Space heater vs. heat pump: running cost
A space heater is cheaper to run: about $148 a year versus $920 for a heat pump at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $772 difference.
| Space heater | Heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 4,000 W |
| Watt range | 750–1,500 W | 2,000–8,000 W |
| Typical use | 6 hours a day for 5 months a year | 24 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 825 kWh | 5,114 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 16¢ | 25¢ |
| Cost per day | 97¢ | $6.04 |
| Cost per month | $29.67 | $184 |
| Cost per year | $148 | $920 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $359 | $2,225 |
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What drives the difference
- 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.
- Heat pump: Watts are average compressor plus blower draw in heating, including occasional backup strip heat. Defaults give about 5,000 kWh a winter for a 3-ton system in a moderate climate; very cold climates use more because of backup heat.
Ways to cut either cost
Stores heat in oil so it holds room temperature on its lower 600-900 W settings and cycles less.
See options on AmazonWarms your body directly at about 100 W instead of heating the whole room at 1,500 W.
See options on AmazonManages auxiliary heat and setbacks to keep the compressor doing most of the work.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a space heater or a heat pump?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a heat pump costs about $920 a year versus $148 for a space heater. That's $772 more, or 6.2× as much.
How many watts do space heater and heat pump use?
A space heater typically draws 1,500 W (range 750–1,500 W). A heat pump draws 4,000 W (range 2,000–8,000 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.