Home energy · Heating
Electric heaters compared: fan, oil-filled, panel and infrared
Claims that one type of electric heater is far more efficient than another are usually misleading. They all turn the electricity they use into heat; they differ in how they deliver it and how well they are controlled.
Updated 2 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team
The short answer
Every plug-in electric heater converts all the electricity it uses into heat. A 2 kW heater running at full power for an hour uses 2 kWh, whatever its type. Running cost depends on how much heat you need, for how long, and how well the heater is controlled, not on the technology alone.
How the main types differ
| Type | How it heats | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan heater | Blows warm air | Quick bursts in a small room | Noisy; heat fades fast when it stops |
| Convector or panel heater | Warms air that circulates | Steady background heat | Slower to warm a room |
| Oil-filled radiator | Heats oil sealed inside, which then warms the room | Steady, gentle heat | Slow to warm up and cool down |
| Halogen heater | Glowing element warms nearby people and objects | Warming a person close by | Warms little of the room; keep well clear of fabrics |
| Infrared panel | Radiant heat warms people and surfaces it faces | Rooms used in one spot | "Efficiency" claims compare comfort, not energy |
Check
What to check first
- The power rating in watts. Higher power heats faster but costs more for each hour at full power.
- A thermostat and timer. These cut running time once the room is warm, which is where real savings come from.
- The room. A draughty, poorly insulated room needs more heat whatever the heater.
- Safety features. Look for a tip-over switch and overheat protection.
Do
Practical next steps
- Check the power rating on your heater's label.
- Use the room heating calculator or the appliance calculator to see what it costs for your hours.
- Use the thermostat and timer rather than running it flat out.
- Plug heaters directly into a wall socket, not an extension lead, and keep them at least a metre from anything that could burn, as Electrical Safety First advises.
Take care
Important limitations
- This guide covers plug-in heaters. Fixed electric heating such as storage heaters works differently; see storage heaters.
- Heat pumps are not resistance heaters: they move heat and can deliver several units of heat for each unit of electricity.
Related tools and guides
Sources
Official sources checked 2 October 2026.