How much does an electric space heater cost to run?
An electric space heater typically draws around 2000 W while running. Ratings vary widely between models, so check the label and change the figure below.
per kWh
W
g CO2 per kWh
Cost per year
819.64
- Cost per month
- 68.30
- Cost per day
- 2.25
- Cost per hour of use
- 0.56
- Energy per year
- 2927.3 kWh
- Energy per day
- 8.0200 kWh
- Carbon dioxide per year
- 731.8
- Annual cost of standby alone
- 2.04
Show the working
- Power = 2000
- Hours per day = 4
- Days per year in use = 365
- Electricity price = 0.28
- Standby power = 1
- Grid carbon intensity = 250
- kw = 2000 / 1000 = 2
- daily_kwh = 2 * 4 = 8
- standby_kwh = 1 / 1000 * (24 - 4) = 0.02
- Energy per day = 8 + 0.02 = 8.02
- Energy per year = 8.02 * 365 = 2927.3
- Cost per day = 8.02 * 0.28 = 2.2456
- Cost per year = 2927.3 * 0.28 = 819.644
- Cost per month = 819.644 / 12 = 68.3037
- Cost per hour of use = 2 * 0.28 = 0.56
- Carbon dioxide per year = 2927.3 * 250 / 1000 = 731.825
- Annual cost of standby alone = 0.02 * 365 * 0.28 = 2.044
Values are shown to six significant figures here; the arithmetic itself runs on exact fractions and is only rounded where a number is printed.
Scenarios & local history
Compare a saved scenario
Recent calculations
The formula
- daily energy = power in kW x hours
- annual cost = daily energy x days x price per kWh
Nameplate wattage is the maximum draw, not the average. A cycling appliance like a fridge or a freezer averages far less.
Standby draw is small per device and adds up across a house: ten devices at 2 W each is 175 kWh a year.
Running cost of an electric space heater at different tariffs
| Price per kWh | Per hour | Per year at 4 h/day |
|---|---|---|
| 0.10 | 0.2000 | 292.00 |
| 0.15 | 0.3000 | 438.00 |
| 0.20 | 0.4000 | 584.00 |
| 0.25 | 0.5000 | 730.00 |
| 0.30 | 0.6000 | 876.00 |
| 0.40 | 0.8000 | 1168.00 |
Frequently asked
How many watts does an electric space heater use?
Typically around 2000 W while running, though models vary. Check the rating plate.
How much electricity does it use per day?
About 8.00 kWh at 4 hours of use.