Cost to run a electric space heater
Heating & cooling · typical wattage 1,500 W (750 W-1,500 W)
A electric space heater draws about 750 W-1,500 W (typically 1,500 W). Run 8 hours a day, it uses about 1,440 kWh/year, which costs roughly $22.27/month and $267/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 space heater at a glance
| Figure | Electric space heater |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 1,500 W (750 W-1,500 W) |
| Assumed usage | 8 h/day, 120 days/yr |
| Energy used | 1,440 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $22.27 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $267 |
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 (4 h/day) | $33.41 | $406 |
| Typical use (8 h/day) | $66.82 | $813 |
| Heavy use (12 h/day) | $100 | $1,219 |
Cost at different state rates
The same electric space heater at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $22.27 | $267 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $51.84 | $631 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $59.00 | $718 |
| California (33.35¢) | $120 | $1,461 |
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
Portable resistance heaters run at 750 W (low) to 1,500 W (high) — 1,500 W is the standard US plug-in maximum.
Tip to cut the cost: Heat one room and turn down the central thermostat; never run more than one 1,500 W heater on a single 15 A circuit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric space heater?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a electric space heater (about 750 W-1,500 W, typically 1,500 W) used 8 hours a day costs roughly $22.27 per month and $267 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 space heater use?
Portable resistance heaters run at 750 W (low) to 1,500 W (high) — 1,500 W is the standard US plug-in maximum.
How much electricity does a electric space heater use per year?
About 1,440 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 12.00 kWh per day at 8 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a electric space heater?
Heat one room and turn down the central thermostat; never run more than one 1,500 W heater on a single 15 A circuit.
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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