Auxiliary heaters: wood, gas, electric… which are the most economical models?

Electric, gas, oil, oil bath… there are so many auxiliary heaters on the market that the French turn to them to reduce energy costs. They should still be really economical. Shipping looked at the most affordable models.

Electricity: cheap but energy intensive

When purchased, electric heaters are the cheapest models, with prices starting at around twenty euros. They are practical and compact, they are not necessarily the least energy efficient because they consume a lot of electricity.

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According to Total Energies, “one hour of use [de ces appareils] It costs 0.28 euro cents, that is, it is twice as expensive as a fixed radiator”. So, occasional use of this equipment – half an hour a day – the monthly budget is 4.2 euro. An efficient solution for a short time, the electric model is therefore the best for the wallet not profitable.

In an oil bath: a happy medium

Oil-filled heaters are also some of the cheapest on the market. Count between 30 and 150 euros for one of these models. Combining practicality and economy, they heat up quickly and keep a room at the right temperature for a long time.

Thanks to their thermostat, you can control the power used. But be careful! If you want to save money, you shouldn’t leave it plugged in all day, but use it occasionally.

Gas: the most economical

In the radius of long-term auxiliary heaters, gas-fired units are in good shape, because they have a greater heat distribution than others. However, the average selling price of these models is around 150 euros. It is also necessary to take into account the purchase of gas cylinders – butane or propane, the prices of which start from 15 euros.

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Moreover, if these models are very profitable, they require compliance with a number of safety measures. Therefore, do not install them near sofas, chairs or walls, avoid moving them or using flammable products nearby. Also plan to install your gas heater indoors to avoid inhaling carbon monoxide fumes. Finally, always be careful about maintaining your auxiliary heater: don’t hesitate to bleed your radiator at least once a year.

Oil: rapid heating

The advantage of wick stoves using kerosene as fuel is that the temperature can be raised quickly and is relatively cheap (100 euros for entry-level models). Although they are easy to use, they have the disadvantage of being quite energy intensive. In addition, you need to add a 20-liter fuel tank, the prices of which vary from 20 to 40 euros.

Also, as with gas stoves, be sure to take a few precautions during installation. These models pose a risk of burns and tend to release carbon monoxide.

Note that there are electronic oil burners on the market that can be programmed to turn on or off. On the other hand, their price is higher: it starts from 250 euros in most big stores.

With wood: high investment for best return

With the best possible energy efficiency, a wood stove is undoubtedly the best auxiliary heating in addition to an electric heater or heat pump. If you prefer this type of installation, take the time to determine which one you will use: a wood stove is recommended as an auxiliary heater, while a pellet stove allows you to spread constant heat for a long time.

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On the other hand, it’s extra salty on the price side: count between 1,500 and 4,500 euros for a wood stove (installation included) and between 2,500 and 5,500 euros for a pellet stove (installation included). For fuel, calculate 55-100 euros per cubic meter of wood, and about 5 euros for 15 kg of pellets.