Do Space Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity? A Comprehensive Guide

As temperatures start to drop and the winter chill begins to set in, many people start looking for effective and energy-efficient heating options. Space heaters often emerge as a popular choice. These compact devices offer quick and targeted heating but often raise the question, “Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?” In this article, we’ll dive into how much energy space heaters use, the differences between using a space heater versus a traditional thermostat, and how to maximize the energy efficiency of different heating options. Let’s jump into the energy efficiency of space heaters and how they compare to other heating methods.

How Much Energy Does a Space Heater Use?

Overall, heater energy use depends on how much time the space heater is running. Considering that the average electric space heater uses between 750 and 1500 watts (1.5 kW) per hour when it is running at full power. If you were to run a 1500-watt space heater for a full hour, the heater would consume 1.5 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity. The cost will depend on your local electricity rate. For this example, we will use a national average of 16.62 cents per kWh to estimate the cost. With this rate in mind, the cost of running the space heater for an hour is around $0.25. It is important to consider that different space heaters have different levels of energy efficiency. More efficient options are available that have energy-efficient features like energy-saving modes and timers, which can help reduce how much energy they use.

Space Heater Energy Efficiency

Space heaters can be an energy-efficient option for heating, especially if you are only trying to heat one room. When used strategically, space heaters can help reduce your overall energy consumption. Rather than cranking the heat to warm every unoccupied room in your home, opting for a space heater can use less energy and concentrate the warmth in the room you’re in, making it an energy-efficient choice. But what about heating multiple rooms? Do space heaters use more energy than central heating is a common question that arises when heating a larger space.

Energy Usage of Central Heating (Thermostat-Controlled Heating)

Central heating systems, which are typically powered by gas, oil, or electricity, heat the entire home. These systems are controlled by a heater thermostat, which regulates the temperature based on your settings. While it can be energy efficient, central heating can also waste energy by heating unoccupied rooms.

The average central heating system typically uses between 3 to 5 kilowatts per hour (kWh), depending on its efficiency and how big the home is. Furthermore, if it is set to a high temperature, the furnace will run for a longer period of time to achieve that temperature, further increasing energy use and cost.

Space Heater vs. Home Heating System

Conversely, the average space heater uses between .75 and 1.5 kilowatts per hour (kWh). So, if you’re only occupying one or two rooms in your home, a space heater can be a more energy-efficient choice than central heating. A space heater’s lower energy use can help reduce unnecessary energy consumption by concentrating heat in specific rooms rather than the entire home. This targeted approach is best for homes with poor insulation and households that typically spend their time in one area of the home. If space heaters are used in multiple rooms of the home, energy consumption can end up being greater than central heating. As a rule of thumb, for short-term concentrated heating, opt for a space heater. If you are heating the whole home, central heating is likely to be the more efficient choice.

How to Maximize Space Heater Energy Efficiency

1. Use a Timer: Set the heater to turn off when you don’t need it so you don't waste energy.
2. Close Doors: Keep doors closed to trap heat in the room you're heating. This will help it warm up more quickly.
3. Insulate Windows and Doors: Good insulation prevents drafts from cooling the room while the heater is running.
4. Use the Lowest Setting: Using only as much heat as you need to remain comfortable helps reduce unnecessary heating and energy consumption.

So, do space heaters use a lot of electricity? It depends on how you use them. Space heaters can be an energy-efficient alternative to central heating if used intentionally, especially in small, confined spaces. If you prefer a full-home heating solution, a thermostat-controlled central heating system may be the better option for you. By choosing the right heater and using it effectively, you can stay warm and manage your energy consumption more efficiently this winter.

If you see your energy consumption rise as the temperatures outside start to drop and you try and stay warm, consider tapping into a community solar farm to offset some of the costs. Community solar is a no-upfront-cost way to support solar generation and reduce your annual electricity costs.

Check your eligibility for Nexamp Community Solar here:

Whichever heating option you choose, pairing it with a community solar subscription can yield additional energy cost savings!