Engine block heater vs. heat tape: running cost
A heat tape is cheaper to run: about $18 a year versus $70 for an engine block heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $53 difference.
| Engine block heater | Heat tape | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 750 W | 90 W |
| Watt range | 150–1,500 W | 20–300 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 3 months a year | 24 hours a day for 3 months a year |
| Energy per year | 391 kWh | 99 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 13¢ | 0.8¢ |
| Cost per day | 77¢ | 19¢ |
| Cost per month | $23.47 | $5.91 |
| Cost per year | $70 | $18 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $170 | $43 |
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What drives the difference
- Engine block heater: Block heaters run at full power with no thermostat. Most of the warming benefit happens in the first 2-3 hours, so overnight use wastes most of the energy.
- Heat tape: Pipe heat cable uses about 3-8 W per foot. Thermostat-controlled or self-regulating cables only draw full power in freezing weather.
Ways to cut either cost
Turns the cable on only near freezing.
See options on AmazonReduces heat loss so the cable cycles less.
See options on AmazonRuns the heater only 2-3 hours before departure.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an engine block heater or a heat tape?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an engine block heater costs about $70 a year versus $18 for a heat tape. That's $53 more, or 4.0× as much.
How many watts do engine block heater and heat tape use?
An engine block heater typically draws 750 W (range 150–1,500 W). A heat tape draws 90 W (range 20–300 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.