The Cheapest Way to Heat a Room in the UK (Winter 2023 Guide)

The Cheapest Way to Heat a Room in the UK (Winter 2023 Guide)

With British winters sending chills through our spines, finding the cheapest way to heat a room becomes essential.

Forget the myths; we’re here with genuine energy saving trust recommended methods to bring you warmth without the inflated energy bills.

Let’s delve deep into these cost-effective solutions tailored for the savvy UK homeowner.

Choosing the Right Heating Option for Your Home

Gas Central Heating:

Often touted as the most efficient, gas central heating is a staple in many UK homes. The central heating systems work by circulating warm air throughout the home, ensuring even heat distribution. While gas costs can fluctuate, it remains one of the more affordable options.

Electric Heaters:

For those without central heating, electric heaters, especially fan heaters, are a go-to. They’re portable and heat up quickly. But remember, while a fan heater can rapidly warm up a space, continuous use can hike up energy bills.

Oil-Filled Heaters:

Oil-filled heaters differ from other electric heaters; they retain heat well and emit a consistent temperature over time. Ideal for larger spaces, they might take time to reach the desired temperature, but they ensure a steady warmth afterward.

Infrared Heaters:

These are a modern choice, converting energy to heat in a unique way. Infrared heaters warm up objects directly, rather than the air, offering an efficient and direct warmth source.

Energy-Saving Tips: Reducing Heat Loss

Once you’ve got your heating sorted, it’s crucial to address heat loss to keep your room toasty.

Reflective Foils and Radiator Valves:

Place reflective foils behind radiators to bounce back heat into the room. Adding thermostatic radiator valves lets you control the heat in individual rooms, reducing wastage and saving on heating bills.

Thermal Curtains:

Swap regular curtains for thermal curtains. Windows, especially single glazed windows, are notorious for heat loss. These curtains slow down this process, ensuring your room stays warm longer.

Bubble Wrap Insulation:

A quirky yet effective method. Attach bubble wrap to windows; it acts as a makeshift insulator, especially useful for homes with single glazed windows.

Draught Proofing:

Keep cold air out and warm air in. Simple draft stoppers can go a long way in preventing heat from escaping through door gaps.

Personal Warmth Hacks:

Sometimes it’s not just about heating the room, but keeping yourself warm. Think hot water bottles, electric blankets, and heated throws. These personal items can offer concentrated warmth without the need to heat the whole room.

Smart Energy Choices

Switch Energy Suppliers:

With the introduction of the energy price cap, there’s never been a better time to reconsider your energy supplier. Switching could save you loads annually.

Smart Thermostats:

A smart thermostat allows precise control over your heating system. You can adjust temperatures on-the-go, ensuring no energy is wasted.

Underfloor Heating:

Though an investment, underfloor heating can be more efficient than radiators, spreading heat uniformly across the room.

Conclusion

Finding the cheapest way to heat a room is a mix of selecting the right heating option and adopting energy-saving practices. In a time of rising energy prices, being knowledgeable can mean significant savings. Stay warm and keep those heating bills in check!

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we answer your questions on the best ways to heat a room.

How can I heat my room cheaply?

Several methods can help you heat your room cost-effectively:

• Draught proofing to prevent cold air from entering.
• Using thermal curtains to reduce heat loss through windows.
• Adding reflective foils behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room.
• Switching to a more affordable energy supplier.
• Investing in thermostatic radiator valves for better heat control.
• Consider using hot water bottles or electric blankets for personal warmth without heating the entire room.

What is the most effective way to heat a room?

Gas central heating is often considered the most effective, especially if your home is connected to mains gas. It heats the whole house uniformly. For room-specific heating, oil-filled radiators are efficient as they retain heat for longer periods.

Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day?

It can be slightly cheaper to leave your heating on low rather than turning it on and off multiple times, especially in extreme cold. However, it’s still more energy-efficient to heat only when required. Using thermostatic radiator valves allows for better control over individual room temperatures.

Do oil-filled radiators use a lot of electricity?

Oil-filled radiators are efficient in that they retain heat well and distribute it evenly over an extended period. While they may take longer to heat up, once they reach the desired temperature, they use less electricity to maintain it. However, their consumption depends on their wattage and how long they’re running.

Are plug-in heaters cheap to run?

Plug-in heaters, like fan heaters, can be cheap to purchase but might not always be cheap to run, especially if used continuously. They tend to heat up spaces quickly but can consume a significant amount of electricity if left on for extended periods.

Which type of heater is cheapest to run?

Gas central heating is usually the cheapest to run if your home has a connection to mains gas. For electric options, infrared heaters and certain electric heaters with energy-saving features can be more economical in the long run.

What is the cheapest heater for a small room?

For small rooms, a fan heater or a small oil-filled radiator can be effective. Halogen heaters and convector heaters are also suitable for smaller spaces and can be relatively cost-effective.

How can I minimise my room’s heat loss?

To minimise your room’s heat loss, consider using thermal curtains, insulating walls, and sealing gaps around doors and windows. Placing rugs on bare floors can also reduce heat loss from the ground.

Which heaters are best at retaining heat and slowly generating heat?

Oil-filled heaters and oil-filled radiators are excellent choices. They take a while to generate heat but they retain heat efficiently, gradually warming the room and maintaining the desired temperature for longer periods without using much electricity.

How can I make my room feel warmer without constantly increasing the temperature?

Apart from using a heater, making small changes like adding rugs to bare floors, using thermal curtains, and draught-proofing can make a room feel warmer. It’s also useful to wear warm clothing and use blankets to feel cosy.

What are the benefits of adjustable heat settings on heaters?

Adjustable heat settings allow you to control the amount of heat produced by the heater. This means you can set the heater to a lower setting to save energy when the room isn’t too cold and increase it when more warmth is needed.

Are oil-filled radiators energy-efficient?

Yes, oil-filled radiators are known for their energy efficiency. They heat the oil inside, which then circulates to warm the surrounding air. Once they reach the desired temperature, they use minimal electricity to maintain it, helping to save energy.