Expert Reveals One of the Cheapest Heaters To Run During South Africa’s Winter
- A South African content creator has explained why a small bar heater could be one of the most affordable ways to stay warm this winter, thanks to its low electricity usage
- The heater consumes between 400W and 800W, making it significantly cheaper to operate than many fan heaters, which typically use between 1,500W and 2,000W
- The appliance also includes built-in safety features, heats small spaces quickly and costs around R250, making it a budget-friendly option for many households
- Briefly News spoke to Lui, an electrician at Benmar Homes, and Jonathan Pillay from Wire2wire who shared advice on choosing energy-efficient heaters and staying warm without driving up electricity bills this winter
As South Africans continue looking for ways to keep warm without sending electricity bills soaring, one local content creator believes a small bar heater is among the most cost-effective heating options available. TikTok creator @wesreddy1 shared the advice in a video posted on 25 June 2026, comparing the electricity consumption of a traditional bar heater with more power-hungry fan heaters commonly used during winter.
Source: TikTok
According to Wes Reddy, the heater's biggest advantage is its low energy consumption. When using just one heating element, or one bar, the appliance consumes only 400 watts (0.4kWh). Based on an electricity price of R4 per unit (kWh), that works out to approximately R1.60 per hour to operate.
Switching on both heating elements doubles consumption to 800 watts (0.8kWh), costing roughly R3.20 per hour. By comparison, many electric fan heaters consume between 1,500W and 2,000W, meaning they generally cost considerably more to run over the same period. For households trying to manage winter electricity costs, that difference can become noticeable over several weeks of daily use.
Affordable heating with added safety
Besides lower running costs, the user @wesreddy1 says the heater is capable of warming a small area surprisingly quickly. According to the information shared in the video, operating a single heating bar can raise the temperature by approximately 4°C within 10 minutes at a distance of about one metre. A built-in tip-over switch automatically cuts the power if the appliance accidentally falls over, helping reduce the risk of overheating or fire.
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Jonathan told Briefly News that one of the biggest misconceptions is that certain electric heaters are more energy-efficient than others.
"A 2,000W heater is a 2,000W heater, regardless of whether it's fan-assisted, oil-filled, panel, or infrared. If it's drawing 2kW, it's consuming the same amount of electricity while operating. The real difference is how effectively each heater transfers that heat to the room and how people use it. Oil-filled heaters are generally one of my preferred recommendations because they retain heat well and provide a consistent, comfortable temperature."
Speaking about safety, Jonathan told Briefly News that simple mistakes can increase both electricity costs and the risk of fires.
"The most common mistakes I encounter are plugging high-powered heaters into extension leads or multiplugs that aren't rated for the load, leaving heaters unattended or running overnight without proper safety features, placing them too close to curtains or bedding, and assuming a more expensive heater automatically uses less electricity. In reality, the wattage determines electricity consumption, not the purchase price."
Jonathan further advised South Africans to focus on retaining heat instead of running heaters continuously.
"The cheapest unit of electricity is the one you don't have to use. Wear warm layers indoors, close doors and curtains, seal gaps around windows and doors, and heat only the room you're using. If you mainly use a heater before bed, I'd suggest buying an electric blanket instead. It consumes a fraction of the power of a conventional heater and can keep you warm while significantly reducing electricity costs."
Source: TikTok
The unit is also relatively inexpensive to purchase, with prices starting from around R250, making it accessible to many South Africans looking for affordable winter heating. While bar heaters are generally efficient for heating people or small rooms, experts recommend choosing a heater based on the size of the area being warmed.
Larger rooms may require more powerful heating systems, while smaller bedrooms or home offices can often be heated effectively using lower-powered appliances such as bar heaters.
Consumers are also encouraged to follow basic safety precautions, including keeping heaters away from curtains, furniture and flammable materials, avoiding extension cords where possible, and never leaving heaters unattended while switched on. For many households balancing comfort with rising electricity prices, lower-wattage heaters may offer an effective way to stay warm while keeping energy costs under control.
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Lui told Briefly News that the most energy-efficient heater depends on the size of the room and how it will be used.
"Oil-filled heaters are one of the best options for bedrooms and living areas because they retain heat well, making them efficient for longer periods. Ceramic heaters heat up quickly and are generally more energy-efficient for smaller spaces, while panel or convection heaters work well in insulated rooms. Regardless of the type, I recommend choosing a heater with overheat protection, a tip-over switch, and an adjustable thermostat for added safety and energy savings."
Speaking about common mistakes, Lui told Briefly News that many households unknowingly increase both their electricity bills and fire risks.
"Some of the most common mistakes include running heaters continuously without using the thermostat, heating empty rooms, plugging heaters into extension cords or multi-plugs, placing them too close to curtains or furniture, using damaged power cords, and leaving heaters unattended or running while people are asleep unless they are specifically designed for overnight use."
Lui further advised South Africans to use simple measures to stay warm while reducing electricity consumption.
"Heat only the room you're using, close doors and windows to prevent heat loss, seal gaps where cold air enters, and dress warmly before relying on electric heaters. Use the heater only when necessary and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature instead of the highest setting. Above all, make sure your home's electrical installation is in good condition because a quality heater used correctly is far safer and often more cost-effective than a cheaper appliance without proper safety features."
Check out the TikTok video below:
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Source: Briefly News
