How much does it cost to run an oil heater?

Oil heaters do not carry an energy rating label, so the cost comes from the power rating on the appliance and how long it runs: watts × hours ÷ 1,000 = kWh, × your electricity price. The defaults are typical; change them to the rating plate on yours.

Where to find the numbers

The power rating is on the rating plate and usually in the model name: 1,500 W, 2,000 W and 2,500 W are the common sizes. Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill (c/kWh).

What the figure is based on

An oil-filled radiator draws its full rating only while the thermostat calls for heat. Once the room is warm it cycles, so real consumption over an evening is often half to two thirds of rating × hours. Enter the hours the element is actually on.

Heating-season use only; days a year defaults to about four months.

What changes the cost

• Thermostat cycling: once the room is warm the element is off for a large share of each hour; enter the hours it is actually heating.
• Room size and insulation: a large, draughty or uninsulated room can keep a 2 kW heater running continuously.
• Setting: a lower setting caps the draw; on most units low is about half the rating.
• Heating only the room you are in, rather than the whole house, is where the saving is.

For a specific model or any other appliance, use the electricity cost calculator.