How Much Does a Space Heater Cost to Run? The Electricity Math
A 1,500-watt space heater costs $0.24/hour at average electricity rates. Over a winter, that adds up fast.
The formula is simple: wattage ÷ 1,000 × electricity rate × hours = cost. A standard 1,500-watt space heater at $0.16/kWh costs $0.24 per hour, $1.92 for 8 hours, $57.60 per month (8 hours daily), and $288 over a 5-month winter season.
Space Heater vs Central Heat
A space heater is cheaper than central heating ONLY if you are heating one small room while keeping the rest of the house cool. Heating an entire home with space heaters is 2-3x more expensive than a furnace or heat pump because electricity is more expensive per BTU than natural gas in most areas.
The Most Efficient Options
Oil-filled radiators are the most energy-efficient space heaters — they cycle on and off, using less electricity than ceramic heaters that run continuously. Heated blankets use only 200-400 watts (1/4 the cost of a space heater) and keep you warm directly. Infrared heaters warm objects rather than air, making them efficient for spot heating.