On average, space heaters use 1,500 watts of electricity. Using a space heater 8 hours per day will use about 84 kilowatt-hours of electricity per week. It costs an average of $51.65 to run a space heater for a month and $258.26 to run for a year. The best way to save on electricity is to install solar panels.
1,500 watts (space heater rating) x 6 (average daily hours) = 9,000 watts or 9 kilowatts of electricity daily. 9 kilowatts x 9 cents per kilowatt = 81 cents per day.
Example (you can use an electric heater running cost calculator below for different wattages/kWh prices): If we assume the price of electricity is $0.1319 per kWh, a 1,500-watt electric space heater will cost; $0.20 to run per hour. $4.80 to run per 24 hours (day). $11.20 to run per week (8h/day).
Energy-Saving Features
Space heaters tend to use a lot of electricity and energy only to heat up a small portion of space. However, ceramic heaters tend to be the most energy-efficient option among different types of heaters.
The Russell Hobbs ceramic heater cost just 19p an hour to run at its highest setting based on a rate of 27p per kWh, while the Beldray fan heater cost 54p per hour on the highest setting and 27p on the lowest setting.
Cons: Higher initial cost, bulkier design, hot external surfaces, and slower heat-up time.
1500 watts will heat spaces up to about 150 square feet and can help you stay warm and toasty in a medium-sized room, office, kitchen, or modest-sized living room.
The best way to prevent a fire is to never leave a space heater running in a room unattended—that way, if anything does go wrong, you can take action quickly. If you have kids or pets that could knock a heater over or drape fabric on it, keep a very close eye on its operation.
Ceramic heaters are cheaper to run because they heat up quickly, saving electricity. They do not require fuel storage like oil-filled heaters and their compact size makes them portable. However, their small size makes them unsuitable for heating large spaces.
Generally speaking, Halogen heaters are one of the most inexpensive types of electric heater. They average around 1200W in terms of power output and because they provide instant-heat at close quarters, you shouldn't need to leave them on for long periods of time.
If you're in and out of the room, consider using a timer to automatically shut it off after a few hours, especially if you tend to forget. At Night: If you choose to use your space heater overnight, it's best to limit its operation to 4 to 6 hours on a lower setting.
Modern models use ceramic elements, which get more resistant as they get hotter (they have a “positive thermal coefficient”). This means they produce heat more quickly and retain it better, making them cheaper to run than fan heaters used to be – as long as you use the thermostat wisely.
Answer. To calculate the cost of running a 1500-watt heater for 24 hours in the US, you need to know the electricity cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). If the average cost is about 16 cents per kWh (as of early 2023), the heater uses 1.5 kW x 24 hours = 36 kWh. Therefore, the cost would be 36 kWh x 16 cents = 5,76.
If you use a space heater in your home, please be aware that using a space heater can cause a significant increase in your monthly bill. A 1,000-watt space heater operating 12 hours a day will add about $40 to your monthly bill. If the cost does not deter you, remember how important it is to use space heaters safely.
Key takeaways. On average, space heaters use 1,500 watts of electricity. Using a space heater 8 hours per day will use about 84 kilowatt-hours of electricity per week. It costs an average of $51.65 to run a space heater for a month and $258.26 to run for a year.
Ceramic heaters are energy efficient and require much less energy to produce heat. When switched on, a ceramic core heater will heat up quickly and will maintain and radiate this heat, meaning you won't need to leave the radiator on for as long.
“The difference between a fan heater and a ceramic heater is that it heats via a ceramic plate instead of a filament. This plate retains heat, so a ceramic heater gives more heat than a fan heater with filament.
5. Long-Term Cost Savings. Although the initial cost of an infrared heater may be slightly higher than a basic ceramic heater, the long-term savings are undeniable. With lower energy consumption and more efficient heat delivery, infrared heaters can significantly reduce your heating bills over time.
Ceramic heaters, when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, can be safely left on while you sleep. However, you'll need to make sure the heater is placed on a flat, stable surface, free from obstructions around it. Additionally, never cover the heater while in use.
Using a space heater can be a good way to boost the temperature in a small, drafty room—and it could be less expensive than cranking up your central heating system. But a space heater is economical only if you use it judiciously.
They offer a high heat for size ratio
It's also good for large spaces where you need something more powerful to heat the whole area. Models with fans are particularly effective at heating large rooms and rooms with high ceilings, which can traditionally be difficult to keep warm.
The first technique is to simply figure the square footage of the space you want to heat. In warmer climates, multiply this number by 10 - 15. In more moderate climates, multiply by 20 - 30. And in cold climates multiply the square foot number by 30 - 40.
The type of heater that puts out the most heat depends on various factors, but generally, infrared heaters (such as the radiant heaters in this article) are known for emitting a significant amount of heat.
A 250 square feet room is equivalent to a space that measures approximately 15.81 feet by 15.81 feet if it were square. However, rooms can come in various shapes and dimensions.