Wall heater vs. space heater: running cost
A space heater is cheaper to run: about $148 a year versus $164 for a wall heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $16 difference.
| Wall heater | Space heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 500–4,000 W | 750–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | 6 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 913 kWh | 825 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 13¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | $1.08 | 97¢ |
| Cost per month | $32.85 | $29.67 |
| Cost per year | $164 | $148 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $397 | $359 |
Compare at your rate and settings
What drives the difference
- Wall heater: Fan-forced in-wall heaters (Cadet, Broan, Marley) are resistance heaters typically sized 1,000-2,000 W at 120 or 240 V. Duty cycle reflects thermostat cycling in a closed 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
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 AmazonHeats the same room using about a third to half the electricity.
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 wall heater or a space heater?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a wall heater costs about $164 a year versus $148 for a space heater. That's $16 more.
How many watts do wall heater and space heater use?
A wall heater typically draws 1,500 W (range 500–4,000 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.