How much does a space heater cost to run?

Convert the label into energy

Divide watts by 1,000 to get kilowatts. Multiply by hours used to get kilowatt-hours (kWh), the unit utilities bill for.

A transparent monthly example

At an illustrative $0.16 per kWh, 1.5 kW used for eight hours a day for 30 days is 360 kWh, or $57.60. Your rate, schedule, and calendar month may be different.

The thermostat may cycle off

A heater that reaches its set point may not draw full power every minute. Measure a representative period or model a duty cycle instead of treating the nameplate as a promise.

Safety: keep heaters clear of combustibles, plug them directly into a suitable wall outlet, and follow the manufacturer instructions. The estimate does not make an unsafe setup safe.