With sales of traditional wood burning stoves soaring as people look for alternative ways to heat their homes amid the cost-of-living crisis, those who can’t utilise wood or coal-fueled devices might consider the electric alternatives.
But experts behind the energy-saving app Loop are warning people to consider the cost of running these devices, which could add over £186 to your energy bills if used regularly this winter.
Loop has compared the running costs for a range of electric stove heaters on the market, revealing the average cost for five models is £178 over 3 months if used every day for 3 hours per day.
Device |
KWh running cost |
Cost for 3 hours’ continuous use |
Cost if used 3 hours’ per day for 3 months |
B&Q Be Modern Torva Traditional Gloss Grey Cast enamel effect Electric Stove |
1.8 kWh |
£1.84 |
£168 |
Ryman Log Burning Electric Stove Heater |
1.85kWh |
£1.89 |
£172 |
Vonhaus 1900W Glass Front Stove Heater |
1.9kWh |
£1.94 |
£177 |
Dunelm Forest Green Traditional Small Electric Stove Heater |
2kWh |
£2.04 |
£186 |
Argos Beldray Teresina 2kW Electric Freestanding Mini Stove- Black |
2kWh |
£2.04 |
£186 |
Steve Buckley, head of data science at energy-saving app Loop comments: “With Christmas approaching, a traditional-style electric stove heater may seem an appealing option as an alternative to using our central heating while also adding some character to your home.
“Recent research revealed millions of households could turn to electric heaters this year to warm their homes, and with sales of traditional wood-burning stoves on the up too, those without a fireplace may consider the electric alternative.
“But these types of electric heaters can be some of the more expensive appliances to run. While they can act as a stylish focal point and offer a cosy glow, the cost of running these can quickly add up, particularly if they are left on all day, or when used in multiple rooms.
“For example, over a day a 2000w wood effect heater set to ‘on’ (i.e. heating) for just three hours in total could add over £60 to your monthly bill or £180 for the remaining 3 months of winter. Remember, that’s just one wood effect heater in one room for a couple of hours per day.
“Before using alternative methods, consider the wattage of the device and the length of time you will need to use it for, as certain heating methods can quickly become costly.
“Heating individual rooms using portable electric heaters may seem convenient; however, the cost of running electric heating is significantly higher than the cost of the gas equivalent. Whilst gas central heating is less efficient in absolute terms, gas is significantly cheaper than electricity.
“With that in mind, if you have gas central heating, we recommend using thermostatic radiator valves to control the heating in individual rooms rather than using additional electric heating. That said, there are so many variables - insulation levels, heating system, temperature settings - it’s impossible for a single rule to work best for every households. What is certainly true though is whether your home is insulated well enough to retain the heat you are creating, otherwise you’ll be wasting money running heaters, then quickly losing this heat. Money spent now on better insulation will quickly pay for itself as the weather gets colder.
Loop has launched its Turn Down and Save scheme as part of the National Grid’s recently announced Demand Flexibility Service (DFS). Turn Down and Save will reward Loop customers for using less electricity at peak times this winter and could see typical customers earn up to £1001 per year.
