Yes, space heaters will significantly increase your electric bill if used regularly, as they draw a high amount of power. Most standard portable heaters use about 1,500 watts of electricity. Running one for just 8 hours a day can add roughly $ 40 to $ 60 to your monthly bill, depending on your local electricity rates.
Many of the space heaters we've tested are claimed to heat only about 150 to 200 square feet. Most use 1,500 watts when on the highest heat setting, which comes to about $2.10 per 8-hour day or about $64 a month, based on the average cost of electricity nationally.
Most indoor heaters tend to dry out the air, lowering indoor humidity levels. Dry air can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like dry throat, cough, and nasal congestion. For individuals with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD, low humidity can exacerbate symptoms.
Heating and Cooling
HVAC systems are typically the largest driver of energy costs. Running your furnace or AC more often in extreme weather can exponentially increase your monthly bill. These costs can make up more than half of your total electricity bill.
It is cheaper to run a space heater only if you are heating a single, small room for a short period (under 4 hours). For whole-home heating or prolonged use, central heating is usually more affordable.
It costs between $0.09 and $0.26 per hour to run a standard space heater in the US, depending on your energy rates and heater size. A typical 1,500-watt model running continuously on high averages about $0.25 per hour.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
The fix: Lower your home temperature to 68 degrees when you're home. Maintain comfort by adding extra layers of clothing – try fabrics like fleece, flannel and wool – and don't forget comfy slippers and blankets. If you can comfortably go a degree or two cooler than 68, your wallet will benefit even more!
Here's why:
The real issue lies in other appliances that are constantly drawing power, like refrigerators, televisions, and devices plugged into outlets. Hot Water Heater: One of the biggest energy consumers when you're not at home is your electric hot water heater.
For individuals with COPD, temperatures below freezing (32°F / 0°C) are considered too cold and can trigger severe flare-ups, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Even temperatures dropping below 40°F (4.4°C) can cause the dry, chilled air to irritate overly sensitive airways.
A COPD flare-up (exacerbation) is triggered by increased airway inflammation, most commonly from respiratory infections (viruses/bacteria), exposure to air pollutants, smoke, and extreme weather. These incidents cause a sudden worsening of symptoms—such as increased coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness—lasting two or more days.
Clearing the lungs with COPD involves thinning excess mucus and using controlled breathing techniques to expel it. The most effective strategies include staying well-hydrated to thin phlegm, inhaling moist air (using a humidifier or steam), and practicing controlled or "huff" coughing.
A 1500W infrared heater costs between $0.18 and $0.24 per hour to run in the U.S., depending on your electricity rate. That equals roughly $1.80–$2.40 per day (if used 10 hours), about $55–$72 per month, or $650–$870 per year.
In most homes, Heating and Cooling (HVAC) systems drive the highest energy costs, accounting for nearly 40% to 50% of your total electricity bill. Following these, the appliances that run up your bill the most include water heaters, refrigerators, and laundry machines.
Space heaters can be helpful in the short term, especially for warming a single room you're using. They provide quick comfort, but their electricity use adds up when they're run often or for long periods.
Here are 12 ways to bring down your electricity bill and keep your home running efficiently:
Yes, turning off lights saves electricity. Flipping a switch when you leave a room instantly stops power consumption. Even though there is a tiny spike in energy when a bulb turns on, it is so small that it is offset after just a few seconds of being turned off.
A watt meter can help you see if a certain device is using power even when it is turned off. This device plugs into the wall, and then you plug your appliance into it to see how much power is being used.
Heating and cooling (HVAC) systems are the biggest energy consumers in a typical house, accounting for roughly 45−50% of your total electricity usage. Water heaters, refrigerators, and lighting round out the rest of the major draws.
Not true. Off-peak electricity is the same high-quality power you receive during peak hours. The only difference is the time you choose to use it. While off-peak hours do include night-time, they also extend to early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
Electricity Rate Map
Interactive map requires JavaScript. Here is a summary: Louisiana (12.44¢), Idaho (12.51¢), and North Dakota (12.87¢) have the lowest residential electricity rates. Hawaii (42.00¢), California (33.75¢), and Massachusetts (31.51¢) have the highest. The national average is 18.05¢/kWh.
Because they do not use standard grid electricity or conventional electric and gas furnaces, the Amish heat their homes using off-grid, self-reliant methods. The most common systems include wood- or coal-burning stoves, propane and kerosene heaters, and natural airflow home designs.
The cheapest temperature to keep your house in winter is 68°F (20∘C20 raised to the composed with power C𝟐𝟎∘𝐂) while you are home, and lowering it to 61°F–65°F when you are away or sleeping, according to the Department of Energy. Setting your thermostat back 7°–10°F for 8 hours can save up to 10% a year on heating costs.
The Top Energy-Draining Appliance: Space Heating & Cooling
This includes both forced-air systems, heat pumps, furnaces, baseboards, window A/C units, and fans. Because they run for long periods and often at high wattage, they dominate the consumption profile.