Beat the Gas Shortage: Top 5 Electric Heaters in Pakistan That Save Electricity
Let’s be honest for a second—checking the stove at 8 PM just to find zero pressure is the most frustrating part of winter in Pakistan. The gas load shedding schedule seems to get worse every year. You are shivering in your own lounge, wrapped in three layers, wondering how to survive the night without freezing. Naturally, everyone is rushing to buy Top 5 Electric Heaters in Pakistan That Save Electricity.
But here is the catch. While electric heaters solve the cold problem, they create a new nightmare: the electricity bill. With WAPDA rates touching 60 to 70 PKR per unit (including taxes), running a heater all night feels like burning cash. You don't want to be warm for a month and then have a heart attack when the bill arrives.
At Empooria Trends, we know the struggle is real. We have looked at the local market—from Hall Road to online stores—to find heaters that give you the best warmth per rupee. We aren't just looking at heat; we are looking at efficiency.
The "Unit" Math: Before You Buy
Before we jump into the list, you need to understand how these machines eat electricity. It is simple math.
Most standard electric heaters are 1000 Watts to 2000 Watts. If you run a 1000-watt heater for 1 hour, it consumes 1 Unit of electricity. If the rate is approx 65 PKR/unit, running a heater for 8 hours a night costs you roughly 520 PKR per night. That is over 15,000 PKR a month just for one heater.
This is why choosing the right technology matters. Let’s look at the best options available in Pakistan right now.
1. The Inverter AC (Heat Mode) - The Efficiency King
I know what you are thinking. "I asked for a heater, not an AC." But hear me out. If you already have a DC Inverter AC (from brands like Gree, Haier, or Kenwood) installed in your room, use it.
Why it saves money: Standard heaters create heat by passing current through a coil (which is expensive). An Inverter AC uses a "Heat Pump" mechanism. It doesn't create heat; it extracts heat from the outside air and pumps it inside. This process is about 3 to 4 times more efficient than a standard electric rod heater.
The Cost: Once the room is warm, an Inverter AC might only consume 300 to 500 Watts to maintain the temperature. That is half the cost of a small fan heater.
2. Westpoint Fan Heater (WF-5300 Series)
If you can't afford an AC or need something portable for the bathroom or office, Westpoint is the go-to brand in Pakistan. You will see these small, flat fan heaters in almost every electronics shop.
Why we like it: It heats up the air instantly. You don't have to wait 20 minutes like you do with an oil radiator. It is perfect for "Spot Heating"—like when you are changing clothes or sitting at your desk.
Energy Tip: It has two settings: 1000W and 2000W. Always run it on the lower setting. It also has a thermostat. Once the room is warm, the heater turns off automatically, saving you units.
Speaking of staying warm, you can't rely solely on gadgets. Make sure you are dressed for the weather too.
3. Xiaomi Smart Tower Heater Lite
This is for the tech lovers. Xiaomi has officially entered the Pakistani market, and their ceramic tower heaters are sleek. They look great in a modern drawing room.
The Tech: It uses PTC Ceramic heating, which is safer and slightly more efficient than old-school red coils. The best part? It connects to the Mi Home App. You can turn it on from your phone before you even enter the room.
Efficiency: It has a smart temperature control system. If the room reaches your desired temperature, it lowers the power consumption automatically. It’s not as efficient as an AC, but it’s smarter than a local heaters.
4. Oil-Filled Radiators (Delonghi or Black & Decker)
These look like old-school steam radiators on wheels. You fill them with oil (which is sealed inside permanently), and an electric element heats the oil.
The Pros: They don't burn oxygen. If you have asthma or dry skin, this is the best option. It doesn't make the air feel "dry" or suffocating like fan heaters do. Also, once you turn it off, the hot oil keeps radiating heat for another 30-40 minutes.
The Cons: They are slow. It takes 20 minutes to start feeling the heat. They are also heavy on electricity initially (usually 1500W to 2500W). Use these for bedrooms where you need silent, consistent heat all night.
Since we are talking about health and air quality, keep in mind that closed rooms with heaters can get stuffy. You might want to pair this with a purifier.
5. Carbon Fiber / Quartz Heaters (Local Brands like Sogo/Geepas)
Visit any local market, and you will see these tall heaters that glow bright orange. These use Carbon Fiber tubes instead of metal rods.
Why choose this? They convert electricity to heat very efficiently (Infrared heat). The heat travels directly to your skin rather than heating the air. This means you feel warm instantly even if the room is cold. They consume less power than fan heaters (usually 400W to 800W per tube).
Empooria’s Take: Which One Should You Buy?
Here is my honest advice based on years of paying bills in Lahore.
If you want to save the most money on bills, do not buy a new heater. Service your Inverter AC and use the "Heat" mode. Nothing beats its efficiency. Set it to 26 degrees, and your room will be cozy with minimal bill shock.
If you need something cheap for short bursts (like morning showers or breakfast time), get a Westpoint Fan Heater. It costs around 8,000 to 12,000 PKR. It warms you up in 2 minutes. Just don't leave it on for 5 hours, or your meter will spin faster than a fan.
Avoid the cheap, unbranded "rod heaters" that sell for 2,000 PKR on the roadside. They are dangerous, have no thermostat, and consume electricity continuously without cutting off.
Pros & Cons of Electric Heaters
Pros:
- ✅ No dependency on Sui Gas pressure.
- ✅ Safer than gas heaters (no carbon monoxide risk).
- ✅ Portable (can move from room to room).
- ✅ Instant heat (especially fan heaters).
Cons:
- ❌ Very expensive running cost (Electricity vs Gas).
- ❌ Can dry out the air (bad for skin/throat).
- ❌ Load shedding means they stop working (unless you have a heavy UPS/Solar).
Summary
Winter in Pakistan is becoming a test of survival against utility bills. While electric heaters are a necessity due to gas shortages, using them wisely is the only way to save your bank balance. Use thermostats, insulate your windows (draft stoppers), and wear warm clothes so you don't have to run the heater at max power.
How are you managing the cold this year? Are you Team Heater or Team Blanket? Drop a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Inverter AC really save electricity in heating mode?
Yes, absolutely. An Inverter AC is a heat pump. It moves heat rather than creating it. It is roughly 300% to 400% more efficient than a standard electric rod heater. It is the cheapest way to heat a room electrically.
How much electricity does a fan heater consume in Pakistan?
A standard fan heater runs at 2000 Watts on high and 1000 Watts on low. Running it for 1 hour on low consumes 1 Unit. At current rates (approx 65 PKR/unit), running it for 4 hours a day will cost about 7,800 PKR per month.
Are electric heaters safe to leave on all night?
It is generally not recommended. Exposed rod heaters can cause fires if a blanket touches them. Fan heaters dry out the air, leading to dehydration. Oil-filled radiators are the safest option for overnight use, but they should still have a working thermostat.
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