Do Space Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity? A Cost Guide 2025
Space heaters are a convenient and portable way to warm up your home during Canada’s harsh winters. Whether you're working in a cold office, heating a small bedroom, or supplementing your central heating, space heaters offer quick warmth. But a common concern is: Do space heaters use a lot of electricity? How much energy does a space heater use?
In this guide, we’ll take you through the world of space heaters, explore how much energy a space heater uses, analyze the cost of running one in Canada, compare it to central heating, and offer smart tips to reduce your expenses. Let’s dive in!
What’s the Power Consumption of Space Heaters?
So, do electric space heaters use a lot of electricity?
Space heaters usually consume between 400 and 1500 watts of electricity. The average model commonly used in homes runs between 800 and 1000 watts, making it a moderately high-energy appliance.
The wattage directly determines how much electricity your heater uses per hour. A 1500-watt heater running for one hour uses 1.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. This value becomes important when calculating your electricity bill.
It’s also worth noting that different types of space heaters, such as oil-filled radiators, infrared panels, and ceramic heaters, may operate at varying wattages even if they produce the same heat output. The efficiency of heat distribution plays a big role in the total energy consumed over time.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Space Heater in Canada?
Running a space heater in Canada can be cost-effective for targeted heating, but may lead to higher electricity bills if used extensively. Below, let's learn the cost to operate a space heater in daily life.
How to Calculate the Cost
To calculate the cost, we need to know: how much electricity does a space heater use? Most standard space heaters consume 1,000-1,500 watts (1-1.5 kW) per hour. To estimate the typical operating cost of a space heater:
Cost = Power (kW) × Time (hours) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)
For instance, using a 1,500W heater for 1 hour at an average electricity rate of $0.192 per kWh (the Canadian average) would cost:
1.5 kW × 1 hour × $0.192/kWh = $0.288 per hour
Factors Influencing Cost
Note that the exact cost of your space heater depends on the following factors:
Electricity Rates: Vary by province. For example, Quebec has lower rates ($0.078/kWh), while Alberta's rates are higher ($0.258/kWh).
Usage Duration: Longer usage increases costs.
Heater Efficiency: Modern heaters with thermostats and timers can reduce energy consumption.
Home Insulation: Well-insulated spaces retain heat better, reducing the need for prolonged heater use.
Estimated Operating Costs for a 1,500W Space Heater
To help you get a quick glance at how much you need to spend on a space heater, here is a chart for your quick reference, based on the average Canadian electricity rates.
Duration | Energy Used (kWh) | Cost at $0.192/kWh | Cost at $0.258/kWh |
1 hour | 1.5 | $0.29 | $0.39 |
8 hours (1 day) | 12 | $2.30 | $3.10 |
56 hours (1 week) | 84 | $16.13 | $21.67 |
240 hours (1 month) | 360 | $69.12 | $92.88 |
2,920 hours (1 year) | 4,380 | $840.96 | $1,130.04 |
Note: These estimates assume continuous operation. Actual costs may vary based on usage patterns and local rates.
Are Space Heaters Cheaper Than Central Heating?
Now that we've examined the electricity a space heater uses along with its cost, it's time to consider whether space heaters are more economical than central heating systems.
When Space Heaters Are More Economical
If you're heating a small room or using selective zone heating, space heaters can be significantly cheaper than central heating. Central systems warm the entire home—even empty rooms—leading to more energy use.
Ideal use cases for space heaters:
Heating a home office during work hours
Warming a bedroom overnight
Boosting temperature in drafty spots (e.g., sunrooms, basements)
Cottage or RV use where centralized heating isn’t available
A 1000W space heater used in a 150 sq. ft. room will be more efficient than heating a 2000 sq. ft. home with a gas furnace just to warm one area.
When Central Heating Is More Cost-Efficient
If multiple rooms are in use, or if the house is already equipped with a high-efficiency system (like a gas furnace or heat pump), central heating may win out.
Natural gas is often cheaper per unit of heat than electricity. A high-efficiency furnace can convert 95%+ of its fuel into heat, making it both economical and environmentally friendly, especially in provinces where electricity comes from fossil fuels.
Also, modern smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) allow central systems to mimic zone heating, further closing the efficiency gap.
Smart Ways to Use Space Heaters Without Wasting Energy
Let’s wrap up our discussion with some practical advice.
Using a space heater efficiently is essential for keeping electricity costs manageable. Below are proven strategies to help you heat smarter, not harder.
Choose the Right Size Heater
Don’t overdo it. Use the right wattage for your room’s size:
100–150 sq. ft.: 750W–1000W heater
150–250 sq. ft.: 1000W–1500W
Over 250 sq. ft.: Consider multiple units or supplement with central heat
Overpowered heaters will heat the room faster, but also overshoot the target temperature and waste energy unless thermostatically controlled.
Use Thermostats and Timers
Modern space heaters often include:
Thermostats: Automatically shut off or reduce output when the room reaches the desired temperature
Timers: Turn off the unit after a set duration (great for overnight use)
Eco modes: Adjust heating intensity based on ambient temperature
These features cut down on excessive run time and prevent overheating, which can damage electronics and over-dry the air.
Improve Room Insulation
Heat loss directly increases electricity use, especially with a space heater. Enhancing your room’s insulation is an easy and effective way to retain warmth and reduce heater runtime.
Seal gaps around windows and doors using weather stripping or caulk to block drafts. Even small leaks can cause noticeable heat loss.
Thermal curtains also help by reducing heat escape through window panes during cold nights.
If you have hard floors, laying down thick area rugs adds insulation and keeps rooms warmer longer.
Finally, close interior doors while heating. This simple step traps warmth where it's needed and keeps it from spreading to unused areas.
Use a Solar Generator
A solar generator is an outstanding solution because it allows you to generate your own electricity. This not only helps reduce your energy costs but also ensures a reliable power source during outages and emergencies.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W), including an up to 12kWh expandable storage capacity and one or two 400W solar panels, is a powerful off-grid energy solution designed for versatility. It supports up to 2600W of solar input via dual PV ports and features an expandable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a capacity of up to 12kWh, ideal for powering space heaters, refrigerators, and other essential appliances
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator
Conclusion
Do space heaters use a lot of electricity? As we’ve analyzed, they can, especially higher-wattage models used for long hours. However, when used strategically for zone heating, they offer an efficient way to warm small areas without heating the entire home.
By selecting the right wattage, limiting run time, insulating your space, and exploring renewable options like solar panels and solar generators, you can enjoy reliable warmth while keeping your electricity costs under control. The bottom line is that smart use makes all the difference.
FAQs
How much does it cost to run a space heater for 1 hour?
This depends on the heater’s wattage and your local electricity rate. For example, a 1500-watt heater running for one hour at $0.13/kWh costs about $0.20. In higher-rate provinces like Alberta, that same usage could cost $0.35 or more, especially during peak pricing hours.
Is it cheaper to turn up the heat or use a space heater?
It depends on your heating needs. For warming a single room, a space heater is usually cheaper. However, if you need to heat multiple rooms or the entire home, turning up a high-efficiency central heating system is often more economical in the long run.
Do space heaters run up your bill?
Yes, space heaters can increase your electricity bill if used for long periods, especially at high wattages. However, when used in short, targeted intervals for zone heating, they can help save money by avoiding the need to heat the entire home unnecessarily.
Is it cheaper to run a space heater or baseboard heat?
Baseboard heaters and space heaters both use electricity, but baseboard systems often have better thermostatic control and heat distribution. If you’re heating one room, a space heater may be cheaper. For consistent, whole-room heating, baseboard systems are typically more efficient and cost-effective over time.