- A fan heater costs 52.6p an hour at 2 kW and 26.3p at 1 kW, at full power for the whole hour.
- Prices from the Ofgem price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026: the average for England, Scotland and Wales is 26.32p per kWh by Direct Debit. Your region and tariff change it, so use the calculator below.1
- Last checked: 28 October 2026.
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How much does a fan heater cost per hour?
Costs at 1 kW and 2 kW for 15 minutes, 1 hour and 3 hours.
| Power | 15 minutes | 1 hour | 3 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 6.6p | 26.3p | 79p |
| 2 kW | 13.2p | 52.6p | £1.58 |
How to work out the cost
Multiply the power in kilowatts by the hours it runs, then by your electricity unit rate. If the power is in watts, divide by 1,000 first.
For example: 2 kW x 1 hours x 26.32p per kWh = 52.6p.1
That is the cost at full rated power. If a thermostat switches the appliance off once the room is warm, it uses less. Standing charges are paid whatever you use, so they are not part of the cost of switching it on.
Typical fan heater power
Most fan heaters show their power in watts or kilowatts on the rating label. Check yours, because settings differ between models.
One published example, a fixed wall-mounted model, is the Dimplex FX20VE: it has a 2 kW loading, can be set to 1 kW or 2 kW when installed, and is “factory set for 1kW operation”. Its guide says it should be installed by a competent electrician.2 Models are named only as examples of published ratings, not recommendations.
Is a fan heater expensive to run?
It costs the same per kWh as any electric heater: 2 kW for an hour is 52.6p. Fan heaters are often used for short bursts, and 15 minutes at 2 kW costs 13.2p.
Using a portable heater safely
Electrical Safety First says: “Never leave your heater unattended while in use or while you are asleep.” and “It is recommended not to use a portable heater overnight.”3
It also says to “Keep all combustible materials at least one metre away from the heater”, to “avoid powering a heater from an extension lead as they can easily be overloaded”, and: “Never dry clothes directly on or close to your heater.”3
Next steps
1. Check the power settings on the label.
2. Use it for short periods, on the lower setting where it has one.
3. Work out your own cost with the calculator above.
Help with energy bills
If you are struggling with energy bills, check the help you may be able to get. These checkers are free and need no account.
Who these figures cover
The prices are from Ofgem's price cap for England, Scotland and Wales, 1 October to 31 December 2026.1 In Northern Ireland, use the unit rate on your bill in the calculator.
There is no VAT on household electricity in England, Scotland and Wales, and the rates above already reflect this.1 HMRC: “The temporary zero rate applies from 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027.” The Budget on 28 October 2026 extended it from 31 March (announced; the legislation is due in early 2027). Gas stays at 5% VAT.5