Heated throw vs. space heater: running cost
A heated throw is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $148 for a space heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $143 difference.
| Heated throw | Space heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 100 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 50–160 W | 750–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 3 hours a day for 5 months a year | 6 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 29 kWh | 825 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.1¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 3.4¢ | 97¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.04 | $29.67 |
| Cost per year | $5 | $148 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $13 | $359 |
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What drives the difference
- Heated throw: Heated throws are around 50x60 in and draw 50-160 W. They are one of the cheapest ways to stay warm on the couch.
- Space heater: Nearly all plug-in space heaters draw 1,500 W on high, the most a standard 15-amp outlet can safely supply. Every model converts electricity to heat at the same 100% rate, so the thermostat setting and hours matter more than the brand.
Ways to cut either cost
Keeps you warm while moving around the house at under 20 W.
See options on AmazonStores heat in oil so it holds room temperature on its lower 600-900 W settings and cycles less.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a heated throw or a space heater?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a space heater costs about $148 a year versus $5 for a heated throw. That's $143 more, or 28.4× as much.
How many watts do heated throw and space heater use?
A heated throw typically draws 100 W (range 50–160 W). A space heater draws 1,500 W (range 750–1,500 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.