Running a standard 1,500-watt space heater typically costs between $40 and $100+ per month, depending on your utility rates, usage, and heater settings. On average, you can expect to pay about $0.25 per hour, equating to roughly $60 per month when running the heater for 8 hours a day.
On average, you can expect to pay about 20 cents per hour to run a typical space heater that's 1,500 watts and can heat a standard room, such as a home office or bedroom.
Room heaters can be good for COPD patients because maintaining a stable, warm temperature prevents cold air from tightening airways. However, heaters dry out the air, which can irritate lungs and trigger coughing. To stay warm safely, COPD patients should use specific heater types and manage the indoor environment carefully.
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.
Heating and cooling (HVAC) systems are the biggest energy consumers in a typical home, accounting for about 40–50% of your total electricity bill. Water heating, refrigerators, and lighting follow closely behind.
Your HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is the primary appliance that causes electric bills to spike or even double. Because they cycle frequently, run for long periods, and consume high wattage, space heating and cooling make up nearly half of an average home's total energy consumption.
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.
Low-wattage ceramic heaters (like the Ciarra 400W heater) use the least electricity while still delivering effective heat for small spaces. Oil-filled and infrared heaters without fans also tend to use less electricity over longer durations due to heat retention.
The "30-minute heating rule" is a highly efficient, money-saving thermostat strategy that involves turning your heating system on 30 minutes before you need a space warmed up, and turning it off 30 minutes before you no longer need it.
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.
For a bedroom, the safest space heaters feature no glowing elements and include automatic shut-off and tip-over protection. Oil-filled radiators (like those by De'Longhi) and modern ceramic convection heaters with cool-touch housing (such as the Dreo Solaris) are generally considered the safest options for overnight use.
Tobacco smoking is the biggest contributing factor to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
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.
Convection Heaters
They can have wattage from 2000 to 3000W, costing 55p to 83p per hour. This type of heater is best for living rooms and bedrooms with closed air circulation. Larger spaces will require more energy usage and higher electricity costs.
It is not safe to run a space heater overnight. If you use an electric or propane space heater during the day, make sure to protect yourself and your home by following all safety practices. Use space heaters that automatically turn off if they tip over. Only plug space heaters into grounded outlets.
An electric space heater is small but uses a lot of energy! A 1,500-watt heater running for eight hours each night for a month can add about $43 to your electric bill. Running multiple space heaters can run up your energy costs. Specific, sparing use.
Here are some of the best alternative heat sources for power outages to help you stay warm:
For the lowest electricity consumption, choose low-wattage heaters (200W to 500W) or models with built-in ECO modes and thermostats. Standard space heaters pull 1500W, but low-wattage units reduce energy use by targeting only your immediate personal space instead of the whole room.
In most homes, heating and cooling (HVAC) runs up your electric bill the most, accounting for about 40% to 50% of your total energy use.
Any odd-looking splices, clamps, or amateurish wiring is a potential sign of theft, especially if that janky connection then runs into a neighbor's home. Don't touch anything during your inspection, as electricity can 100% kill you. If you see something that looks off, call your utility provider. Check your meter.
Set your thermostat to 68°F while awake, and drop it by 7° to 10°F (to about 58°–61°F) while sleeping or away. The Department of Energy estimates that lowering your thermostat by this much for 8 hours a day can cut up to 10% off your annual heating and cooling bill.
The top 5 worst appliances to leave on standby
The most expensive things to run in a house are heating and cooling systems (HVAC), which account for about 40–50% of your total energy consumption.
It is only cheaper to do washing after 6 p.m. if you are on a Time-of-Use (TOU) or variable rate electricity plan. If you have a flat-rate plan, your electricity costs the exact same amount 24/7.