7 Ways To Use A Tubular Heater (Oct 2025 update)

7 Ways To Use A Tubular Heater (Oct 2025 update)

Alexander Bevan

Imagine a heating solution that seamlessly blends efficiency, affordability, and versatility—all while transforming your living spaces into cosy sanctuaries. Tubular heaters are not just another appliance; they are your secret weapon against the chill of winter! Whether you’re looking to protect your beloved plants in a greenhouse, keep your tools rust-free in a shed, or ensure your pets stay warm and comfortable, these compact heaters offer a world of possibilities. Let’s explore the innovative ways you can harness the power of tubular heaters to elevate your home comfort and safeguard your cherished belongings!

What is a Tubular Heater?

 

A lot of people don’t know what a tube heater is or haven’t had the chance to experience its benefits. A tubular heater is a type of electric heater that has a long, narrow design. It works by radiating heat, making it an efficient way to warm up small spaces like cupboards, sheds, and greenhouses. These heaters are easy to install and can be mounted on walls or placed in tight areas. They provide consistent warmth, helping to prevent dampness and keep your belongings safe during colder months.

One of the best features of tubular heaters is their affordability; they are very cheap to run, starting at just 1p per hour!

 

Why Choose Tubular Heaters?

 

The applications for tubular heaters are endless. These heaters have a narrow design and are available in varying sizes, from 1-foot tubular heater to the 4 feet heaters. This makes them very flexible to use in any situation. You can mount the tubular heater on a wall or fix them in narrow spaces using the special mounting brackets they come with.

 

In addition, most tubular heaters sold in the UK market have a rating of IP55 for durability. This rating means that the appliance can maintain peak performance even in the toughest weather. Tubular heaters are ideal for battling any tough conditions the British weather can offer.

 

Modern tubular heaters offer an affordable solution for providing heating where it is needed. These heaters can cost as little as £22 for a 1-foot heater and £42 for large 4-foot units. At such affordable prices, you can get the convenience of fitting multiple heaters in your home without breaking the bank.

 

More homeowners are now turning to tube heaters because of their low power consumption. A single tubular heater can consume between 55 watts and 240 watts, which is still low compared to conventional heating solutions.


What Are Tubular Heaters Used For?


Tubular heaters have a variety of applications given their small and compact sizes. You can use them in your bathroom, wardrobe, shed, garden office, airing cupboard, dog kennel, store room, greenhouses, and any other small place that needs background heating.

 

1. Protection from frost

Tubular heaters are an excellent solution for managing frost in greenhouses during winter. By installing multiple heaters, you can maintain the ideal temperature for your plants while preventing overheating. These heaters are not just limited to greenhouses; they offer frost protection for various applications. For example, in sheds and garages, they help safeguard valuable tools, bikes and paint from rust and dampness. In airing cupboards, they prevent tanks from freezing and keep linens dry. For dog kennels, tubular heaters ensure your furry friends stay safe and comfortable in their outdoor shelters. They also provide essential protection for plumbing in caravans and campers during colder months, maintain a consistent ambient temperature in vivariums for reptiles, and prevent damp and mould in bathrooms, serving as a great alternative to bulky heated towel rails.

2. Prevent damp and mildew

You can install tube heaters in those areas that don't get much heat from your central heating unit. These areas, if left unattended, can become damp and develop mould or mildew. Tube heaters can be installed in those areas to provide background heating. It could be your garage, where you keep your classic car, or that extra storage room where all your camping gear is. Another very good idea that many of our customers apply is to use it as a wardrobe heater!

 

What is a tubular heater?

 

3. Keep your property pristine

Tube heaters can be used to keep your property in good condition, especially in cold and wet weather. You can install a tube heater in your tool shed to keep your tools clean and rust-free whenever you are not using them. You can also use tube heaters to maintain ideal temperatures in your summer boat and prevent the interior from developing a musty smell.

 

4. Preserve your cellars

Winemakers can use tubular heaters to keep mould away from their cellars. Wine cellars don't get much heat and the dark environment also encourages mould growth. Mould is easier to control if it's on the walls alone. However, if mould or mildew sets in on the bottle labels, it can cause irreparable damage. Luckily, tubular heaters help prevent that.

 

5. Keep your dog warm

Tubular heaters are small enough to fit inside your dog's kennel. It makes it easy to keep your pup warm and toasty when it gets too chilly inside the kennel. Moreover, tubular heaters in the UK have a special insulating layer that will protect your dog from any accidents.

 

What are tubular heaters used for?

 

6. Maintain your attic

The attic is another often overlooked area when providing heating in our homes. However, keeping the temperatures in your attic at optimal levels will help preserve all your storage items. It prevents mould and mildew from ruining your storage boxes and the items stored inside. A musty smell from the attic can easily linger in the rooms below if mould is allowed to set in.

 

7. Keep your bike sheds toasty

Tired of fixing rusty components on your bicycle? Condensation is the main reason your bikes are succumbing to rust. When your bikes are not in use, especially in winter, you can store them in a heated shed using tubular heaters. This will keep condensation away and ensure your bicycle will be fully functional the next time you use it.

 

Discover Morris Tube Heater Models


At Morris, we’re excited to introduce our fantastic tube heater ranges that offer warmth and comfort for any space! Whether you're looking to heat your garage, greenhouse, or even your bathroom, we have the perfect solution for you. Let’s dive into our two amazing options!

Eco Heat Range

Looking for a budget-friendly heating solution? Our Eco Heat Range is just what you need! These traditional tube heaters are incredibly popular for a reason. They deliver reliable performance while being easy on your wallet. Starting at just 1p per hour to run, they are a smart choice for anyone seeking warmth without breaking the bank.


"I installed the Eco Heat Range in my shed, and it's made a world of difference! It heats up quickly and my bills are lower than I expected!" — Sarah T. Frimley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For even more savings, you can purchase sets that include the heater, a protection guard, and either a timer or a thermostat. This combination not only enhances safety but also maximises your heating efficiency!

Thermostat Heat Range

For those who want even more control over their heating, check out our Thermostat Heat Range! These sleek and stylish tube heaters come equipped with a built-in thermostat, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. With a slimmer design, they fit perfectly into any setting—whether it’s a shed, airing cupboard, or walk-in wardrobe.


"The 3ft Thermostat Heat Tube is a game changer! I love how I can set the temperature to just what I want. Plus, it looks great!" — Mark R. Ipswich ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With easy installation and an IP44 rating for moisture safety, these heaters are as functional as they are stylish!

 

 

What is a tube heater?

 


Can Tubular Heaters be Mounted Vertically?


No, tubular heaters should not be mounted vertically. It is important to install them in a horizontal position using the mounting brackets provided. Additionally, following the installation guide is crucial for achieving the best results. Installing tubular heaters vertically can negatively impact their function and efficiency, so it's best to stick with the recommended horizontal setup.


Can I Use an Extension Lead With a Tubular Heater?


It is not advisable to connect a tubular heater to an extension lead because of the risk of overloading the lead. If the appliance has more power than the extension lead can hold, the plug can overheat and catch fire. And this is dangerous for your home or office.

 

However, if you have to use an extension lead to direct power to your tube heater, always check the power rating on the lead itself. Also, check how much power a tubular heater uses before connecting it to an extension lead.

 

Fortunately, our 1-foot and 2-foot Morris tubular heaters can be used with extension cords. They provide ample heat for your cupboards, garden sheds, or small bathrooms while consuming power as low as 55 watts and 120 watts, respectively. Ensure you do not connect other devices to the same lead to prevent power overload. 

 

Another benefit of our Morris tubular heaters is that they have an inbuilt thermal cutout. In the event of an overload on your lead, this feature will cut power to your heater, protecting it from overheating and also preventing a fire in your home.

 

As an added precaution, always calculate the potential load of multiple devices before connecting them to your extension lead.

 

How Much Does a 1-foot Tubular Heater Cost to Run?


1-foot tube heaters are great when you want to provide heat to your garden shed or summer house while saving on electricity.

 

Morris tubular heater with low power consumption

 

The Morris 1-foot tubular heater only uses 60 watts of power to run, which is significantly less than larger heaters that can consume up to 300 watts. With the average price of electricity in the UK at 26.35 pence per kWh (1 October to 31 December 2025), a 1-foot tubular heater typically runs at about 1 penny per hour, making it an incredibly cost-effective option. Over the course of a day, it would only cost you £0.35 to operate the heater, highlighting how low the running costs are for these efficient models, with some even achieving close to 1p per hour.

 

Like all other Morris tube heaters, this model has a thermal cutout as well, which regulates power intake to prevent overheating. This helps in further reducing operating costs.


Is a 80-watt Tubular Good For Airing Cupboard Heater?


Yes, an 80W heater is ideal for small spaces like inside cupboards and under the desk. The Morris 1-foot tubular heater with a 60-watt power consumption is perfect for your cupboard. It produces enough heat to protect your cupboards from damp, mould or mildew while keeping power consumption low.

 

A 60- to 80-watt tube is recommended for airing cupboard heater in winter. You can keep the heater running for hours and still pay low electricity bills at the end of the month.

 

Can tubular heaters be mounted vertically?

 

Conclusion


A tubular heater is a convenient and affordable solution for heating our homes in the winter. These heaters are compact and lightweight, which means they can fit into even the tightest of spaces to provide heating. Besides having a compact body, tubular heaters in the UK are very hardy and can provide ample heating under harsh conditions.

 

You can install the Morris tubular heaters in your garage, basement, wine cellars, and hobby rooms. Heaters like the 1-foot tubular heaters are perfect for tight spaces such as cupboards or under a desk. Also, these heaters are installed horizontally on your floor or walls and still provide uniform heating to the entire area.

 

If you are thinking of reducing the cost of heating your home, replace your conventional heating system with tubular heaters in the UK. These tube heaters use 240 watts of power or less, which translates to reduced electricity bills each month. You can run several of these heaters a day and still not break the bank.

 

What is a tubular heater? Still have questions? We are happy to help!

 


Alexander Bevan: Technical Expert – Climate Control & Lighting

About the Author: Alexander Bevan

As a seasoned expert in indoor climate solutions, this blog post writer focuses on helping homeowners and businesses reduce energy consumption. With years of experience, he provides practical, research-backed insights that empower readers to make informed choices, delivering trusted advice for their energy-saving strategies at Morris.


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