Calculator guides / Home energy
How much does a 1500-watt heater cost to run?
At an electricity rate of $0.20 per kWh, a heater drawing 1,500 watts costs $0.30 per hour. Running at that draw for eight hours a day costs $2.40 per day, or $72 over 30 days. Your own rate and actual running time may give a different result.
The calculation in three steps
- Convert watts to kilowatts: 1,500 ÷ 1,000 = 1.5 kW.
- Multiply by running time: 1.5 × 8 hours = 12 kWh per day.
- Multiply by the price per kWh: 12 × $0.20 = $2.40 per day.
For a month, multiply the daily cost by the number of days used. The general formula is watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × price per kWh. The U.S. Department of Energy’s energy education material explains the watt-hours to kWh relationship.
Example costs at different electricity prices
These are example prices, not current local tariffs. Each row assumes a constant 1,500-watt draw, eight hours per day and 30 days.
| Price per kWh | One hour | Eight hours | 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10 | $0.15 | $1.20 | $36.00 |
| $0.15 | $0.225 | $1.80 | $54.00 |
| $0.20 | $0.30 | $2.40 | $72.00 |
| $0.30 | $0.45 | $3.60 | $108.00 |
The $0.225 hourly value is 22.5 cents; keep that precision while multiplying, then round the final money amount.
Use the free calculator with your bill
- Open the Electricity Bill Calculator.
- Enter 1500 watts and your expected hours per day.
- Enter the rate from your bill in dollars per kWh: 20 cents means 0.20, not 20.
- Choose the number of days, then calculate. Add other appliances separately if you want a combined estimate.
What can change the actual bill?
A thermostat may turn the heating element off for part of the time. Eight hours with the heater switched on is not necessarily eight hours drawing its full rating. If it draws 1,500 watts for only half of that period, the example energy use falls from 12 to 6 kWh per day. Use measured energy consumption or actual active running time when available.
Fixed service charges, taxes, time-of-use prices and tiered rates can also affect the bill. Keep all amounts in the same currency: this calculation works with a dollar rate in USD or CAD without converting between them. This guide estimates running cost; it is not advice about appliance installation or electrical safety.
Does a 750-watt setting cost half as much?
For the same active running time and price per kWh, yes: 750 watts uses half the energy of 1,500 watts. It may need to run for a different amount of time, so compare both power and duration.
Next: compare your own wattage, hours and electricity price.