The cold, crisp spell has engulfed Australia, and people are dreading the expensive bills that come with it. As temperatures drop, they face a battle: stay warm or stay within budget. We’ve all been there, layering blankets to stay warm and turning the heating on for just an hour to keep energy bills down.
Oil heaters are often the most sought-after solution across Australia. You find them running on almost every property you pass by, promising heat and warmth throughout the season. But are oil heaters expensive to run?
The answer is not a simple yes or no – it’s “it depends.” You have to get a calculator to find out the actual cost. We’ve done that part for you – all you have to do is read it carefully.
This blog post tells our audience all about oil heaters and their real-world running costs. We’ll also show you how to run oil heaters without emptying your pockets. Let’s begin.
What is an Oil Heater?
Let’s first understand what an oil heater is. Many people mistakenly believe that oil heating systems burn oil as fuel, but that is not true. An oil heater, also known as an oil-filled radiator, is powered by electricity. It is a plug-in system with thermal oil sealed inside its metal fins. While an oil heater does consume a significant amount of energy, it retains heat for a long time. People often prefer them because they heat indoor spaces silently, are low-maintenance, and stay hot for a long time.
If you wonder how they function, let’s only touch on the basics. You turn it on, and this electric-powered heater starts warming up the oil sealed inside. The hot thermal oil circulates through the fins, spreading heat across the indoor space. The true efficiency of this oil-filled radiator is not how long it takes to warm up the oil, but how long it retains it. It’s one of the main standout features of the oil heating system. Even when you switch it off, it continues to distribute heat for a long time. So, if you wonder if oil heaters are cheap to run, know that they certainly are.
So, What’s the Actual Cost?
Here’s the formula we use to calculate the running cost of an oil-filled radiator.
Running Cost = Heater Wattage (kW) × Hours Used × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)
For this example, we’ll use:
Electricity rate: $0.35 per kWh (35 cents/kWh – a reasonable national average, though rates vary by state and retailer)
Example 1: 1000W (1.0kW) Oil Heater | |
1 hour | 1.0 × $0.35 = $0.35 |
5 hours per day | 1.0 × 5 × $0.35 = $1.75/day |
30 days | $1.75 × 30 = $52.50/month |
Example 2: 1500W (1.5kW) Oil Heater | |
1 hour | 1.5 × $0.35 = $0.53 |
5 hours per day | 1.5 × 5 × $0.35 = $2.63/day |
30 days | $2.63 × 30 = $78.75/month |
Example 3: 2400W (2.4kW) Oil Heater | |
1 hour | 2.4 × $0.35 = $0.84 |
5 hours per day | 2.4 × 5 × $0.35 = $4.20/day |
30 days | $4.20 × 30 = $126.00/month |
For a summarised view, look at the following table:
Heater Size | Cost per Hour | 5 Hours/Day | Monthly Cost (30 Days) |
1000W | $0.35 | $1.75 | $52.50 |
1500W | $0.53 | $2.63 | $78.75 |
2400W | $0.84 | $4.20 | $126.00 |
Benefits of Oil-Filled Radiators
Here’s why these oil heating systems are Australia’s new fav:
Heat Retention:
Oil heaters are the best givers – you keep them on for a while, and they radiate heat all night, even when turned off. They are an ideal addition to make your nights warm and comfortable.
Energy Efficiency:
They take a bit of time to heat the oil inside, but they run for hours without issue. It means they do reduce energy consumption and take off those extra units on the bill.
Quiet Operation:
Other heating systems do give off a constant hum, but here’s the good news for you – you can enjoy winters in silence if you have an oil heating system.
What Makes Them Expensive?
Are oil heaters cheap to run? Yes, they are. But if you are still getting high energy bills, there could be several reasons behind that.
You Bought the Wrong Size:
Many customers make this mistake – they buy the wrong size. If you have a small room, there is no need to purchase a massive 2500W heating system. Typically, you only need a 100W heater for 10 square feet of floor space.
The thermostat is Incorrect:
Are you setting your thermostat to maximum? This is a costly mistake. At maximum setting, your heater will run constantly, trying to reach a high temperature. Always set the thermostat to a comfortable 19°C or 20°C. The heater will heat the room and then cycle on and off to maintain it.
Your Room is Poorly Insulated:
If your room has poor insulation, doors have cracks, and windows have gaps, the oil heater won’t maintain a steady temperature. The heater will have to run constantly to compensate, spiking your energy bill.
Final Verdict
So, are oil heaters expensive to run? No. If you use oil heaters correctly, they are the cheapest. They are best known for retaining heat and reducing energy usage. So, if you are looking for a quiet, efficient and safe heating solution for your home, an oil-filled radiator is a wise investment.
Moreover, if you want a reliable HVAC service company with ARC-certified technicians, call Surrey Air. We install, replace and service oil-filled radiators at affordable rates.
