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With the cold season now fully upon us, Kenyans across the country are finding creative ways to beat the chill. From extra blankets and socks to steaming cups of tea and hot showers, staying warm has become a daily mission.
One of the most popular solutions this year? Electric heaters. These devices come in different types, shapes, sizes, prices and importantly, different power ratings.
What does a Sh2,000-Sh3,000 heater actually offer?
At this price point, you’re most likely looking at a basic fan heater. These heaters typically:
Have a power rating of 1000W to 2000W
Come with a dial to switch between warm and hot air
Lack smart features like thermostats or auto shut-off
Can heat up a small room fairly quickly
But before you throw it into your trolley, it’s worth knowing what you're really getting into, especially in terms of space size and electricity use.
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A photo of an electric heater
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Does it match the size of your space?
In a bedsitter or compact small room, a Sh2,000- Sh3,000 heater can be surprisingly effective. These spaces are relatively small, meaning they don’t require much energy or time to warm up.
A heater rated at 1000 to 1500 watts will usually raise the temperature noticeably within 15 to 30 minutes, especially if the room is well-sealed with closed doors and minimal air gaps.
If you’re only using it during peak cold hours, say from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m, it can keep you comfortably warm without drastically increasing your electricity bill.
For someone living alone this is a budget-friendly and practical choice.
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In a one-bedroom apartment or bigger, things become a bit more nuanced. While a Sh2,000 heater can still offer comfort, it won’t heat the entire space effectively unless you use it strategically.
Most people in such homes tend to heat just one room at a time, either the bedroom or the living room, depending on where they spend their evenings.
In such spaces, this heater may only be effective when used for zone heating, that is, targeting a single area like a child’s bedroom or a personal office space.
Power consumption: What will it cost you?
Electric heaters may be small, but they’re not shy on power usage. Let’s say your heater runs at 2000W (2kW). That’s 2 units per hour of electricity. If you use it for 3 hours a day, that’s:
• 6 units per day
• 180 units per month
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When it makes sense to buy one
A Sh2,000-Sh3,000 heater is worth it if:
You live in a small space
You’re okay with heating one room at a time
You only use it during the coldest hours, not all day
You combine it with other warming habits (blankets, socks, door seals)
What it won’t do:
Heat up a three-bedroom house
Save electricity
Run efficiently if left on all night
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Tips to get the most out of a budget heater
Seal your space: Shut doors, close windows, block draughts
Limit usage: 1–2 hours a day is usually enough
Don’t rely on it alone: Layer with clothing, blankets, and hot drinks
Unplug when not in use: For safety and energy saving