As winter approaches, the struggle to keep your home warm without breaking the bank begins. Despite the general fall in prices since early 2023, typical bills under the September to December 2024 price cap will still be just over 40%-30% higher than in winter 2021/22, with unit prices for gas expected to increase by 14% in October 2024 and electricity by 10%.
No surprise that for many homeowners, finding a reliable, cost-effective heating solution has become a top priority. So, if you’re tired of battling cold spots and rising energy bills, it might be time to consider an oil-filled heater—a quiet, efficient, and eco-friendly device that might just be the winter companion you didn’t know you needed!
Indoor living experts, Vonhaus, take a look at how this type of heater can help you keep heating costs down, dry your clothes, and generally make your winter much more comfortable.
Keep Heating Costs Down
Unlike traditional heaters that blast hot air, oil-filled radiators work by heating oil inside a sealed unit, which then radiates heat evenly across the room, and once the oil is heated, it retains warmth for a surprisingly long time, even after the unit is turned off. This can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill over the course of the winter.
Adele Brennan, Home Electricals Buyer at Vonhaus says, “Oil-filled heaters are designed to provide steady, even heat, unlike traditional space heaters, which can cause temperature fluctuations and use more energy as they turn on and off. And if you use the heater strategically—only heating the rooms you’re using—you can keep your overall heating costs much lower than if you relied solely on central heating.”
Heating and Drying Clothes
Winter isn’t just about staying warm—it’s also about dealing with the challenges that cold, damp weather brings, like drying laundry. If you don’t have a dryer or are trying to cut down on electricity usage, an oil-filled heater can be a handy tool for drying clothes. Just place a drying rack near the heater, and the warm air will help to dry your clothes faster than if they were left in a cold room.
Brennan, at Vonhaus adds, “Just be sure not to place the clothes directly on the heater. Keep them at a safe distance to ensure proper air circulation and to avoid any safety hazards. This simple trick can help you save on energy costs while keeping your clothes dry and your home warm.”
Benefits of oil-filled heaters
Not only do these heaters provide consistent warmth without spiking your energy bill, but they come with a multitude of benefits:
- Oil-filled heaters are remarkably quiet because they don’t rely on fans to circulate heat, which makes them ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or any space where you need a bit of peace and quiet.
- They are portable and convenient, as most of them come with wheels or handles, making it easy to move them around your home.
- When it comes to home heating and safety, oil-filled heaters are among the safest options on the market. They have a low surface temperature compared to other heaters, reducing the risk of burns.
- Maintenance is another area where oil-filled heaters excel. The oil inside the unit never needs to be replaced, and there are no filters to clean or fans to service.
Winter can be challenging, but with the right tools, it can also be cosy and manageable. From keeping your heating costs down and drying your clothes to providing safe, quiet, and consistent warmth, this versatile heater is a winter essential. So why not give it a try? Your home—and your wallet—will thank you.