How much does an outdoor infrared heater cost to run?

An electric 2,000W outdoor infrared heater costs $0.37/hour, $1.48/day at 4 hours, and $44.26/month at the US average electricity rate of 18.44¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, May 2026). A 40,000 BTU propane unit costs about $1.31/hour at $2.55/gallon. The propane heater is not doing the same job, though: 2,000W is only about 6,800 BTU/hr of heat, against 40,000 BTU/hr for the propane unit.

Are electric or propane outdoor heaters cheaper to run?

Per hour, electric is far cheaper — $0.37/hour for a 2,000W unit against about $1.31/hour for a 40,000 BTU propane heater, or $44.26 against $157.38 over a month at 4 hrs/day. Per unit of heat it is the other way round, because the propane unit delivers roughly six times as much: about 3.3¢ per 1,000 BTU delivered for propane, 5.4¢ for electric resistance, and about 1.6¢ for natural gas at $1.44/therm. Electric wins on running cost for a small covered area; propane wins on heat per dollar and needs no outlet.

How much propane does an outdoor heater use per hour?

A 40,000 BTU propane outdoor heater uses approximately 0.51 gallons of propane per hour, assuming 85% burner efficiency. At the US average propane price of $2.55/gallon (EIA heating-season average, October 2025–March 2026) that is about $1.31/hour. A standard 20 lb propane tank holds about 4.7 gallons, giving around 9 hours of run time.

What wattage outdoor infrared heater do I need for a patio?

Square-foot sizing rules do not transfer outdoors. The indoor rule of thumb — about 10 watts per square foot — works because a room holds the warm air it is given; an open patio does not, and a radiant heater outside is warming people and surfaces directly rather than the air around them. Size by the coverage area and mounting height the manufacturer states, treat that as a best case, and expect wind or open sides to shrink it substantially. Two smaller heaters aimed where people actually sit usually beat one large unit mounted in a corner.

Updated August 22, 2026

Outdoor Infrared Heater Running Cost

Find out exactly what your outdoor or patio infrared heater costs per hour, day and month.

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A 2,000W outdoor infrared heater costs $0.37/hour, $1.48/day (4 hrs), and $44.26/month at the US average electricity rate of 18.44¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, May 2026).

Calculate Outdoor Infrared Heater Cost

Heater Type

Wattage (watts)Common outdoor electric infrared: 1,500–3,000W.

Hours Per DayAverage patio heater usage: 2–6 hrs/day.

Electricity Rate ($/kWh)US average 18.44¢/kWh (EIA, May 2026).

Outdoor Infrared Heater Cost by Type (US average fuel prices)

Heater Type	Cost/Hour	Cost/Day (4 hrs)	Cost/Month
Electric 1,500W	$0.28	$1.11	$33.19
Electric 2,000W	$0.37	$1.48	$44.26
Electric 3,000W	$0.55	$2.21	$66.38
Propane 40,000 BTU	$1.31	$5.25	$157.38
Gas 40,000 BTU	$0.64	$2.56	$76.80

Electricity 18.44¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, May 2026). Propane $2.55/gal (EIA heating-season average, Oct 2025–Mar 2026) at 85% burner efficiency — 0.51 gal/hr for 40,000 BTU. Natural gas $1.44/therm (EIA, winter average Nov 2025–Mar 2026) at 90% efficiency — 0.44 therm/hr. 4 hrs/day, 30 days, at full output throughout.

Electric vs Propane Outdoor Infrared Heaters

Electric outdoor infrared heaters are the cheapest to run at $0.28–$0.55/hour for 1,500–3,000W models at the US average of 18.44¢/kWh. They require a nearby outdoor power outlet and work best in covered patio areas. Running costs are predictable and consistent year-round. See our infrared heater cost calculator for full hourly and monthly estimates at your electricity rate.

Propane outdoor infrared heaters cost significantly more per hour: a 40,000 BTU unit burns about 0.51 gallons an hour, which is about $1.31/hour at the US average propane price of $2.55/gallon. However, they require no electrical connection, making them ideal for decks, gardens, and areas without convenient outdoor power outlets. A standard 20 lb tank holds roughly 4.7 gallons, so expect around 9 hours per tank.

Natural gas outdoor infrared heaters offer a middle-ground cost of about $0.64/hour for 40,000 BTU, at $1.44/therm. They require a permanent gas line connection but eliminate propane tank refills, making them the best long-term option for fixed patio installations with existing gas access. Use our infrared heater wattage guide to size your outdoor unit correctly.

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