Space Heater Cost Calculator: 1,500W & Other Settings
See what a 1,500-watt heater adds to your bill, then compare hours and power settings.
Your usage
Example inputsResults update as you type. All costs are in U.S. dollars. See result ↓
For your own rate, add per-kWh supply and delivery charges; leave out fixed fees. Find it on your bill →
Example result — edit inputs to match your use
Estimated electricity cost180 kWh per month at 18.31¢/kWh
(1500 W ÷ 1,000) × 4 h × 30 days × 100% × $0.1831 = $32.96At these watts and active time: $0.27 per scheduled hour.
Daily is one day of use. Annual repeats your monthly schedule 12 times (not a 365-day forecast). Rates are held constant. Actual use may vary.
↑ Edit inputsMatch the wattage to the selected heat setting
Use the wattage listed for the setting you actually use. The initial 1,500 W and 4 hours are a worked example, not a claim about your heater or household. A 1,500 W heater uses 1.5 kWh during one full-power hour. At an example 20¢/kWh, that hour costs $0.30.
On time is different from time plugged in
If a thermostat switches the element off, enter the share of the schedule it actively heats. At the same watts and runtime, electric resistance heaters have the same modeled electricity cost; this tool does not compare room comfort or heat-pump performance. Annual costs assume the monthly schedule repeats all year. For a winter-only estimate, multiply the monthly result by your heating months.
Will a smaller heater always save money?
Lower power costs less per hour, but it may run longer to meet the same heating need. Compare both watts and hours. Do not assume a lower-wattage model will deliver the same room temperature.
Make the estimate yours
Replace the example values with measurements or the product label. Select your state for an official average, then override it with your bill’s variable rate when available.
Read the calculations and assumptionsSpace heater cost at different electricity rates
This static worked example uses 1,500 W × 4 hours/day × 30 days × 100% active time. These chosen rates show price sensitivity; they are not utility offers. The interactive result above uses your edited inputs.
| Electricity price | Monthly cost | Annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 12¢/kWh | $21.60 | $259.20 |
| 20¢/kWh | $36.00 | $432.00 |
| 30¢/kWh | $54.00 | $648.00 |
*Annual cost repeats this monthly pattern 12 times. Use your actual season length for seasonal equipment. Values are rounded only for display.
Practical energy guides
How Much Does a 1,500-Watt Space Heater Cost to Run?
See hourly and monthly costs for a 1,500W heater at three example rates, how thermostat cycling changes the math, and when shorter use saves money.
Understand your billHow to Find Your Electricity Rate on Your Bill
Find the right cents-per-kWh rate for an appliance calculator. Separate supply, delivery, fixed fees, and time-of-use charges with a worked bill example.