Space Heater Running Cost Calculator
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater?
Space heaters are one of the most common ways to warm specific rooms during cold months, but because they convert high amounts of electrical current directly into thermal heat, running one continuously can cause a noticeable spike in your electric bill.
Most portable electric space heaters draw 1,500 watts on their highest setting. Using this calculator, you can estimate the exact dollar amount added to your power bill based on your local utility rate.
Space Heater Running Cost Formula
To calculate your heater’s electrical draw manually, use the following calculation:
- Hourly Kilowatt Draw (kWh):
Wattage ÷ 1,000 - Hourly Cost:
kWh × Electricity Rate ($/kWh) - Daily Running Cost:
Hourly Cost × Hours Used Per Day - Monthly Estimate:
Daily Cost × 30 Days
Average Space Heater Operating Costs (1,500 Watts)
Assuming a standard residential electricity rate of $0.16 per kWh:
| Setting / Hours Per Day | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost (30 Days) |
| 4 Hours / Day (Evening Use) | $0.96 | $28.80 |
| 8 Hours / Day (Work Day / Overnight) | $1.92 | $57.60 |
| 12 Hours / Day (Frequent Use) | $2.88 | $86.40 |
| 24 Hours / Day (Continuous) | $5.76 | $172.80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?
Yes. A standard 1,500-watt electric heater uses as much electricity as a clothes dryer or microwave running continuously. Running a 1,500W heater for 8 hours per day adds approximately 12 kWh of daily consumption to your meter.
Is it cheaper to run a space heater or central heat?
It is usually cheaper to run a space heater only if you are heating a single room while keeping the main central thermostat lower for the rest of the house (“zone heating”). However, using multiple space heaters throughout a home is significantly more expensive than running a central gas or heat pump HVAC system.
How can I lower my space heater electric bill?
- Lower the setting: Switching from 1,500W (High) to 750W or 1,000W (Low/Medium) reduces energy usage by 33% to 50%.
- Use a built-in thermostat: Choose a heater that cycles off automatically when the desired room temperature is reached.
- Close room doors: Keep heat trapped inside the occupied space so the unit doesn’t run continuously.