Under-desk heater vs. heated throw: running cost
A heated throw is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $23 for an under-desk heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $17 difference.
| Under-desk heater | Heated throw | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 170 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 30–300 W | 50–160 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 5 months a year | 3 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 126 kWh | 29 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 2.6¢ | 1.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 15¢ | 3.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $4.52 | $1.04 |
| Cost per year | $23 | $5 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $55 | $13 |
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What drives the difference
- Under-desk heater: Radiant panel and foot warmer heaters draw 30-300 W and warm only your legs and feet, which is why they cost a fraction of a 1,500 W space heater.
- 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.
Ways to cut either cost
Rechargeable heated vest
Keeps you warm while moving around the house at under 20 W.
See options on Amazon Heated throw blanket
Covers more of your body at a similar 50-100 W.
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 under-desk heater or a heated throw?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an under-desk heater costs about $23 a year versus $5 for a heated throw. That's $17 more, or 4.3× as much.
How many watts do under-desk heater and heated throw use?
An under-desk heater typically draws 170 W (range 30–300 W). A heated throw draws 100 W (range 50–160 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.