How Much Does It Cost to Run a space heater?
A typical space heater uses about 1,500 watts, which costs about $0.27 per hour. Used 6 hours a day, that is $1.62 per day, $49 per month and about $591 per year at the US average of about 18 cents per kWh. Change the numbers below for your own model and rate.
Typical estimate: 6 hours a day on a cold day. These are typical estimates – check your own label or use a plug-in meter for exact figures.
Space heater running cost by electricity rate
Rates vary widely across the country. $0.12 is typical of low-cost areas, $0.18 is about the national average, and $0.25–$0.35 or more is common in high-cost areas such as parts of California, New England and Hawaii.
| Rate per kWh | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.12 | $0.180 | $1.08 | $32.85 | $394 |
| $0.18 | $0.270 | $1.62 | $49.28 | $591 |
| $0.25 | $0.375 | $2.25 | $68.45 | $821 |
| $0.35 | $0.525 | $3.15 | $95.82 | $1,150 |
Based on 1,500 W for 6 h/day; month = 30.42 days.
Cost by hours of use per day
| Hours per day | kWh per month | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 h | 91 | $0.54 | $16.43 | $197 |
| 4 h | 183 | $1.08 | $32.85 | $394 |
| 8 h | 365 | $2.16 | $65.71 | $788 |
At 18 cents per kWh and 1,500 W.
Low, typical and high wattage
Nearly all portable electric heaters top out at 1,500 W because that is the most a standard 15-amp outlet can safely supply; the low setting is usually about 750 W.
| Case | Watts | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 750 | $0.135 | $24.64 | $296 |
| Typical | 1,500 | $0.270 | $49.28 | $591 |
| High | 1,500 | $0.270 | $49.28 | $591 |
At 6 h/day and 18 cents per kWh.
How it is calculated
1,500 W × 6 h ÷ 1,000 = 9 kWh per day
9 kWh × $0.18 = $1.62 per day
$1.62 × 30.42 days = $49.28 per month
How to cut the cost of running a space heater
- Use the low (750 W) setting once the room is warm – the thermostat then cycles the element off more often, so it uses less energy than running on high.
- Close the door and heat only the room you are in, and lower the central thermostat – a space heater saves money only when it replaces heating empty rooms.
- Put the heater on a timer or a plug-in thermostat so it shuts off after the room is warm instead of running all night.
- Ignore "energy-saving" heater claims: every resistance heater turns each watt into heat, so a 1,500 W model costs the same per hour as any other at full power.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a space heater per month?
At 18 cents per kWh, a typical 1,500 W space heater used 6 hours a day costs about $49.28 per month (274 kWh). That is about $591 a year.
How much does it cost to run a space heater per hour?
About $0.270 per hour at 18 cents per kWh, or $0.525 per hour if you pay 35 cents per kWh. Multiply by your hours of use to estimate any day.
Why does the cost of a space heater vary so much?
Wattage varies by model and setting – from 750 W to 1,500 W here. At the same 6 hours a day and 18 cents per kWh, that is $25 to $49 per month. Your electricity rate matters just as much: at 35 cents per kWh the typical unit costs $96 per month.