The True Cost of Cheap Plug-In Fan Heaters

It’s tempting to grab a bargain at Bunnings or Kmart, those $20–$40 plug-in fan heaters promise instant warmth for minimal upfront outlay. But what feels cheap at the counter can cost you hundreds when you flick them on every evening.

Why Plug-In Fan Heaters Burn Through Your Budget

High power draw, no precision controls
Most budget fan heaters pull 2.0 kW–2.2 kW, running flat-out whenever switched on. Lacking a built-in thermostat or eco mode, they cycle at full power until you manually switch them off, often overshooting your desired temperature and wasting energy.

Hourly running costs add up fast
At an average rate of 30 c/kWh, a 2 kW heater costs:
2 kW × 1 hour × $0.30 = $0.60 per hour
Use it for 5 hours each evening and you’ll spend $3.00 per day or around $90 over a 30-day winter month.

False economy
Cheap plastic casings and small fans cool almost as quickly as they heat, so you’ll chase warmth with longer runtimes. Many people end up running multiple heaters or combining them with bulkier units, multiplying power use.

Cost Comparison Example

Pro tip: If you already own a plug-in fan heater, restrict it to the coldest hours and supplement with other low-cost warmth strategies.

Cheap Ways to Warm Your Home on a Budget

Beyond investing in a smarter heater, there are plenty of low-cost steps you can take to retain heat and reduce reliance on high-wattage devices:

• Seal drafts & insulate: Fit door snakes, draught stoppers and weather-stripping around windows and external doors. Even simple bubble-wrap insulation on single-pane windows can cut heat loss.

• Use thermal curtains & rugs: Heavy curtains trap warm air inside after sunset. Layer area rugs over cold floorboards to add thermal resistance underfoot.

• Zone heating: Only heat the rooms you’re using—close unused doors and block hallways with rolled towels to contain warm air.

• Harness solar gain: Open curtains on sun-facing windows during the day to collect free heat, then close them at dusk to lock it in.

• Layer up: Encourage everyone to wear warm layers, thick socks and slippers. A hot water bottle or heat pack in your bedding can deliver extra warmth for pennies.

• Reflective radiator panels: Position shiny foil boards between radiators and external walls to reflect heat back into the room instead of losing it through masonry.

Combined, these measures can slash your heater runtime, potentially cutting your heating bill by 20 – 30% without spending a fortune.

Compare Electricity & Gas Plans and Save

No matter which heating method you choose, your energy plan can make a huge difference. Even a small saving of 2 c/kWh on electricity, or gas , could knock tens of dollars off your winter bills.

Ready to keep your home cosy without breaking the bank?
Use our free comparison tool at EnergyPlans.com.au to find the cheapest electricity or gas plan tailored to your postcode and usage. It only takes a minute, and it could save you hundreds each year!