How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater: Daily, Monthly, & Yearly Expenses

A typical space heater consumes between 750 and 1800W, though the wattage consumption depends on the specific model and settings. A 1500W space heater running 6 hours per day consumes 9kWh of electricity. If you are wondering how much it costs to run a space heater per day, you need to multiply the daily power consumption by the electricity rate in your area. On average, you can expect to pay around $1.44 per day and $43.07 per month to run a space heater (1500W) for 6 hours daily in the USA. 

Space heaters can warm the space but can significantly impact electricity bills. Jackery Solar Generators are essential home backup solutions that supply steady power to portable space heaters. They run by converting free sunlight into electricity, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. They do not produce any noise while powering the appliances, which makes them ideal for running space heaters at night or while you are working.

Key Takeaways

• The wattage consumption of space heaters can vary between 750W and 1800W, with a standard heater consuming 1500W.
• The cost to run a space heater depends on the electricity rate per kWh, appliance wattage, and usage time.
• To run a 1500W space heater for 5 hours a day, you can expect to pay around $1.19 per day and $35.88 per month.
• The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can power space heaters running at 120V or 240V, reducing monthly electricity bills.

How Many Watts a Space Heater Consumes

On average, a space heater uses 1500W per hour, with most ranging from 750W to 1800W. Running a space heater for 6 hours per day can consume 9kWh per month or 36kWh for four winter months. You can check the wattage consumption of a space heater indicated on the appliance itself or in the user manual.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater

The answer to how much it costs to run a space heater each month depends on the exact wattage, the time for which you use the appliance, and the local electricity rate. For example, if you are using a space heater (1500W) for 5 hours a day in the US, the cost will be around $1.19 per day and $35.88 per month. On the other hand, if you are using the same space heater for the same time in Hawaii, you will have to spend around $3.03 per day and $91.14 per month.

Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Costs to Run a Space Heater

The daily, monthly, and yearly cost to run a space heater will depend on the appliance's wattage, usage time, and electricity rate. Here is a table that compares the cost of running a space heater (1500W) for 6 hours a day: 

Note: The electricity rate per kWh for different US states indicated in the table is sourced from the EIA January 2025 report. The yearly cost is calculated assuming the space heaters are used for four months.

Official Tips to Reduce Space Heater Costs

Heating the space requires a lot of electricity. According to Energy.gov, heating systems typically make up about 29% of the utility bills. Regular maintenance and upgrading of the space heater, air sealing, and thermostat settings are some effective ways to help you reduce energy consumption and save about 30% of your energy bills. Here are some additional tips to reduce the space heater cost:

Minimize Heat Loss

Seal gaps around room windows and doors with weather stripping or foam tape to prevent heat from escaping the space. Insulating the walls and ceilings can also reduce heat loss. In addition, focus on heating only those rooms you are using to prevent warming unoccupied spaces.

Optimize Heater Usage

Consider using a smart thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature and lower the need for continuous heating. For example, you can lower the thermostat when you are away from home to save energy. If that sounds like extra work, look for heaters with built-in timers, smart features, and an eco-mode for automated energy management.

Follow Energy Efficient Practices

Consider choosing heaters with lower wattage and energy-saving features like variable settings. Regardless of the heater type you own, you should ensure the appliance is clean for optimal performance. Older space heaters are generally less efficient than newer models. If your heater consumes a lot of electricity, consider upgrading it.

Invest in a Solar Generator

Solar generators for space heaters can help you power appliances using free sunlight. Jackery Solar Generators are essential home battery backup solutions capable of powering most household appliances during a power outage or blackout. If you are powering appliances with a solar-powered generator, it helps you lower monthly electricity bills and save costs. Depending on the space heater consumption, you can consider what size of generator is needed to run a space heater.  

How to Save on Electricity Bills With Jackery Solar Generators

Heating appliances such as space heaters are the biggest energy consumers compared to other appliances. Jackery is a trusted name in manufacturing solar generators, foldable solar panels, and portable power stations. Jackery Solar Generators can power heaters of different sizes. Whether you want to reduce the monthly electricity bills or power appliances during an outage, this solar-powered generator has got your back. Here are two of the best Jackery Solar Generators for solar-powered heaters:

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is a solar-powered generator that can power various household appliances, including space heaters operating at 120V. The double-wheel pull rod and foldable handle ensure easy transportation. The monthly cost to run a portable space heater (1000W) for 6 hours per day is $28.71, and the solar-powered generator can help you cut down on these costs and save money. In addition to space heaters, the solar generator can run other household appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, etc. 

Appliances Running Time

• Electric Space Heater (1800W) = 1.9H
• Coil Heater (750W) = 4.5H
• Infrared Radiation Space Heater (1000W) = 3.4H
• Portable Space Heater (1000W) = 3.4H

Customer Review

"Purchased 2000 plus w/2000 battery in May 2024. When Hurricane Milton hit, we were all set. It worked great for several days when the power was out. We recharged it from an inverter every afternoon for 2 1/2 hours. Had ceiling fans, TV, internet, microwave, all outlets, power shades, lights, etc." — Ron K.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is the world's first 5kWh essential home backup solution with dual voltage (120V/240V) compatibility. Its plug-and-play design with built-in wheels and handles ensures you can power your appliances anywhere you go. The Jackery Smart Transfer Switch connects the solar-powered generator to the home's electrical panel for automatic power transfer during an outage. Powering a space heater (1500W) running 6 hours per day with the solar generator will help you save around $43.07 per month. 

Appliances Running Time

• Electric Space Heater (1800W) = 2.3H
• Coil Heater (750W) = 5.4H
• Infrared Radiation Space Heater (1000W) = 4.1H
• Portable Space Heater (1000W) = 4.1H

Customer Review 

"I received the Explorer 5000 Plus solar generator to use to run my home if the power goes out. It works great and will run my whole home if the power goes out." — Dennis Carlson.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater FAQs

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

On average, a space heater (1500W) running for 1 hour consumes 1.5kWh. If the electricity rate per kWh in your area is $0.1595 per kWh, the cost to run the space heater will be $0.23 per hour.

Do space heaters consume a lot of electricity?

Yes. On average, a space heater consumes 1500W per hour. If you are running the space heater for 6 hours per day, the power consumption will be 9kWh per month or 36kWh for four winter months.

Is it cheaper to run a space heater or turn up the heat?

A space heater is an effective way to increase the temperature in a small, drafty room. It is also less expensive than cranking up the central heating system.

How much does it cost to run a portable space heater?

A portable space heater typically consumes 750W and 1500W per hour. The cost will depend on the time of usage and the electricity rate. For instance, using a portable space heater (1000W) for 8 hours per day will cost $1.27 per day or $38.28 per month.

Conclusion

Understanding how much it costs to run a space heater will help you plan energy usage better and reduce high electricity bills. Even though the cost might seem low, it can quickly add up to $175 - $180 per year. Jackery Solar Generators are powerful, portable solutions that can power appliances when the grid is down. They are compact in size to ensure easy transportation and storage whenever needed.