How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?

No matter how big or small, every appliance in our home consumes electricity. If we do not pay attention to how we use and operate these appliances, our monthly energy bills can go up dramatically. Below, we are going to look into space heaters, as they are one of the most used appliances during the colder months, and often contribute to a higher utility bill: especially when left unchecked. But how much electricity does a space heater use?

We'll explore how much electricity space heaters use so that you can determine whether it will be a cost-efficient appliance to use in your home. We'll consider space heater energy costs, space heater energy efficiency and more. So if you're in the market for a space heater, keep reading for some important information and our best space heater recommendations!

How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?

A space heater's wattage rating is equivalent to how many watts of electricity it uses per hour. Typically, a space heater uses anywhere between 200 watts all the way up to 2,000 watts depending on the make and model. The essential thing to remember is that higher wattage simply equates to a higher electricity usage. 

1,000 watts equals to 1 kilowatt (kWh). So if you have a 1,500-watt space heater, it will use 1.5 kilowatts of power. This tells you how much electricity a space heater uses – and you can use this number to calculate your energy costs based on your typical electric bill (more on that below).

If you want to save money, look for a space heater that has a lower wattage, but make sure that it is optimal for the room that you are going to use it with. An underpowered space heater can lead to problems; our What Size Space Heater Do I Need? article covers all the essential factors on how to properly size a space heater in your home.  

A Key Measurement: BTU per Watt

In addition to wattage, you also need to understand BTUs (British thermal units), which is the primary form of measurement for quantifying heating and air conditioning efficiency. Since we are talking about space heaters, it is essential that we know how to calculate the BTU. 

A higher BTU means a higher heat output from your space heater. A space heater with a high BTU rating will be able to heat larger spaces, and at a faster rate.

There is 3.41 BTU per watt. This means to get the BTU of a space heater, multiply its wattage by 3.41. As an example, a 150-square foot room which requires an estimated 1,500 watts of energy will require a space heater that provides about 5,115 BTUs. You can use this estimated BTU rating to shop for the optimal space heater – calculating its estimated energy costs as needed.

How Much Does it Cost to Run a Space Heater?

After understanding the importance of wattage and BTU, the next step would be determining the length of time we are going to use a space heater. The electricity bill is measured in kilowatt hours, which is the amount of energy used when we are running a 1-kilowatt appliance for one hour. So, we simply have to multiply the the energy consumption (in kilowatt hours) by the number of hours you intend to keep your space heater running per day.

As an example, let's say you will be running your space heater for 8 hours during a cool winter day. We will make this estimate with a space heater that operates at 1.5 kWh, a fairly common energy usage rate.

1.5 kWh x 8 hours = 12 kW

We estimate that this space heater will consume 12 kW of energy per day. Now, we have to multiply this number by the cost of energy per kWh – this is how utility companies calculate your energy bills. The average cost of electricity per kWh is approximately 13 cents in the United States.

12 kW x 13¢ = $1.56 per day

The average 1.5 kWh space heater, running for 8 hours a day, would cost approximately $1.56 per day to power.

To minimize cost, it is essential to only use a space heater when there is someone in the room and do not forget to turn it off if you are planning to leave that area or better off. If you are forgetful, it is helpful to pick a space heater that has a timer! 

Finding Energy Efficient Space Heaters

Now that we know how to compute for a space heater's electricity consumption, let's look for energy-efficient space heaters. The first thing to look for a space heater is one that has an Energy Star logo on it to make sure that it is energy efficient. Energy Star certified appliances are proven to be cost effective, helping you save on energy costs.

 Other useful energy-efficient features include: 

• Auto shutoff: prevents overheating, fire hazards and saves electricity since it will turn off by itself when left un attended 
• Adjustable thermostat: automatically monitor the surrounding air temperature to ensure optimal heating and energy efficiency 

With all the information that we covered, you will now be able to find the best and energy-efficient space heater for you and your home. However, if you feel that you need more information about what to look for in a space heater; we have a Space Heater Buying Guide where we cover all the information needed to find the space heater best suited for you and your home.  

Best Energy Efficient Space Heater

There is no better way to end this article than by recommending an energy-efficient space heater. If you want to save money but don't want any compromise on features and quality, then we believe the Aikoper 1500-Watt Space Heater might be the perfect heating solution for you. Conveniently lower your energy bills with its ECO setting that allows the heater to turn on and off automatically! This advanced feature works by comparing the room temperature with its internal set temperature.

There's much more to this appliance than its energy efficiency, however. The Aikoper 1500-Watt Space Heater also boasts the following features:

• Provides 1,500 watts of power, which efficiently provides warmth into every part of the room
• Has auto shutoff, tip over, and overheat protection features to protect your loved ones (especially kids and pets) from accidents 
• An oscillating function produces widespread warmth that maximizes efficiency and comfort
• Conveniently control the space heater with a remote control
• Program the space heater for automatic power on and off – perfect for cost-efficient heating

The Aikoper 1500-Watt Space Heater is an outstanding appliance that will work for most homes and families. You can check the price and read hundreds of great reviews here on Amazon.

By now, hopefully we've helped you answer the question: “How much electricity does a space heater use?”. Also check out our article do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity? If you have any other questions regarding space heaters, be sure to explore our in-depth buyer's guide. Don't worry, we've got them for all other appliances too – at Appliance Accreditor, it's our mission to help you confidently purchase home appliances.