How Much Does a 1500-Watt Heater Cost to Run?
A 1500-watt space heater costs about $0.23 per hour at the national average rate of $0.15/kWh — or $54/month running 8 hours a day.
Based on US national average electricity rate of $0.15/kWh (EIA 2026). Formula: 1,500W ÷ 1,000 × hours × $/kWh. Use the calculator below to enter your exact rate.
Calculate Your 1500-Watt Heater Cost
1500-Watt Heater Cost by State
Based on 8 hours/day, 30 days/month. State electricity rates from EIA 2026 data.
| State | Rate ($/kWh) | Per Hour | Per Day (8 hrs) | Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Average | $0.15 | $0.23 | $1.80 | $54 |
| California | $0.25 | $0.38 | $3.00 | $90 |
| Texas | $0.12 | $0.18 | $1.44 | $43 |
| Florida | $0.13 | $0.20 | $1.56 | $47 |
| New York | $0.20 | $0.30 | $2.40 | $72 |
| Colorado | $0.13 | $0.20 | $1.56 | $47 |
| Illinois | $0.13 | $0.20 | $1.56 | $47 |
| Hawaii | $0.39 | $0.59 | $4.68 | $140 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a 1500-watt heater for 24 hours?
At the national average rate of $0.15/kWh, running a 1500W heater for 24 hours costs about $5.40. At California's rate of $0.25/kWh, that rises to $9.00 per day.
Is a 1500-watt heater expensive to run?
Compared to central gas heating, yes — electric resistance heating is roughly 2–3x more expensive per BTU. However, for a single room that would otherwise heat the whole house, a space heater can save money by allowing you to lower the central thermostat.
Do all space heaters use 1500 watts?
Most standard-size plug-in space heaters are rated at 1500 watts on high and 750 watts on low. Some mini heaters run at 400W–900W, and some larger models go up to 2000W. Check the label on your unit.
How much does a 1500-watt heater cost per month?
Running 8 hours daily at the national average rate costs about $54/month. Running it 24/7 would cost roughly $162/month nationally — more in high-rate states like California or Hawaii.