Which state is cheapest to run an infrared heater?

Idaho, at 12.35¢/kWh — about $44.46/month for a 1,500W infrared heater running 8 hours a day, which is 360 kWh. Utah (12.96¢/kWh, about $46.66) and Oklahoma (13.38¢/kWh, about $48.17) are next. Rates are EIA Electric Power Monthly figures for May 2026, a single month rather than a 2026 annual average.

Which state is most expensive to run an infrared heater?

Hawaii, at 52.00¢/kWh — about $187.20/month for the same 360 kWh. California follows at 33.25¢/kWh (about $119.70) and New York at 29.93¢/kWh (about $107.75). The US average is 18.44¢/kWh, or about $66.38/month.

How do I calculate my exact infrared heater cost?

Find your electricity rate in $/kWh on your utility bill. Multiply your heater wattage by hours per day and days per month, then divide by 1,000 to get kWh, and multiply by your rate. For a 1,500W heater at 8 hrs/day: 1500 × 8 × 30 ÷ 1000 = 360 kWh, and 360 × $0.1844 = $66.38.

Does climate affect infrared heater cost by state?

Climate affects how many hours you run the heater, not the cost per hour. Colder states like Minnesota or Maine may run heaters longer, increasing total monthly cost even with moderate electricity rates. Warmer states like Florida need fewer hours.

By SK KutubuddinUpdated October 20, 2026

Infrared Heater Cost by State

See what a 1,500W infrared heater costs to run per month in every US state. Based on EIA Electric Power Monthly rates for May 2026.

A snow-covered house with warm, glowing windows and smoke rising from the chimney — Heating costs depend on your state’s energy prices and how cold its winters get.

A 1,500W infrared heater run 8 hours a day uses 360 kWh a month, which costs $66.38 at the US average rate of 18.44¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, May 2026). In Hawaii, the most expensive state at 52.00¢/kWh, the same 360 kWh costs $187.20. In Idaho, the cheapest at 12.35¢/kWh, it costs $44.46.

Infrared Heater Monthly Cost by State

Based on a 1,500W infrared heater running 8 hours per day, 30 days per month — 360 kWh. Sorted from cheapest to most expensive. Rates: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, May 2026. That is a single month, not a 2026 annual average.

Below the US average of 18.44¢/kWh ($66.38/mo)

Above US average

Why Infrared Heater Costs Vary by State

Infrared heater running costs depend entirely on your state's electricity rate, not the heater itself. A 1,500W infrared heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour wherever you live — 360 kWh over a month at 8 hours a day. In Idaho, at 12.35¢/kWh, that costs $44.46. In Hawaii, at 52.00¢/kWh, the identical heater delivering identical warmth costs $187.20.

The cheapest states to run an infrared heater are Idaho (12.35¢/kWh), Utah (12.96¢/kWh), Oklahoma (13.38¢/kWh). The most expensive are Hawaii (52.00¢/kWh), California (33.25¢/kWh), New York (29.93¢/kWh). These differences come from state energy policies, fuel mix, and infrastructure costs — not heater efficiency. Rates are EIA Electric Power Monthly figures for May 2026, a single month rather than a 2026 annual average, and they move from month to month.

To get your exact cost, find your electricity rate on your utility bill (look for $/kWh) and multiply by 360 for a 1,500W heater running 8 hours daily. Or use our infrared heater cost calculator with your specific rate and usage hours. Browse all state rates on our heating cost by state page for full comparisons.