Citizens Advice has delivered a stark warning to UK households that portable heaters could add hundreds of pounds to monthly energy bills, as families grapple with ways to stay warm while managing the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The consumer charity's intervention comes as households across Britain seek alternatives to costly central heating following recent energy price cap increases. While portable heaters might appear an attractive solution for heating individual rooms, Citizens Advice warns that their convenience masks potentially devastating financial consequences for families already stretched by household budgets.
The stark reality of the costs becomes clear in Citizens Advice's calculations: a typical 2kW portable heater costs approximately £1.36 per hour to operate. For households using such devices for just a few hours daily, the expenses can rapidly escalate into unsustainable territory. These figures are based on current average energy tariffs, which remain elevated despite recent market adjustments.
The charity is urging consumers to check their portable heaters' wattage ratings to calculate precise running costs before committing to regular use. This practical step enables families to make informed decisions about their energy consumption and avoid the shock of unexpectedly inflated bills arriving in the post.
Citizens Advice also recommends exploring more cost-effective heating strategies, including improving home insulation and making strategic use of central heating thermostats and timer controls. The warning reflects the broader economic pressures facing British households, where energy bills continue to represent a significant proportion of family budgets despite government interventions and market stabilisation efforts.