Winter has a way of making us watch the thermostat like a hawk. You want to stay warm while you work from home or watch a movie, but you dread the thought of a massive utility bill. You might be staring at that portable heater in the corner and wondering, how much does it cost to run a space heater? It is a fair question. No one wants to trade a chilly living room for a financial headache at the end of the month.
The truth is that space heaters can be either a budget’s best friend or its worst enemy. It all comes down to how you use them. Understanding the math behind the heat can help you decide if clicking that “on” switch is actually a smart move for your wallet.
Quick Answer: Space Heater Operating Costs
Running a standard 1,500 watt space heater typically costs between 20 and 30 cents per hour depending on your local electricity rates. If you run it for eight hours a day, you can expect to add about $50 to $70 to your monthly power bill.
Breaking Down the Cost to Run a Space Heater
To understand how much space heater cost to run, we have to look at how electricity is measured. Power companies charge you by the kilowatt-hour (kWh). Most standard heaters use 1,500 watts of power on their high setting. Since 1,000 watts equals one kilowatt, your heater uses 1.5 kWh for every hour it stays active.
If you are curious about how much to run a 1,500 watt space heater, you just need to check your latest electric bill for your rate per kWh. For example, if you pay 15 cents per kWh, the math is 1.5 times 0.15. That equals 22.5 cents for one hour of warmth.
While 22 cents sounds like pocket change, it adds up. If you leave that heater running all day and night, the costs climb quickly. This is why some people think a 1,500 watt space heater cost alot to run. It isn’t necessarily expensive for an hour, but it can be very expensive if it never turns off.
Is Using a Space Heater Cheaper Than Central Heat?
This is the million-dollar question for most homeowners. Is it cheaper to run a space heater instead of turning up the furnace? The answer is yes, but only if you practice “zone heating.”
Zone heating means you turn your central thermostat down to 60 or 62 degrees. Then, you use a space heater to warm only the specific room you are in, like your home office or bedroom. In this scenario, does using a space heater save money? Absolutely. You aren’t wasting energy heating empty hallways or guest rooms.
However, if you leave your central heat at 72 degrees and also run a space heater, you are just stacking costs. In that case, using a space heater is definitely not more cost effective. It is meant to be a supplement, not a replacement for an efficient home heating system.
Comparing Different Heater Sizes and Costs
You might wonder if a smaller unit would be better for your budget. How much does a small space heater cost to run? Interestingly, many small heaters still use 1,500 watts. If they do, they cost the exact same amount to operate as the big ones.
Some mini heaters for desks run at 400 or 500 watts. These are much cheaper to operate, often costing only 6 to 8 cents per hour. If you only need to keep your hands warm while typing, these smaller units are a very cost-effective choice.
Does Space Heater Save Money if it’s Oil-Filled?
Oil-filled radiators are popular because they stay warm long after you unplug them. While they still usually pull 1,500 watts, they often feel more efficient. Once the oil is hot, the thermostat kicks the power off, but the metal fins keep radiating heat. This cycling can lead to lower costs over a long day compared to a ceramic fan heater that stops blowing heat the second the power cuts.
Expert Tips to Keep Costs Low
If you want to ensure your space heater is cost effective, follow these simple strategies:
- Use the Low Setting: Most heaters have a 750 watt or “Eco” setting. This literally cuts your hourly cost in half.
- Close the Door: Don’t try to heat the whole house. Keep the heat trapped in the room you are actually using.
- Use a Thermostat Model: Avoid heaters that are just “on” or “off.” A heater with a digital thermostat will shut itself down once the room is comfortable.
- Check for Drafts: A space heater will run forever if cold air is leaking in under the door or through a window.
Common Mistakes That Increase Expenses
Many people find it expensive to run a space heater because they fall into these common traps:
- Heating Empty Rooms: It is easy to forget a heater is running in the basement or a hobby room. That is literally burning money.
- Neglecting the Furnace Filter: If your central heat is struggling because of a dirty filter, you might rely too much on expensive portable heaters.
- Using Old Models: Older heaters may have less accurate thermostats, causing them to run longer than necessary.
- Placement Near Windows: If you put the heater near a cold window, the thermostat might stay “fooled” into thinking the whole room is cold, keeping the unit running at full blast.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to run a space heater? While the 20 to 30 cents per hour rate seems small, it requires a bit of strategy to keep your bills under control. If you use it to heat a single room while keeping the rest of the house cool, you will likely find that a space heater is more cost effective than cranking up the furnace.
The key is to be mindful. Use the timer, switch to the low setting when the room is warm, and always turn it off when you leave. With these habits, you can stay cozy all winter without any surprises on your electric bill.
FAQ: Space Heater Costs and Savings
Is a 1500 watt space heater cost alot to run compared to an AC?
Surprisingly, a space heater often uses more power than a small window AC unit. Heating air takes a lot of energy, which is why it is so important to use them efficiently.
How much does space heater cost to run per month?
If used for 4 hours a day at 1,500 watts, it usually costs about $25 to $35 per month. If used 24/7, that cost can jump to over $150.
Will a space heater save money in an apartment?
Yes, especially in apartments with old electric baseboard heat. Space heaters are often more efficient at directing warmth right where you need it.
Is it cheaper to use a space heater or an electric blanket?
An electric blanket is much cheaper. It uses very little wattage because it only heats your body, not the air in the room.
How much does running a space heater cost on the fan-only setting?
Almost nothing. The fan usually uses less than 50 watts, so it would cost about a penny for several hours of use.