week
- £9.67
- Per month
- £42
- Per year
- £503
- kWh per year
- 1,911
Based on 1500W ÷ 1,000 × 5h × 70% average power draw × 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
Oil-filled radiator running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 2 hrs | 4 hrs | 6 hrs | 8 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600W | £0.22 | £0.44 | £0.66 | £0.88 |
| 1,000W | £0.37 | £0.74 | £1.11 | £1.47 |
| 1,500W | £0.55 | £1.11 | £1.66 | £2.21 |
| 2,000W | £0.74 | £1.47 | £2.21 | £2.95 |
| 2,500W | £0.92 | £1.84 | £2.76 | £3.68 |
Typical oil-filled radiator cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 1.05 kWh | £0.28 |
| Per day | 5.25 kWh | £1.38 |
| Per month | 159.2 kWh | £42 |
| Per year | 1911 kWh | £503 |
What affects the cost
Thermostat cycling
We assume the element is on about 70% of the time once the room is warm.
Room size
A larger room keeps the element on for longer.
Wattage
Models range from 600W to 2.5kW.
Outside temperature
Colder days mean more heat lost and longer run times.
Cheaper alternatives to a oil-filled radiator
• Electric blanket for bedtime warmth • Gas central heating for whole-home heat • A smaller wattage radiator sized for the room • Heated throw for a sofa
How to reduce the cost
- Set the thermostat to 18–19°C rather than maximum
- Place it away from windows and under-window draughts
- Use the timer so it warms the room before you arrive
- Size it to the room — about 50W per square metre
Frequently asked questions
How much does a oil-filled radiator cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.28 per hour for a 1,500W model at 26.32p/kWh, allowing for the appliance drawing full power about 70% of the time.
How do I work out what my oil-filled radiator 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.
Are oil-filled radiators cheaper to run than fan heaters?
At the same wattage they cost the same per hour. They feel cheaper because the oil keeps radiating after the thermostat switches off, so the element runs less of the time.
Can I leave an oil-filled radiator on overnight?
Many are designed for it and have tip-over and overheat protection, but check the manual and use the thermostat and timer.
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.