Space Heater Cost Calculator
See exactly what your electric space heater costs to run. Most heaters draw 1,500 watts on high; enter your own wattage, hours and electricity rate.
How to use the Space Heater Cost Calculator
- Enter the heater wattage (usually 1,500 W on high, 750 W on low).
- Enter hours per day and how much of that time it actually runs.
- Enter your electricity rate per kWh.
How it works
Cost per hour = kW × rate × running time %. A heater with a thermostat cycles on and off, so it may only draw full power 50–70% of the time once the room is warm. Every electric resistance heater converts electricity to heat at 100% efficiency, producing 3,412 BTU per kWh — so a “more efficient” 1,500 W heater does not exist; heat pumps are the efficient alternative.
1,500 W heater cost at different rates (8 h/day)
| Rate ($/kWh) | Per hour | Per day | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.12 | $0.18 | $1.44 | $43.2 |
| $0.15 | $0.23 | $1.8 | $54 |
| $0.17 | $0.26 | $2.04 | $61.2 |
| $0.20 | $0.3 | $2.4 | $72 |
| $0.25 | $0.38 | $3 | $90 |
| $0.30 | $0.45 | $3.6 | $108 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 1,500 W space heater cost per hour?
About 25 cents per hour at $0.17/kWh (1.5 kWh × $0.17).
Is a space heater cheaper than central heat?
For heating one small room for a few hours, often yes. For a whole house, central heating — especially a heat pump or gas furnace — is usually cheaper.
Do oil-filled heaters use less electricity?
Not per hour at the same wattage, but they hold heat and may cycle off more, reducing running time.