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How much does it cost to run a space heater?

Typical wattage
750–1,500 W
Cost per hour
$0.14–$0.27
at 18.16¢/kWh (US avg)
Energy per hour
0.75–1.50 kWh

A space heater typically draws 750–1,500 W. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh (12-month average to August 2026), that is about $0.14–$0.27 for every hour it runs at full power.

Portable electric space heaters usually have a low (about 750 W) and a high (about 1,500 W) setting.

Cost per day and per month

Use per daykWh per dayCost per dayCost per month
1 hour0.75–1.50$0.14–$0.27$4.14–$8.29
2 hours1.50–3.00$0.27–$0.54$8.29–$16.57
4 hours3.00–6.00$0.54–$1.09$16.57–$33.15
8 hours6.00–12.00$1.09–$2.18$33.15–$66.29

Scenarios show full-power hours. Appliances with thermostats or cycling compressors draw full power for only part of the time they are switched on.

Cost per hour by state

StateRate (12-mo)Cost per hour
Alabama16.44¢$0.12–$0.25
Alaska26.94¢$0.20–$0.40
Arizona15.39¢$0.12–$0.23
Arkansas13.57¢$0.10–$0.20
California32.34¢$0.24–$0.49
Colorado17.17¢$0.13–$0.26
Connecticut27.42¢$0.21–$0.41
Delaware17.98¢$0.13–$0.27
District of Columbia24.48¢$0.18–$0.37
Florida15.41¢$0.12–$0.23
Georgia15.17¢$0.11–$0.23
Hawaii44.27¢$0.33–$0.66
Idaho12.77¢$0.10–$0.19
Illinois18.91¢$0.14–$0.28
Indiana16.90¢$0.13–$0.25
Iowa14.20¢$0.11–$0.21
Kansas15.13¢$0.11–$0.23
Kentucky13.94¢$0.10–$0.21
Louisiana13.02¢$0.10–$0.20
Maine29.60¢$0.22–$0.44
Maryland21.18¢$0.16–$0.32
Massachusetts30.39¢$0.23–$0.46
Michigan21.28¢$0.16–$0.32
Minnesota16.28¢$0.12–$0.24
Mississippi14.85¢$0.11–$0.22
Missouri13.97¢$0.10–$0.21
Montana13.94¢$0.10–$0.21
Nebraska12.74¢$0.10–$0.19
Nevada13.45¢$0.10–$0.20
New Hampshire26.95¢$0.20–$0.40
New Jersey23.74¢$0.18–$0.36
New Mexico16.51¢$0.12–$0.25
New York28.60¢$0.21–$0.43
North Carolina14.79¢$0.11–$0.22
North Dakota12.35¢$0.09–$0.19
Ohio18.41¢$0.14–$0.28
Oklahoma13.81¢$0.10–$0.21
Oregon15.53¢$0.12–$0.23
Pennsylvania20.86¢$0.16–$0.31
Rhode Island29.44¢$0.22–$0.44
South Carolina15.77¢$0.12–$0.24
South Dakota14.28¢$0.11–$0.21
Tennessee13.61¢$0.10–$0.20
Texas15.98¢$0.12–$0.24
Utah13.26¢$0.10–$0.20
Vermont23.90¢$0.18–$0.36
Virginia16.64¢$0.12–$0.25
Washington14.20¢$0.11–$0.21
West Virginia15.53¢$0.12–$0.23
Wisconsin18.79¢$0.14–$0.28
Wyoming14.01¢$0.11–$0.21

Calculate with your own numbers

Frequently asked questions

How many watts does a space heater use?

A typical space heater uses 750–1,500 W, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Check the label on your model.

How much does it cost to run a space heater per hour?

About $0.14–$0.27 per hour at full power, at the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh.

How much does it cost to run a space heater for a month?

Running it 1 hour a day at full power costs about $4.14–$8.29 a month at the US average rate. Your cost depends on your hours and your state's rate.

How many kWh does a space heater use?

About 0.75–1.50 kWh per hour at full power (watts ÷ 1,000).

How can I find my space heater's exact wattage?

Check the rating label or manual, or measure it with a plug-in electricity usage meter, which shows real watts and kWh.

Rates: EIA, 12-month residential average. Cost = watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × rate (US Department of Energy method).

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