How much does a 2.5kW heater cost to run?
What a 2.5kW electric heater costs per hour, per day and per month at the Ofgem price cap, and how to make it cheaper.
2.5kW heater: running cost per hour, day, week and month
| Use | Per day | Per week | Per month | Month on thermostat* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour a day | 65.8p | £4.61 | £19.74 | £11.84 |
| 2 hours a day | £1.32 | £9.21 | £39.48 | £23.69 |
| 3 hours a day | £1.97 | £13.82 | £59.22 | £35.53 |
| 5 hours a day | £3.29 | £23.03 | £98.70 | £59.22 |
| 8 hours a day | £5.26 | £36.85 | £157.92 | £94.75 |
At the Ofgem price cap (26.32p/kWh, Direct Debit, national average). * A heater on a thermostat heats about 60 % of the time once the room is warm. Your standing charge (54.83p/day) is paid whether or not you use the heater.
How to work it out yourself
Watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × your unit rate. A 2.5kW heater for 3 hours: 2.5 × 3 = 7.5 kWh, × 26.32p = £1.97. Your unit rate is on your bill; on Economy 7 it depends on the time of day (see storage heaters and Economy 7).
Every heater, side by side
| Power | 1 hour | 3 hours a day, a month | On a thermostat* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 W | 13.2p | £11.84 | £7.11 |
| 1 kW | 26.3p | £23.69 | £14.21 |
| 1.5 kW | 39.5p | £35.53 | £21.32 |
| 2 kW | 52.6p | £47.38 | £28.43 |
| 2.5 kW | 65.8p | £59.22 | £35.53 |
| 3 kW | 79.0p | £71.06 | £42.64 |
At the Ofgem price cap (26.32p/kWh, Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026). * A heater on a thermostat is assumed to heat about 60 % of the time once the room is warm.
2.5kW heaters we recommend
Devola DVPW2500WH Smart Glass Panel Heater 2500W
- Panel heater · 2,500 W
- The 2.5 kW version of the Devola smart glass panel: Wi-Fi app and voice control, a thermostat accurate to about half a degree and a 7-day timer, for living rooms up to about 25–30 m².
- Costs 65.8p an hour at full power.
De'Longhi Dragon 4 TRD41025T 2.5kW
- Oil filled radiator · 2,500 W
- De'Longhi's 2.5 kW Dragon 4: three heat settings, thermostat and timer, rated for rooms up to 75 m³ (about 30 m²). Silent, steady heat that keeps going after it switches off.
- Costs 65.8p an hour at full power.
Dimplex ECR24TiFB 2.4kW Oil-Free Radiator with Turbo Fan
- Oil-free radiator · 2,400 W
- Oil-free 2.4 kW column radiator with a turbo fan to warm a big room quickly, three heat settings, thermostat and a 24-hour timer.
- Costs 63.2p an hour at full power.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a 2.5kW heater cost per hour?
65.8p at full power at the Ofgem price cap (26.32p/kWh).
How much does it cost to run a 2.5kW heater all day?
Eight hours at full power is about £5.26; on a thermostat, closer to £3.16.
Are some electric heaters more efficient than others?
No: every electric heater turns 1 kWh of electricity into 1 kWh of heat. Running costs depend on the power, how long it is on and its controls (thermostat, timer).
Running costs use the Ofgem energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026: average unit rate for electricity paid by Direct Debit (26.32p/kWh, standing charge 54.83p/day) and gas (7.97p/kWh). National averages; your region and tariff may differ. Prices on Amazon change: check the live price before you buy.