Electric Space Heater Cost Calculator
See exactly what one electric space heater adds to your bill — and why two of them can rival a furnace.
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Most plug-in heaters max out at 1,500 W.
Per day
$2.04
Per month
$61
Heating season cost
$245
What this means
A 1,500 W heater running 8 hours a day at $0.17/kWh costs about $2/day, roughly $60/month, or $240 per heating season per heater.
"Energy efficient" space heaters do not exist — every plug-in resistance heater is exactly 100% efficient, so wattage and runtime determine the bill, not the brand.
How to lower this cost
- Use space heaters for spot heating only. Don't try to heat a whole house with them.
- Drop the central thermostat 3-5°F and heat only the room you're in.
- A heated mattress pad uses 50-100 W — far cheaper than a space heater overnight.
- If you rely on space heaters daily, a mini split heat pump usually costs 1/3 as much per BTU.
Next step
Compare against a mini split heat pump
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Results are estimates based on typical conditions. Actual costs vary by climate, utility rates, equipment efficiency, and home characteristics. Use them as a starting point — for precise figures consult a qualified energy auditor or your utility company. Estimates are not a guarantee, and any work you do on your home is at your own risk — we are not liable for installation errors or property damage. Air sealing a home with gas, oil, propane, or wood-burning appliances can cause backdrafting and carbon monoxide risk — get a combustion safety test and keep CO alarms working. See our Disclaimer.