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Heating is a basic need in the UK. Winters can cause cold, and central heating keeps homes warm and cheerful. But many are wondering: How much does heating actually cost per hour?
In this blog, we will break the central heating cost per hour, depending on the fuel you use, electric or oil. We will also explain daily, monthly and annual expenses along with installation costs. If you are planning to upgrade your heating system, this guide will help you decide with care.
Central Heating
Central heat warms your home from the same source. It is usually a saucepan that warms the water. It goes to the radiator in different rooms through hot water pipes.
Some houses use electrical radiators instead of water-based heaters. Others, especially in rural areas, depend on oil-based systems.
Either way, this method heats your entire home, and it uses energy—which costs money. Your central heating system costs will depend on a few things:
- The type of fuel (gas, electric, or oil)
- How efficient is your system?
- How long do you keep your heating on
- The size and insulation of your home
Now let’s look at each fuel type and its costs.
Gas Central Heating Costs Per Hour
Gas is the most common way to heat homes in the UK. It is connected to the national network, and most modern homes already have gas boilers.
In 2025, the average cost of natural gas is approximately 7 cents per kWh (kWh). A specific gas boiler uses about 24 kW per hour to heat a medium-sized house. But boilers are not 100% effective. Most gas boilers run with about 90% efficiency.
So, the real calculation looks like this:
24 kW × £0.07 = £1.68 per hour
Then you adjust for efficiency:
£1.68 × 0.90 = £1.51 per hour
This means that the use of gas costs £ 1.51 per hour per hour to heat the middle house.
Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Cost for Gas Heating
- Daily: £1.51 × 5 = £7.55
- Monthly: £7.55 × 30 = £226.50
- Yearly (6 months): £226.50 × 6 = £1,359
Gas heating is efficient and cheap, especially for large families or the entire current use.
Electric Central Heating Costs Per Hour
Electric heating is common in apartments or homes that do not have access to gas. It is clean, easy to install, and no pipelines are needed for this. But driving it is expensive.
In 2025, the average force in the UK is 27 pence per kWh. A specific setup of electric heating can use 10 kW per hour to heat a small to medium house.
So, the cost:
10 kW × £0.27 = £2.70 per hour
Electric heaters are 100% efficient. So what they consume is what you get.
Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Cost for Electric Heating
- Daily: £2.70 × 5 = £13.50
- Monthly: £13.50 × 30 = £405
- Yearly (6 months): £405 × 6 = £2,430
Electric heating is almost twice the cost of gas. For small apartments or timely use, this can be cured. But for full heating it can be expensive.
Oil Central Heating Costs Per Hour
Oil is used in rural areas where gas isn’t available. It’s stored in tanks on the property and burned in a special oil boiler.
By 2025, the average oil is priced at 78 pence per liter. A standard oil boiler uses about 1 liter per hour for a medium house. These systems are about 85% effective.
Let’s calculate:
1 litre = £0.78
Adjusted for efficiency: £0.78 ÷ 0.85 = £0.92 per hour
So heating with oil costs around 92 pence per hour.
Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Cost for Oil Heating
Again, with 5 hours of use:
- Daily: £0.92 × 5 = £4.60
- Monthly: £4.60 × 30 = £138
- Yearly (6 months): £138 × 6 = £828
Oil is cheaper than electricity but slightly more than gas. One downside is that oil prices can go up and down. And you have to monitor your supply and schedule deliveries.
Installation Costs for Central Heating Systems
Knowing hourly running costs is important. But so is knowing how much it costs to install or replace a system.
Gas Central Heating Installation
Installing a full gas heating system includes:
- Boiler
- Radiators
- Pipes
- Thermostats
The cost can range from £ 3,500 to £ 5,000. If your home is not connected to the main gas, it is expected to be paid for another 1,000 pounds for connections.
Electric Heating Installation
Electric heaters are easier to install:
- No boiler
- No pipes
- No tank
Installation cost is usually £2,000 to £3,500 depending on the number and type of heaters.
Oil Heating Installation
Oil systems need:
- Boiler
- Oil tank
- Radiators
- Pipework
They cost more to set up—around £4,000 to £6,000. Also, tanks take up space, and you need to manage fuel orders.
Factors That Affect Your Heating Costs
Not every home pays the same per hour. Let’s look at what can change your heating cost:
1. Size of Home
Larger homes need more energy. A one-bedroom flat may only use 6–8kW per hour. A four-bedroom home may use 20–30kW.
2. Insulation
Well-insulated homes keep heat longer. If your walls, loft, and windows are poorly insulated, you’ll pay more.
3. Boiler Efficiency
Modern condensing boilers are up to 90% efficient. Old ones may waste up to 30% of energy.
Heating Cost Summary Table
Here’s a quick comparison of costs using the same home and usage (5 hours/day for 6 months):
| Fuel Type | Cost Per Hour | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | £1.51 | £7.55 | £226.50 | £1,359 |
| Electric | £2.70 | £13.50 | £405 | £2,430 |
| Oil | £0.92 | £4.60 | £138 | £828 |
Which Heating Type Is Best?
If your priority is low hourly cost, gas is the best.
If you live off-grid, oil is a good middle option.
If your house is small or temporary and you want a single layout, you can go to electric heating.
But keep in mind that the best system also depends on how long you plan to stay at home, your budget and how much to use.
Final Thoughts
Heating your own home comes at a price. By understanding the important heating costs consistent with the hour, you could plan higher and store extra.
Gas is the most inexpensive to run.
Electric is the very best to put in however, most luxurious to perform.
Oil is affordable for rural homes, but expenses may additionally vary.
No rely what system you choose, cognizance on performance, insulation, and clever utilization. They make the biggest distinction to your final bill.
Need assistance estimating your heating fees or deciding on a new system? Drop a comment or get in contact for a recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, it costs around £1.50 an hour to run gas central heating. The exact cost depends on your boiler’s efficiency and how well your home keeps the heat in.
For most homes, gas costs between £1 and £1.50 per hour when used for heating. The price can go up or down depending on your energy supplier and how much you use.
Yes, gas is usually more affordable than electricity for heating. That’s why many UK homes still use gas boilers—they’re cheaper to run.
Gas heating doesn’t use much electricity—just a little to run things like the thermostat, pump, and timer. It barely adds anything to your electricity bill.
Not really. It’s usually cheaper to turn the heating on only when you need it. Leaving it on all day wastes energy and pushes up your bills.
