Small space heater vs. space heater: running cost
A small space heater is cheaper to run: about $46 a year versus $148 for a space heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $102 difference.
| Small space heater | Space heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 400 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 200–800 W | 750–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 6 hours a day for 5 months a year | 6 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 257 kWh | 825 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 5.0¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 30¢ | 97¢ |
| Cost per month | $9.25 | $29.67 |
| Cost per year | $46 | $148 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $112 | $359 |
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What drives the difference
- Small space heater: Personal and plug-in outlet heaters draw roughly 200-800 W. They can only warm the person sitting nearby, not a room.
- 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
Radiant panels warm your legs at 150-200 W with no fan noise.
See options on AmazonWarms feet directly at 30-60 W.
See options on AmazonStores heat in oil so it holds room temperature on its lower 600-900 W settings and cycles less.
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, a small space heater 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 $46 for a small space heater. That's $102 more, or 3.2× as much.
How many watts do small space heater and space heater use?
A small space heater typically draws 400 W (range 200–800 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.