Space heater running cost: what a 1,500 W heater costs per month
An electric space heater turns almost all the electricity it uses into heat, and many portable models are rated at around 1,500 W at their highest setting. That is a lot of power, so hours of use decide the bill.
Monthly cost
1.5 kW x 4 hours a day x 30 days = 180 kWh, which is about $30.60 a month. At 8 hours a day it doubles to about $61.20. Many heaters cycle on and off with a thermostat, so real consumption is often lower than running flat out.
When a space heater makes sense
- Heating one small room you are in, while turning the rest of the home down
- Short periods of use rather than all day
- Where central heating is expensive or slow to respond
When it does not
- Heating several rooms at once, where central heating is usually the better option
- Running unattended all night, which is also a safety concern
Safety and buying checklist
- Look for tip-over and overheat protection
- Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord, unless the manual says otherwise
- Keep clearance from furniture, bedding and curtains
- Check that the wattage suits the circuit you will use