Cheap heating
What it really costs to run heaters, heated airers, electric blankets and throws, and how to stay warm for less.
Every cost on these pages uses the current price cap: 26.32p per kWh for electricity and 7.97p per kWh for gas, 1 October to 31 December 2026.
Running costs
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Heating cost per hour: throw, heaters, gas, oil and heat pump compared
Compare the hourly cost of a heated throw, electric blanket, plug-in heaters, and gas, oil, heat pump and electric central heating.
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Appliance running cost calculator
Find out what any electric appliance costs per hour, day, month and winter at the current UK price cap.
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Heated airer running costs
What heated clothes airers cost per hour and per load at the current price cap, and how that compares with a tumble dryer.
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Electric blanket and heated throw running costs
What electric blankets and heated throws cost per hour, per month and per winter at the current price cap.
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Oil radiator vs fan heater vs halogen heater: running costs
Which electric heater is cheapest to run, how thermostats change the answer, and which suits which room.
Buying guides
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Best heated airerHow heated airers differ, what they cost to run, and which suit small flats, big families and drying fast.
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Best electric blanket and heated throwHow to choose an electric blanket or heated throw, what they cost to run, and the safety features that matter.
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Draught excluders and window insulation filmCheap draught proofing that makes a real difference: door excluders, letterbox brushes and window film.
Questions
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Does a dehumidifier lower your heating bills?A drier home can be a little easier to heat, but a dehumidifier costs money to run. When it is worth running one and when it is not.