WattCostCalc

Electric Patio Heater vs Space Heater: Which Costs Less to Run?

Using typical wattage and daily use, an electric patio heater costs about $31.50 per month, compared with $63.00 for a space heater. That is a gap of $31.50 a month at $0.175/kWh.

Side by side

Electric Patio HeaterSpace Heater
Power2,000 W1,500 W
Hours per day38
Cost per hour$0.35$0.263
Cost per day$1.05$2.10
Cost per week$7.35$14.70
Cost per month$31.50$63.00
Cost per year$383.25$766.50
Energy per year2,190 kWh4,380 kWh

Based on $0.175 per kWh (US average).

Which should you choose?

These two appliances do different jobs, so the cheaper one is not automatically the better choice. The figures use typical wattage, typical daily hours and the share of time each runs at full power.

Want your own numbers? Open either calculator and enter your hours and rate: Electric Patio Heater or Space Heater.

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