Heating · Running Costs
What Do Electric Heaters Cost to Run in Ireland?
"How much does it cost to run?" is the most-asked heating question in Ireland. The maths is simple once you know your unit rate here's how to work out any heater's running cost, and how to keep it down.
At a typical Irish electricity rate of about €0.35 per kWh, a 1kW electric heater costs about €0.35 per hour at full power, a 1.5kW heater about €0.53, and a 2kW heater about €0.70. Because electric heaters are ~100% efficient, the wattage is the running cost. A thermostat and timer cut the bill sharply - a well-controlled heater might only run at full power a third to half the time, so real costs are usually well below the full-power figure.
Disclaimer: Cost estimates are for general guidance only. Actual running costs may vary based on electricity tariffs, heater usage, home insulation, and appliance efficiency.
The running-cost basis. Running costs on this page assume an electricity price of about €0.35 per kWh - a typical Irish domestic unit rate. Your actual rate varies by supplier and plan, so check your latest bill. Electric heaters are ~100% efficient at the point of use, so 1kW of heater uses ~1 unit (kWh) per hour at full power.
At ~€0.35/kWh, full power
Match your heater's wattage to its running cost per hour, per four hours and per eight-hour day. These are full-power figures - see below for how much a thermostat can cut them.
| Heater | Per hour | Per 4 hrs | Per day (8 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500W (0.5kW) | €0.18 | €0.70 | €1.40 |
| 1000W (1kW) | €0.35 | €1.40 | €2.80 |
| 1500W (1.5kW) | €0.53 | €2.10 | €4.20 |
| 2000W (2kW) | €0.70 | €2.80 | €5.60 |
These are full-power figures. In practice a thermostat cycles the heater off once the room is warm, so a heater set sensibly often uses 30-50% of this.
Disclaimer: Cost estimates are for general guidance only. Actual running costs may vary based on electricity tariffs, heater usage, home insulation, and appliance efficiency.
How to cut the cost
A well-controlled heater rarely runs at full power for a whole session. These few habits make the biggest difference to the real-world bill. For more practical advice on improving home energy efficiency, visit the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
- Use the thermostat. Set it to a comfortable temperature and let it cycle, rather than running flat out.
- Use the timer. Heat only when the room is in use.
- Heat the room you're in, not the whole house. A targeted electric heater beats heating everywhere.
- Choose the right wattage for the room. Too small runs constantly; see our sizing guide.
- Close doors and curtains. Keep the heat in.
Ready to choose?
See What size electric heater do I need? and the type comparison, then browse the electric heating range.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to run a 1kW heater?
Disclaimer: Cost estimates are for general guidance only. Actual running costs may vary based on electricity tariffs, heater usage, home insulation, and appliance efficiency.
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Cut the cost
Brennan's Electrical is an Arklow-based electrical and appliance retailer. We stock electric heating, cooling and large kitchen appliances - with local delivery, installation and old-appliance removal that the big chains don't match. Browse the ranges online or talk to us for advice on the right model for your room and budget.