Heater Running Cost Calculator
Calculate the hourly, daily, and monthly cost of running electric space heaters, ceramic heaters, infrared units, and oil-filled radiators with thermostat cycling.
Heater Power & Usage
Portable Heater Cost Formula
Daily Cost = [(Heater Wattage × Thermostat Duty % × Daily Hours) ÷ 1,000] × Electricity Rate per kWh- Heater Wattage: Standard residential electric space heaters operate at 1,500W on High and 750W on Low.
- Thermostat Duty Cycle: Percentage of time the internal heating element is actively energized once room target temperature is reached (typically 60% to 80%).
- Winter Heating Season: Projected over a 4-month winter period.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- Standard residential 120V household outlets limit portable resistive heaters to a maximum of 1,500 Watts (12.5 Amps).
- All electric resistance heaters convert electrical energy into heat at 100% efficiency (COP = 1.0).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oil-filled radiator heaters cheaper to run than ceramic fan heaters?
Both heaters consume the exact same amount of electricity (1,500W) to produce the exact same amount of heat (5,118 BTU/hr). Oil-filled radiators retain heat longer and radiate warmth gently, whereas ceramic fan heaters heat air rapidly.
Is it cheaper to use a space heater or central heating?
Using a single space heater to 'zone heat' only the occupied room while lowering the whole-house central thermostat can save 10% to 20% on heating bills. However, running multiple space heaters throughout an entire home is far more expensive than a natural gas furnace or heat pump.
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