Space Heater Electricity Cost Calculator

How much does your heater add to your bill?

Quick Answer

A 1,500-watt space heater costs approximately $0.29 per hour to run at the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.19/kWh. That works out to $1.14 for a 4-hour session, $34.20 per month, or $205.20 over a typical 6-month winter season. Actual costs vary by state — from $0.18/hour in North Dakota to $0.70/hour in Hawaii.

Data sources:EIA (US)Ofgem (UK)Last verified: July 2026

How we calculate →

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Summary

Formula

Cost = (Wattage ÷ 1,000) × Hours Used × Electricity Rate per kWh

Data used

Calculator results use user-entered wattage and usage hours, combined with residential electricity rates from the selected country or state.

Sources

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)Ofgem Energy Price CapLast verified: July 2026

Limits

These are estimates, not exact utility bills. Actual costs depend on your tariff, taxes, appliance cycling, efficiency, and how you use the appliance.

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How much does it cost to run a 1,500-watt space heater?

At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.19/kWh, a 1,500-watt space heater costs $0.29 per hour to run. That’s $1.14 for 4 hours, $2.28 for 8 hours, $34.20 per month at 4 hours daily, or $68.40 per month at 8 hours daily.

Is it cheaper to use a space heater or central heating?

For heating one or two rooms, a space heater is usually cheaper — about $34.20/month at 4 hours daily, while gas furnace bills run $80–$120/month. Break-even is around 3 rooms.

Do all space heaters use the same amount of electricity?

All electric resistance heaters at the same wattage cost the same to run. A 1,500W ceramic and 1,500W oil-filled both cost $0.29/hour. The difference is heat delivery, not consumption.

What wattage space heater do I need for my room?

The standard is 10 watts per square foot. A 120 sq ft room needs 1,200W. A 225 sq ft room needs 2,250W.

How can I reduce my space heater electricity cost?

Use low mode (750W saves 50%), heat one room only, choose a thermostat model, use a 200W electric blanket at night ($0.04/hr vs $0.29/hr), and fix drafts.