Both fan heaters and oil heaters are popular, but which is a better option? Keep reading to determine whether a fan heater or oil heater is cheaper to run this winter.
Fan heaters
Using a fan heater is an easy way to heat up spaces quickly. A fan heater works by blowing air over a heating element and then circulating that warm air throughout your home. Typically, fan heaters are small and portable. They’re good for providing additional heat to whichever room you’re in. Fan heaters typically cost anywhere from $50 to $150 and cost around 20 cents an hour (opens in new tab) to run.
Pros:
Portability makes fan heaters convenient to use anywhere in the homeFan heaters can heat up a room quickly if they’re smaller roomsMany fan heaters also have a heatless fan setting, making them useful in the summer months as well
Cons:
Fan heaters dry out the air in a roomNeed to be constantly running to provide heat, which uses a lot of energyNot effective in an improperly insulated home
Oil Heaters
An oil heater is a form of convection heater used to warm your home. In an oil heater, oil flows within metal columns, where it’s heated by an element at the base of the heater. This causes a convection current inside the heater, and the hot oil will begin to heat the metal casing it’s held in. Once the oil is heated thoroughly, it will maintain its heat for a while. Generally, oil heaters cost between $50 to $250 (opens in new tab) and cost an average of 10 cents an hour (opens in new tab) to run.
Pros:
Oil heaters retain heat even when turned off which saves energyKeeps airflow stable, preventing dry airDon’t produce much noise
Cons:
Oil heaters take a long time to heat up and warm the space they’re inSlow heat circulationCan be much heavier and harder to move than other heaters
Verdict
Between oil heaters and fan heaters, the most cost effective option would be using an oil heater. Both have their ups and down, but oil heaters use less energy in the long run - even if they cost a bit more upfront. If you decide to use central heating, make sure your thermostat is set to this temperature (opens in new tab) to save on heating costs.
