APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS · OCT–DEC 2026
How much does an electric towel rail cost to run?
Electric towel rails are low-powered, but running one all day adds up. At the GB average price-cap electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh for October–December 2026, an electric towel rail costs about 4.6p an hour at full power, or 9.2p for a typical 2-hour day.
PER HOUR
4.6pat 175 W, full powerPER DAY
9.2p0.35 kWh over 2 hoursPER WEEK
64p7 days a week (assumed)PER YEAR
£34128 kWh at the assumed useWork out your own cost
Choose your region or type in your own unit rate, then change the wattage and hours to match your appliance and how you use it. It starts with a week at our assumed use, averaged to hours a day.
2.4 kWh over 7 days · about £0.09 a day
How much electricity it uses
- Dimplex TDTR electric towel rails are rated at 120 W, 175 W, 250 W and 350 W depending on size.
| Example | Rated power | Per hour | Per day | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower | 120 W | 3.2p | 6.3p | £23 |
| Typical | 175 W | 4.6p | 9.2p | £34 |
| Higher | 350 W | 9.2p | 18p | £67 |
Usage assumption: Two hours a day at full power. This is our illustration, not a measured average; change it in the calculator.
What drives the cost
- Hours switched on: a timer avoids running it all day.
- Size and rating.
How it compares
| Appliance | Typical use | Energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric towel rail | 1 day, 2 hours | 0.35 kWh | 9.2p |
| Electric fan heater | 1 evening, 2 hours | 4.00 kWh | £1.05 |
| Heated clothes airer | 1 load, 4 hours | 1.20 kWh | 32p |
Ways to spend less
- Use a timer so it is on only when you need warm towels.
Unit rates vary by region: this period they run from 25.36p per kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and Northern Wales. See every region’s rate →
Questions
How much does an electric towel rail cost to run per hour?
At 26.32p per kWh (the GB average price-cap rate, October–December 2026, Direct Debit, 0% VAT), an electric towel rail rated at 175 W costs about 4.6p an hour at full power. Models from 120 W to 350 W cost 3.2p to 9.2p an hour.
How much does an electric towel rail cost to run a year?
It depends on how much you use it. Our assumption is two hours a day at full power. At 26.32p per kWh that comes to about £34 a year (128 kWh). Change the hours or uses in the calculator to match your own.
Does the cost depend on where I live?
Yes, a little. Price-cap electricity unit rates for October–December 2026 range from 25.36p per kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and Northern Wales. Pick your region in the calculator, or enter the unit rate from your bill if you are on a fixed or time-of-use tariff.
About these figures
Running costs are energy used × unit rate. They exclude the daily standing charge, which you pay whether or not the appliance runs. Costs per hour assume the appliance draws its full rated power the whole time; many appliances cycle on and off, so real use is often lower. Power ratings and energy figures are examples from the sources below, not a measured UK average.
Other appliances
Sources
- Dimplex TDTR towel rails: installation and operating instructions (PDF) ↗Models rated 120 W, 175 W, 250 W and 350 W.
- Ofgem: energy price cap unit rates and standing charges ↗GB average electricity unit rate and VAT basis, October–December 2026.
Last updated 11 October 2026. Figures are dated benchmarks taken from the sources above. How we use sources →