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Budget BuildsPUBLISHED 2026-05-25

Gas vs Electric Heating Costs

JW
James Whitfield
Contributor archive
1 min read

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Buying shortlist

Heaters and heating kit worth comparing

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Heating is the biggest energy cost in a campervan. Here is the real running cost comparison for UK conditions.

Verdict

Diesel heaters are the cheapest to run (£0.96/day) and the most practical for off-grid. Electric hookup is expensive (£3.60/day) but convenient on campsites. LPG is slightly cheaper than diesel but LPG refill points are rare. Our recommendation: Diesel heater for off-grid. Use electric hookup when available.

Cost Per Day (6 hours heating in winter)

Diesel heater (2kW): 0.1L diesel per hour. £1.60/L diesel. Cost per day: £0.96. Cost per month: £28.80. LPG gas heater (Propex): 100g per hour. £1.20/kg LPG. Cost per day: £0.72. Cost per month: £21.60. Electric hookup (2kW fan heater): £0.30/kWh. Cost per day: £3.60. Cost per month: £108. Electric from battery (via inverter): Impractical for more than 1 hour. A 2kW heater draws 166A at 12v.

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JW
James Whitfield
Contributor archive

Van Life UK contributor archive. See our editorial policy for research and testing standards.

View all articles by James Whitfield →

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