Electric fan heaters are typically affordable, and a great portable solution. They operate by fanning warm air through the room from a heated element at the back.

These little heaters aren’t made for large spaces – they’re at their best in a small room, particularly one with decent insulation. Drop one of these in the corner, being careful to keep the exposed elements well away from carpet or anything meltable/flammable.

Perfect for the study

Great for a small space you’ll be working in all day. 

Also called column heaters (because of, y’know, the columns), oil heaters produce radiant heat as the oil inside is warmed and circulated.

These common heaters can be heavier, are slower to heat and not safe to touch while they’re on, but more than make up for this by heating larger rooms easily and silently. They also stay warm for a long time once switched off.

Perfect for the bedroom or living room

Their heat retention will keep you comfy all evening.

You have a few options for enclosed outdoor spaces. An electric patio heater may be your cheapest option, able to generate a lot of directed heat quickly if it’s a smaller space.

For a larger space, choose a gas heater for general warmth that will soon have everyone feeling toasty, enjoying the great indoor/outdoors, even in winter. Just remember not to bring these heaters inside as their extra punch could be a potential hazard.

Perfect for the patio

A great solve if your outdoor set-up is your main socialising space.

There’s nothing better than a clear winter night around a crackling fire pit or chiminea with friends and family, is there?

These always make a stylish and welcoming centrepiece to the backyard, particularly in the evening. You don’t even need to build it in – there are plenty of smaller, portable models that look great.

Perfect for the backyard

Just double-check with the council that it’s okay for your property type to have a fire pit first.