Beat the Freeze: Your Guide to the Perfect Frost Protection Heater
Alexander BevanWinter is coming, and with it, the risk of frozen greenhouses, pipes, damp tools, and chilly pets. Protecting your spaces from the cold doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. The simple solution? A reliable frost protection heater.
At Morris, we specialise in affordable and efficient heating solutions. We know you want peace of mind without a huge energy bill. This guide will help you understand how a tubular heater can be the answer to your winter worries.
Your Frost Protection Questions, Answered
Let's start with the basics. We hear these questions all the time:
What is an anti-frost heater?
An anti-frost heater is a specialised electrical device designed specifically to prevent freezing in unheated or vulnerable spaces. Unlike standard room heaters that aim to create a warm and comfortable environment for people, its sole purpose is to provide just enough background warmth to protect the area and its contents from frost damage. These heaters are typically low-wattage, energy-efficient, and built for long-term, unsupervised operation. You'll commonly find them in places like garages, sheds, greenhouses, and utility rooms where the main threat is cold-related damage—such as frozen and burst pipes, ruined tools from condensation-induced rust, or plants being killed by a frost—rather than a need for occupant comfort. Its design prioritises safety, reliability and low operating costs above all else.
What does a frost heater do?
A frost heater maintains a space's temperature just above freezing point. It emits a gentle, constant radiant heat that provides crucial protection against frost, mould, and damp. This makes it an essential guardian for a variety of spaces: it keeps plants safe from a killing frost in a greenhouse, protects tools from rust in a shed & garage, prevents mould on walls in a bathroom, safeguards the interior during storage of a caravan/camper, helps outdoor birds in an aviary during a cold snap, and stops musty smells in a wardrobe. It works automatically and efficiently, providing this protection with minimal energy use.
What is the cheapest type of heater to run on electricity?
The cheapest type of heater to run on electricity for continuous background heating and frost protection is, without a doubt, a low-wattage tubular heater. Their exceptional efficiency comes from their simple design and purpose: they are not meant to heat a room to a high temperature but are specifically engineered to provide just enough gentle, radiant warmth to prevent freezing and damp. By operating at low power and often cycling on and off with a thermostat, they consume minimal electricity, making them famously cost-effective to run for long periods. For a detailed breakdown of the running costs and the calculations behind their efficiency, you can read our in-depth blog post: Are Tubular Heaters Cheap To Run?
The Morris Solution: Two Great Ranges
We offer two fantastic ranges of heaters for frost protection, so you can find the perfect fit for your home and budget.
1. Eco Heat Range: Affordable & Reliable
Our Eco Heat Range is our most popular and cost-effective option. Perfect if you need reliable background heat without any fuss.
Great for: Garages, greenhouses, small sheds and bathrooms.
Why choose it: It's a trusted, energy-efficient workhorse. If you need a straightforward frost heater for garage or shed use, this is it.
Ideal for: Anyone looking for a simple, effective, and budget-friendly solution.
Make it a Complete Set!
For ultimate value and safety, we offer convenient sets that pair your Eco heater with a guard and your choice of either a timer or a thermostat. A guard is essential for protecting children, pets, and your belongings from accidental contact with the hot surface. Choosing a set with a timer allows you to control exactly when the heater runs for maximum savings, while a set with a thermostat automatically regulates the temperature for precise, hands-free energy efficiency. Opting for a set is the smart and simple way to build a complete, custom frost protection system.
"I got an ECO heater with a guard and timer set for my garage. It’s the perfect package – safe, efficient, and I don’t have to think about it. Highly recommend getting the set!" - Janet P. , London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Thermostat Heat Range: Smart & Slim
If you want more control and a sleeker look, our Thermostat Heat Range is the ideal choice. These heaters have a built-in thermostat, so they only click on when the temperature drops below your set level, saving even more energy.
Great for: Conservatories, caravans, walk-in wardrobes and airing cupboards.
Why choose it: It offers even lower power consumption and a super slim design (only 38mm wide) to fit discreetly anywhere. It’s the perfect frost protection heater with thermostat that manages itself.
Ideal for: Those who want a "fit and forget" solution that’s both efficient and discreet. Wondering if slim radiators are good? This range proves they are!
"The slim thermostat model is perfect for our narrow utility room. It kicks in only when needed and has completely stopped the damp smell. So pleased!" - Sarah L., Birmingham ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where Can a Tubular Heater Help You?
The beauty of these heaters is their versatility. Here’s how they provide the perfect solution for different spaces:
● Greenhouse: Keep your plants safe from a deadly frost without overheating them. Our guide to Greenhouse Tubular Heaters has all the specifics.
● Shed & Garage: Protect your valuable tools, bikes, and paint from rust and damp. A frost heater, shed or garage setup is a winter essential. Learn more in our post, shed heaters explained.
● Airing Cupboard: Stop your tank from freezing and keep your linens dry. We've got top tips for using an airing cupboard heater.
● Dog Kennel: Ensure your furry friend is safe and comfortable in their outdoor shelter. Find the perfect dog kennel heater solution.
● Caravan/Camper: Provide essential frost protection for your mobile home's plumbing system during the winter months.
● Vivarium: Safely maintain a consistent ambient temperature for reptiles or other terrarium pets.
● Bathroom: Prevent damp and mould on walls and towels. It’s a great alternative to a bulky heated towel rail. Discover your options in choosing the right electric bathroom heaters.
● Aviary: Offer a gentle heat source to help outdoor birds stay protected during a cold snap.
● Wardrobe: Prevent musty smells and damp clothes in a cold cupboard or walk-in wardrobe. Their slim profile makes them perfect for this.
Wondering about other uses? Check out 7 ways to use a tubular heater for more inspiration.
Solving Your Cold Room Problems
We know the challenges of cold spaces, especially smaller rooms like utility rooms, porches, or spare bedrooms that are prone to damp and frost. So, what is the best solution? It's important to clarify that tubular heaters are designed as a background heating option, perfect for taking the icy edge off a space and providing just enough warmth to prevent frost and damp—not for heating a room to a comfortable living temperature.
What is the best heater for a cold, damp room?
Generally, the best heater for a cold, damp room is one that provides gentle, consistent background heat rather than short bursts of intense warmth. This consistent warmth is key because it prevents the constant cycle of heating and cooling that allows condensation to form, which is the primary cause of damp and mould. An energy-efficient model with good safety features for unsupervised operation is ideal for this purpose.
Focusing on tube heaters, they are specifically designed for this exact task. A tubular heater is perfect for combating damp as it emits a low, steady level of radiant heat that maintains a stable environment, preventing moisture from settling on walls and contents. Their weatherproof and splash-proof designs make them a safe, "fit-and-forget" solution for challenging environments like garages, utility rooms, or cellars, effectively protecting the space without the high cost of running a main room heater.
About the Author: Alexander Bevan
This blog post is written by Alexander Bevan, an expert in indoor climate with years of experience advising homeowners and businesses. His well-researched, practical insights—backed by deep technical knowledge—help readers optimise air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency. At Morris, he provides trusted guidance to ensure you make the best decisions for your space.
How to heat an unheated room?
The most effective way to heat an unheated room is to install a permanent heating solution that provides a base level of warmth. This approach is more efficient than bringing in a temporary heater each time, as it prevents the space from ever getting dangerously cold. The goal is to manage the temperature to a point where frost is prevented and damp air doesn't condense, which protects the structure and any items stored within.
For this specific need, a tube heater is the ideal solution. It is designed to be wall-mounted and left on during cold periods, operating automatically to keep the room above freezing point. Its low power consumption means it can run continuously without significantly impacting your energy bill, making it the most practical and efficient method to provide reliable background heat to a shed, workshop, or any other unheated room.
What is the cheapest way to heat a cold room?
The cheapest way to heat a cold room is to use a low-wattage heater that is purpose-built for energy-efficient, long-run operation. The key is to only provide the minimal amount of heat necessary for protection against frost and damp, rather than attempting to heat the space to a comfortable living temperature. This targeted approach ensures you are not wasting energy, keeping running costs to an absolute minimum.
In this context, a tube heater is famously one of the cheapest solutions available. Often referred to as a "1p per hour" heater due to its incredibly low running cost, a tubular heater uses just enough electricity to maintain a background temperature. By only cycling on when necessary and directly warming objects and walls rather than the air, it provides highly efficient frost and damp protection that is vastly cheaper to run than any standard domestic room heater.
Don't Just Take Our Word For It...
Our customers love the peace of mind our heaters bring:
"Bought the 2ft Eco heater for my garden shed. It's been on all winter and my tools are completely rust-free. The electricity cost is barely noticeable." - Mark T. Colchester ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Fitted one in the dog's kennel. It gives off a gentle warmth that keeps him comfortable on freezing nights. A total game-changer." - David P. Edinburgh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ready to Protect Your Space?
Winter doesn't have to be a worry. Whether you choose the simple Eco Heat or the smart Thermostat Range, we have the right frost protection heater for you.
Browse our full collection of reliable and efficient Tubular Heater Devices at Morris and find the perfect solution for your home.
Stay warm, stay safe, and stay dry
