Cost to Run a Space Heater
A typical 1500W space heater costs about $0.24 per hour to run at average electricity rates ($0.16/kWh). Running it 8 hours daily costs roughly $58 per month. Lower wattage heaters cost less but heat smaller areas. Use the Power Cost Calculator to estimate your exact costs.
Key Takeaways
- Space heater costs depend on wattage and usage time.
- Ceramic heaters with thermostats cycle on/off, reducing average consumption.
- Oil-filled radiators maintain heat longer but take time to warm up.
Explanation
Space heater costs depend on wattage and usage time. Most full-size space heaters are 1500W, while smaller personal heaters range from 200-750W. The formula is: watts × hours × cost per kWh ÷ 1000.
Running a 1500W heater 8 hours daily: 1500 × 8 × $0.16 ÷ 1000 = $1.92/day or about $58/month. A 750W heater costs half as much but heats a smaller area.
Space heaters are best for supplemental heat in occupied rooms, not whole-house heating. Using one to heat just the room you're in, while turning down central heat, can save money.
Things to Know
- Ceramic heaters with thermostats cycle on/off, reducing average consumption.
- Oil-filled radiators maintain heat longer but take time to warm up.
- Never leave space heaters unattended or running while sleeping.