By reeves As it gets colder, let’s look at the cost of running an electric heater. Also, how can you reduce your carbon footprint and keep your expenses down?
How much does an electric heater cost?
The average US cost of running a 1,500W electric heater costs $0.20 an hour, $6.83 per week (at 5 hours per day), and $29.25 per calendar month (at 5hrs each day for 30 days).
The cost of running an electric heater will vary depending on its type. The table below shows the prices of various electric heaters in the US.
The average UK cost of running a 1,500W standard electric heater is just PS0.26 an hour, PS8.93 per workweek (at 5hrs per night), and PS38.25 for a month (at 5hrs each day for 30 days).
This cost will vary depending on the heater type. Please refer to the table below for an overview of the average UK costs for electric heaters.
Electric Heater Cost Calculation
You will need to:
1. The wattage of your heater (e.g., 1,500W).
2. The price per unit (kWh) of electricity you pay (e.g., $0.14).
You can use this information to perform the following calculation:
Watts / 1000 = kWh (e.g. 1,500 / 1,000 = 1.5kWh)
Cost per hour = kWh x unit price (e.g. 1.5kWh x $0.14 = 21 Cents an hour
As you can see, an electricity plan for 14c per unit, which runs a 1,500W electric heater, will cost 21 cents an hour.
The following tables will help you understand what you can expect to pay if you need to know the unit rate or want to do the calculations.
Electric Heater Operating Costs Per Hour, Week, and Month in The USA
Below is a breakdown of the costs of running different electric heaters for various periods.
According to Statista, the US’s average price per unit of electricity is 13 cents. This rate is used to calculate the cost of running standard electric heaters. It also includes the average power consumption for the heaters and an estimate of how many hours they are being used.
Many factors affect the power consumption of electric heaters. Many heaters have different modes, which can alter their power consumption. To estimate the US heating cost, I have used the average power consumption for each heater.
As you can see, costs add up quickly. Continue reading to learn seven ways to lower the cost of your electric heater.
Let’s first compare the average US cost to the average UK price.
Electric Heater Prices To Run In The UK Per Hour, Week, and Month
The UK’s average electricity price is much higher than that of the US. The average price for one unit of electricity in the UK costs 17p (approx. 33 cents). Below is a breakdown of each electric heater’s average cost for the same time period.
Electricity consumers in the UK pay a lot more than those in the US.
Let’s compare the costs in USD and UK to get an accurate idea.
Electric Heater Prices by Country
Let’s look at the cost of running an electric heater in 24 countries using the average price per unit of electricity (again, Statista).
To give you an idea of the cost comparison, prices are shown in USD. The table is arranged from most expensive to lowest priced.
The US ranks 7th among the 24 countries that can afford an electric heater. The UK is 8th.
China and India cost $0.12 an hour to heat a 1,500W standard electric heater.
Germany is at the top of the list at $0.50 per hour (approx. The top table is Germany at $0.50 (approx.
Although the monthly cost may seem manageable, it is still quite expensive. It is easy to see why winter electricity bills are so chilling.
How to Reduce the Cost of Running an Electric Heater
Electric heaters are known for being extremely energy-intensive. There are ways to counter this. Here are seven ways to lower your electricity bills and reduce the carbon footprint of your electric heater.
How to Reduce the Cost of Running Your Electric Heater
- Use a timer. We’ve all been there. We have all been there. Most electric heaters come with timers that allow you to set the heater’s turn-off automatically. Socket timing is useful for heaters that do not have timers. This Smart Plug can be used to make your heater bright. It even works with Alexa voice control.
- Stop drafts. The Environmental Protection Agency states that insulation and prevention of currents can help people save 15% on their heating and cooling costs. It is common for air leaks to occur around doors and windows. Window draft excluder tape is a quick and simple solution for windows. You can quickly reduce door drafts with fixed stops or handy drop sweeps.
- Make sure you choose the right electric heater. In many cases, heaters that are too powerful or use less electricity can have the same effect on your room temperature. The critical difference is that you will have higher electricity bills and a more significant carbon footprint if you use unsuitable heaters. Different electric heaters can be used in other circumstances, so choose the right heater. Radiant and infrared heaters heat objects and people near them. This is ideal for areas with high air leakage or garages. A standard electric towel rack is sufficient for bathrooms. An electric radiator can provide enough heat for small rooms. Larger rooms that will be used for extended periods may need a more robust space heating unit with solid airflow.
- Take advantage of the night rate. Storage heaters are notoriously energy-guzzlers in the appliance category known for energy-guzzling. Modern storage heaters are more innovative and more efficient than ever. A storage heater might be worth considering if you are willing to pay less during off-peak hours (typically from 9 pm to 7 am) and use electric heaters frequently. Electricity providers often offer significant unit discounts during off-peak hours.
- Switching to an electricity provider is an option. Switching to an electricity provider is a quick way to lower your electricity bills if you are out of contract. A lower unit rate can quickly and easily significantly impact your monthly bills.
- Don’t overheat. You can control the heat output and, thus, the cost of your appliance by being vigilant and monitoring room temperature. If possible, use a thermostat and limit the power output.
- It is essential to use your electric heater less. This is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint and costs. Wear warmer clothes and consider using other heat sources, such as leaving the oven door open after you use it.