Space Heaters: What They Cost to Run and How to Use Them Safely
🇩🇪 Diesen Artikel auf Deutsch lesenA typical 1,500-watt space heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour — about 25 cents per hour at $0.17 per kWh. Running it eight hours a day for a month adds roughly $60 to your bill. It saves money only if you heat one small room and lower your central thermostat significantly. Always plug it directly into a wall outlet and keep 3 feet of clearance.
Electric space heaters are popular for chilly home offices and bedrooms. All electric resistance heaters — ceramic, oil-filled or infrared — turn electricity into heat at essentially the same efficiency, so cost depends on wattage and hours.
What it costs
Appliance Electricity Cost CalculatorWhat does a device cost to run?Try the calculator →Types of space heaters
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Ceramic fan heater | Quick heat in small rooms |
| Oil-filled radiator | Quiet, steady heat for bedrooms |
| Infrared / radiant | Warming people directly, e.g. at a desk |
When a space heater saves money
If you work from home in one room, lowering the whole-house thermostat by several degrees and heating only your office can reduce total costs. If you heat several rooms with space heaters, central heating — especially a heat pump — is usually cheaper.
Safety rules
- Plug directly into a wall outlet — never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Keep at least 3 feet from beds, curtains, furniture and paper.
- Choose models with tip-over and overheat protection and a recognized safety certification.
- Never leave it running while you sleep or when you leave the room, unless designed for that use.
- Have working smoke alarms on every level.
Frequently asked questions
Are infrared heaters more efficient?
They feel warmer at lower air temperatures because they heat objects and people directly, but they don't convert electricity more efficiently than other electric heaters.
How many space heaters can one circuit handle?
A standard 15-amp circuit can safely handle one 1,500-watt heater. Running two on the same circuit can trip the breaker or overheat wiring.