How many watts does a space heater use?
Most space heaters use 750–1,500 watts while running (typically about 1,500 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $10.90 a month ($131 a year, if used about 120 days a year).
Cost to run a space heater: calculator
Running vs starting watts
Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. It has no significant start-up surge, so size a generator or power station on running watts alone.
| Source | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart | 750–1,500 W | — |
| EcoFlow appliance wattage chart | 750–1,500 W | — |
| U.S. DOE Energy Saver, typical appliance wattages (archived) | 750–1,500 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical space heater for about 0.6 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 1,500 W continuous output. Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on 1,500 W for 4 hours a day, 120 days a year (720 kWh/yr).
Cost to run a space heater in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $9.80 | $118 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $17.65 | $212 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $9.03 | $108 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $8.62 | $103 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $17.85 | $214 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $10.30 | $124 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $14.71 | $176 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $11.22 | $135 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $15.59 | $187 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $8.99 | $108 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $9.54 | $114 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $28.31 | $340 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $8.02 | $96.26 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $11.59 | $139 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $10.21 | $123 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $10.24 | $123 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $9.28 | $111 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $8.28 | $99.36 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $7.72 | $92.66 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $19.27 | $231 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $12.84 | $154 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $18.29 | $219 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $13.79 | $166 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $10.32 | $124 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $8.66 | $104 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $9.61 | $115 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $9.34 | $112 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $8.12 | $97.49 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $7.63 | $91.58 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $16.58 | $199 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $14.77 | $177 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $9.91 | $119 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $17.19 | $206 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $8.97 | $108 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $7.99 | $95.83 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $11.63 | $140 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $8.89 | $107 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $9.55 | $115 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $13.06 | $157 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $16.91 | $203 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $9.46 | $113 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $9.09 | $109 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $8.05 | $96.62 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $9.55 | $115 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $7.99 | $95.83 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $14.30 | $172 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $10.58 | $127 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $8.78 | $105 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $9.79 | $117 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $11.65 | $140 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $8.66 | $104 |
FAQ
How many watts does a space heater use?
Most space heaters use 750–1,500 watts while running (typically about 1,500 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $10.90 a month ($131 a year, if used about 120 days a year).
How much does it cost to run a space heater?
About $10.90 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on 1,500 W for 4 hours a day, 120 days a year (720 kWh/yr). In the cheapest state it's about $7.63 a month; in the most expensive, $28.31.
How many kWh does a space heater use?
About 720 kWh a year (60 kWh a month), based on 1,500 W for 4 hours a day, 120 days a year (720 kWh/yr).
Can a power station or generator run a space heater?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical space heater for about 0.6 hours. Look for at least 1,500 W continuous output.