You are settled on the couch with a warm blanket, but the room still feels like a walk-in freezer. You reach for that portable heater to take the edge off. Then it hits you. You wonder if your lights are going to flicker or if your electric bill is about to skyrocket. Most of us have been there, staring at the little box and wondering exactly how many watts does a space heater use before we click that power button.
Knowing the wattage is not just about your bill. It is also about making sure you don’t trip a breaker while you are just trying to stay cozy. Understanding the power behind these devices helps you stay warm without the stress of electrical overloads.
Quick Answer: Space Heater Wattage
Most standard space heaters use 1,500 watts on their high setting. Some smaller units or personal desk heaters may use as little as 400 to 750 watts. On average, a heater set to “high” will pull about 12.5 amps of electricity from a standard home outlet.
Understanding How Many Watts a Space Heater Uses
When you look at the bottom or back of your device, you will usually see a sticker. That sticker tells you how many watts is a space heater at its peak performance. For almost every heater sold in North America, that number is 1,500W.
This number is not a coincidence. Most household circuits in the United States are rated for 15 amps. A 1,500 watt device is designed to take up the majority of that circuit’s capacity without blowing a fuse. When you ask how much watts does a space heater use, you are really asking about the limit of your home’s wiring.
If you switch your heater to the low setting, it usually drops to 750 watts. This is a great way to maintain heat without pushing your electrical system to the limit. It is also helpful if you are trying to figure out how many watts for space heater use when you have other electronics running in the same room.
Amps and Power Draw
It is one thing to talk about watts, but many people want to know the “pull” on the outlet. So, how many amps does a space heater use? To find this, you divide the watts by the voltage of your home.
For a 1,500 watt heater on a 120 volt circuit, the math looks like this:
- High Setting: 1,500 watts / 120 volts = 12.5 amps.
- Low Setting: 750 watts / 120 volts = 6.25 amps.
If you are wondering how many amps does a 1,500 watt space heater use, the answer is 12.5. This is important because if you plug a heater into the same circuit as a high power TV or a microwave, you will likely trip the breaker. Most breakers are rated for 15 amps, and 12.5 amps doesn’t leave much room for anything else.
How Much Power Does a Space Heater Use by Size?
Not every heater is a giant floor unit. You might be curious about how many watts does a small space heater use if you only need to warm up your feet under a desk.
Personal and Mini Heaters
Tiny heaters designed for offices often run between 200 and 500 watts. These are great because they don’t draw much power. You can usually run these alongside your computer and lamp without any issues. They pull very few amps and are much cheaper to run.
Standard Ceramic and Oil-Filled Heaters
Whether it is a ceramic fan heater or an oil-filled radiator, the high setting is almost always 1,500 watts. Even though they look different, they consume the same amount of energy. The difference is in how they deliver that heat. Ceramic heaters blow hot air immediately, while oil-filled radiators take longer to warm up but stay hot for a long time after they are turned off.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared models are often marketed as more efficient. However, if you check the label, you will see they still usually pull 1,500 watts. The efficiency comes from how the energy is used. Infrared heats objects and people directly rather than warming the air. This can make you feel warmer even if the room temperature hasn’t risen much.
Why Knowing the Amps Matters
Safety is the biggest reason to track how many amps does space heater use. I have seen many people try to use a power strip or an extension cord for their heater. This is a major mistake.
Most power strips are not built to handle a constant 12.5 amp draw for hours at a time. This can cause the plastic to melt or even start a fire. Always plug your heater directly into a wall outlet. If the plug feels hot to the touch after an hour of use, that is a sign that your outlet might be old or the connection is loose. In that case, you should stop using that specific outlet immediately.
Practical Tips for Managing Energy
If you are worried about how much energy does space heater use, you can take a few steps to be more efficient.
- Check the Label: Before you buy, look for the wattage settings. A unit with multiple heat levels (like 600W, 900W, and 1,500W) gives you more control.
- Use the Low Setting: If you are just maintaining warmth, use the lower wattage setting. It saves money and reduces the load on your home’s electrical system.
- Limit Other Appliances: Don’t run the vacuum or a hair dryer on the same circuit as your heater.
- Use a Timer: Some heaters have built-in timers. Setting it to turn off after an hour can prevent you from accidentally leaving it on all day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people overestimate or underestimate how many watts space heater units actually require.
- Thinking “Small” Means “Low Power”: Many small heaters are still 1,500 watts. Don’t assume size equals energy savings.
- Using Extension Cords: We mentioned this, but it bears repeating. Heaters pull too many amps for standard extension cords.
- Leaving it on High 24/7: This is the fastest way to a high electric bill. Once the room is comfortable, click it down to the lower setting.
- Heating the Whole House: Use your space heater for one room. If you try to heat the whole house with them, your energy bill will be much higher than just using your central furnace.
Conclusion
Staying warm doesn’t have to be a guessing game. When you know how many watts does a space heater use, you can plan your energy consumption and keep your home safe. Most of the time, you are looking at 1,500 watts on high and 750 watts on low. By understanding how many amps does a space heater pull, you can avoid tripped breakers and enjoy a cozy evening. Just remember to plug it directly into the wall and use the lower settings whenever possible to save on your monthly bill.
FAQ: Your Power Questions Answered
How many watts does space heater use on a medium setting?
Most heaters with three settings use around 900 to 1,000 watts on medium. Always check your specific manual for the exact numbers.
How many amps does a space heater draw when it starts up?
Heaters don’t usually have a huge “surge” like a refrigerator motor. They generally pull their rated amps, like 12.5, right from the moment you turn them on.
How many watts in a space heater are needed for a large room?
A general rule is 10 watts for every square foot. So, a 1,500 watt heater is usually rated for a room up to 150 square feet.
Can I run two space heaters on one circuit?
No. Two heaters on high would pull 25 to 30 amps. A standard household circuit will trip instantly because it is only rated for 15 or 20 amps.
How much power does space heater use if it has a fan?
The fan itself uses very little power, usually less than 50 watts. Almost all the power goes into the heating element.
Does a 1,500 watt heater use more energy than a 1,500 watt toaster?
They use the same amount of power per minute, but you run a heater for hours and a toaster for two minutes. That is why the heater has a much bigger impact on your bill.