Cost to run a electric furnace / strip heat
Heating & cooling · typical wattage 15,000 W (10,000 W-25,000 W)
A electric furnace / strip heat draws about 10,000 W-25,000 W (typically 15,000 W). Run 4 hours a day, it uses about 7,200 kWh/year, which costs roughly $111/month and $1,336/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
Electric furnace / strip heat at a glance
| Figure | Electric furnace / strip heat |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 15,000 W (10,000 W-25,000 W) |
| Assumed usage | 4 h/day, 120 days/yr |
| Energy used | 7,200 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $111 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $1,336 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (2 h/day) | $167 | $2,032 |
| Typical use (4 h/day) | $334 | $4,065 |
| Heavy use (6 h/day) | $501 | $6,097 |
Cost at different state rates
The same electric furnace / strip heat at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $111 | $1,336 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $259 | $3,154 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $295 | $3,589 |
| California (33.35¢) | $600 | $7,304 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
Whole-home electric resistance furnaces draw roughly 10–25 kW. They are the most expensive common way to heat with electricity.
Tip to cut the cost: If you heat with electric strip heat, a heat pump typically cuts heating electricity by half or more.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric furnace / strip heat?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a electric furnace / strip heat (about 10,000 W-25,000 W, typically 15,000 W) used 4 hours a day costs roughly $111 per month and $1,336 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a electric furnace / strip heat use?
Whole-home electric resistance furnaces draw roughly 10–25 kW. They are the most expensive common way to heat with electricity.
How much electricity does a electric furnace / strip heat use per year?
About 7,200 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 60.00 kWh per day at 4 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a electric furnace / strip heat?
If you heat with electric strip heat, a heat pump typically cuts heating electricity by half or more.
Keep exploring
Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20