How much does it cost to run a space heater?

Use one simple calculation

Most electric bills charge by the kilowatt-hour. Divide the heater wattage by 1,000, multiply by the electric rate shown on your bill, and then multiply by the hours used. A 1,500-watt heater uses up to 1.5 kilowatt-hours while actively heating. At 16 cents per kilowatt-hour, that is about 24 cents per hour, or roughly $58 for eight hours a day over 30 days. Thermostat cycling can lower actual use, so treat the result as an upper estimate rather than a promise.

Find the right numbers

Look for wattage on the heater label or manual and the electricity rate on the bill. Some bills separate energy, delivery, taxes, and fees, so a simple rate may not capture every charge. If the heater has low and high settings, calculate both.

• Low setting example: 750 watts ÷ 1,000 × electric rate × hours.
• High setting example: 1,500 watts ÷ 1,000 × electric rate × hours.
• Multiply the daily estimate by the number of days you expect to use it.

Know when a space heater may help

Heating one occupied room for a short period may cost less than raising the temperature throughout an entire home, especially when the central system can safely remain at a lower setting. It may not save money when several heaters run for many hours, the central system must keep running anyway, or the heater is compensating for insulation or equipment problems that should be repaired.

Use it safely

Follow the heater manufacturer’s instructions and current fire-safety guidance. Keep the unit stable and clear of anything that can burn, plug it directly into an appropriate wall outlet unless the instructions say otherwise, and switch it off when the room is unattended or people are sleeping. Stop using a heater, plug, or outlet that becomes damaged or unusually hot.