The answer to whether small portable electric heaters use a lot of electricity is generally yes, especially when compared to other common household appliances. These devices are designed for supplemental, targeted heating, but their function requires a high and sustained electrical draw. While convenient for warming a small area, using standard portable electric heaters, typically 1500-watt models, for extended periods significantly affects your home’s overall energy consumption.
Understanding Heater Power Consumption
Portable electric heaters require substantial electrical power because they convert electricity directly into heat using resistive elements. This process, known as Joule heating, is nearly 100% efficient at turning electrical energy into thermal energy, but it demands a high and continuous energy input. Most standard models operate between 750 and 1500 watts (W) on their high setting, with 1500W being the typical maximum for devices plugging into a standard residential outlet.
This power requirement is substantial compared to other common household devices, which typically use only a fraction of that wattage. A laptop might draw around 50W, and an average television uses about 120W. Even a large appliance like a refrigerator may use around 725W, but it cycles on and off throughout the day. In contrast, a portable heater sustains a 1500W draw continuously when running. The need for immediate, intense heat means the heater must draw maximum power to generate warmth quickly.
Calculating Operating Costs
The financial impact of using a portable heater is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), representing the consumption of 1,000 watts of power over one hour. To determine the hourly operating cost, convert the wattage to kilowatts by dividing by 1,000. Then, multiply this kilowatt rating by the hours used and by your utility’s electricity rate per kWh.
Using the national average residential electricity rate of approximately 17.47 cents per kWh, a standard 1500W heater converts to 1.5 kilowatts (1.5 kW). Running this heater for one hour costs about 26.2 cents. If the same heater runs for eight hours daily, the cost is around $2.10, accumulating to over $60 in a single month of continuous use.
Strategies for Efficient Use
Since the electrical draw is fixed by the heater’s design, minimizing cost depends on strategic usage rather than efficiency improvements. The most effective strategy involves supplemental, targeted heating, known as zone heating. This means warming only the occupied space instead of raising the thermostat for the entire home, which reduces the usage of the central heating system.
Proper placement and control are important for reducing unnecessary run-time. Placing the heater close to the person ensures the heat is applied directly and effectively. Using a model with an adjustable thermostat or a built-in timer prevents the heater from running continuously when the desired temperature is reached or the user leaves the room. Ensuring the designated space is adequately sealed, such as by closing doors and sealing windows, helps retain the generated heat and reduces the time the heater needs to operate.