Do Space Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity? Energy-Saving Tips for 2026

Throughout the colder months, many homeowners must contend with the issue of staying warm while not receiving an outrageous electric bill. If you’re wondering whether your space heater is increasing your electric bill, I can assure you that you’re not alone on this.

In the simplest sense, space heaters can be a large consumer of electricity, but through good usage habits, you can reduce their impact on your electric bill.

An increase of your electric bill of $36.00 each month due to the use of an electric space heater rated at 1,500 watts operated 8 hours a day with an average cost of $0.10 per kilowatt hour is equivalent to 14.4 million BTUs of heat produced per month in the form of supplemental heating by an electric space heater (one BTU = 3,600 joules).

Therefore it is important to learn how to utilize it efficiently so that you can reap the benefits of this type of heat source without financial worries. I will provide some practical ways to maximize the efficiency of your electric space heater while minimizing energy usage in this article.

How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Really Use?

Space heaters require a significant amount of electricity, making them one of the largest consumers of energy in most homes. The main factor determining how much electricity a space heater uses is its wattage rating, typically between 750 watts and 1,500 watts for residential models.

To illustrate how this translates into energy usage: A 1,500-watt space heater that is used for one hour will use 1.5 kilowatts (kWh) of electricity, so if you operate your space heater for eight hours every day at $0.10/kWh, your daily cost would be $1.20, which translates to almost $36 per month.

There are several variables that determine the amount of electricity consumed by a space heater, including the following:

• Setting the thermostat to higher settings will require additional electricity.
• How well-insulated your room is or how large the room is will determine how efficiently it will hold in heat.
• The length of time your heater has been operating will determine how much electricity it consumes.
• Some heater technologies are more efficient than others.

Overall, space heaters can be more cost-effective than using your central heating system when you only have to heat one room rather than heating up your entire house. Therefore, using a space heater while lowering your central thermostat is an effective way to save energy.

Choosing an Energy-Efficient Space Heater

To increase your heating efficiency, you must select the right heater. When shopping for an energy-efficient space heater, look for the following important features.

Understanding Heating Technologies

Heater technologies vary in terms of their efficiency level.

• Infrared heaters: Infrared heaters provide instantaneous warmth directly to people and objects. They are particularly effective for use in drafty rooms or high-ceilinged areas.
• Ceramic heaters: Ceramic heaters use ceramic plates, supported by aluminum baffles, to produce heat quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they typically employ fans to enhance airflow around the area being heated.
• Oil-filled radiators: Oil-filled radiators provide a more constant and even heat than other types of heating elements, but they take a longer time to reach their optimum temperature and heat up.
• Convection heaters: Convection heaters are the best option for individuals seeking continuous warmth in a confined space; they heat up the air in the surrounding environment.

Key Efficiency Features to Look For

The following is the suggested list of electric space heater features that encourage efficient operation when compared to other heater types:

• Energy Star certification: Energy Star certified heaters are typically 30% more efficient than conventional models.
• Programmable thermostat: Programmable thermostats allow you to choose your exact temperature setting.
• Timer functions: The timer function automatically turns off the heater after a selected duration of time.
• Eco or energy-saving modes: The eco/energy-savingoption decreases heat output as room temperature rises due to increased use of electric heaters.
• Tip-over and overheat protection: These safety features also prevent the heater from wasting energy.

Selecting an Electric Space Heater with Oscillation and Higher Wattages Suitable for Large Rooms:

If you choose an electric space heater specifically for large spaces, look at either oscillating or higher wattage heaters, generally 1,500 watts or greater.An example of a highly efficient heater for larger spaces would be the Manastin ComfortHeat 1500, which integrates ceramic heater technology and temperature controls with an energy-saving mode to create an extremely efficient device in larger rooms.

Smart Usage Practices for Maximum Efficiency

The way you use your space heater is an important part of how much energy it needlessly uses. You can improve energy efficiency by following these tips:

Strategic Placement Matters

The effectiveness of your heater depends on how you locate the heater:

• Put your heater in the middle of the room so it more evenly distributes heat throughout the room
• Keep a minimum of three feet of space free of anything (furniture, curtains, etc.) around the heater
• Keep the heater away from drafts, windows, and outside doors
• Place the heater on a flat, hard surface, which is safe and provides the best heating efficiency

Optimizing Temperature Settings on the Heater

The temperature setting you select has a significant effect on how much energy the heater uses:

• The best way to maintain comfort and reduce energy use is to set the thermostat, on the heater, between 68°Fand 70°F
• Each degree that you set above 70°Fcan add to your energy costs by 3%to 5%
• Whenever possible, set the temperature lower, since by wearing warm clothes, you can often keep your thermostat lower
• When you do not need heat from the heater, set the heater on a timer.

Supplement with Smart Home Habits

Using good, smart habits can help improve the energy efficiency of your heater:

• Always close the doors to areas you are heating so heat does not escape
• Ceiling fans on a low setting, rotating in reverse (clockwise),will help distribute warm air throughout the room
• Seal any gaps in windows and doors to avoid drafts that would make your heater work harder to maintain temperature
• Close your curtains or blinds before bedtime to provide added insulation for the heater.

Advanced Energy-Saving Strategies

Zone Heating Approach

Zone heating is one of the most effective methods of heating your home because it provides heat only to the areas within your home that you are using and keeps the temperature down in unoccupied areas. When done properly, zone heating can result in 10 – 25% savings in your total heating bill.

How to Create a Zones to Implement Zone Heating:

• Identify the rooms you will frequently use during the heating season
• Reduce the central thermostat by five to ten degrees; just enough to make a noticeable difference
• Only use out-of-season heaters in the rooms you are using
• Ensure doors are closed to un-seasonable areas; this will ensure the heat remains inside

Combine with Central Heating Wisely

Instead of replacing your central heating system, use space heaters in conjunction with your central heating system:

• Utilize a combination of space heaters in your room, while lowering the central thermostat
• Avoid having both systems on full power at the same time.
• During milder cold spells, you may find that heat generated by a space heater can maintain your normal heating temperatures.

Maintenance for Peak Performance

A unit that has been maintained regularly will perform efficiently.

• Cleaning filters on a regular basis to maintain Murphy Sewage System
• Examine cords, plugs, and heating elements regularly for damage
• Vacuum vents on your system on a regular basis; dust and debris will cause the system not to operate at peak performance
• Store properly during non-heating periods sothey do not become damaged.

The Manastin ComfortHeat 1500 features an indicator light that lets you know when to clean your filter; therefore, it is easier to keep your unit at peak efficiency with minimal maintenance.

Calculating and Monitoring Your Energy Usage

Understanding your space heater's energy consumption helps you make informed decisions about its use. Here's a simple formula to calculate energy costs:

Energy Cost = (Wattage × Hours Used Per Day × Electricity Rate) / 1000

For example, a 1,500-watt heater used 5 hours daily at $0.12 per kWh:

(1500 × 5 × 0.12) / 1000 = 0.90 per day, or about 27 monthly.

Consider using an energy monitor to track consumption in real time. This helps identify usage patterns and opportunities for savings.

Special Considerations for Large Rooms

When selecting a space heater for large areas, you must consider the following:

• Higher wattage: The heaters that will work well in larger rooms typically require a wattage rating greater than the average home wall receptacle can supply. Therefore, select a heater that has a wattage rating between 1000 and 1500 watts.
• Oscillation feature: The oscillating feature allows the heater to move back and forth, which will help to ensure even heating throughout the space.
• Infrared technology: The infrared heating technology is particularly suited for heating larger areas because of its ability to direct heat toward objects instead of heating air.
• Proper sizing: For every square foot of room area, you will need approximately ten watts of heating capacity.

In addition, the Manastin ProHeat Large Room with 120-degree oscillation and dual-heat technology will provide efficient and uniform heat in an open floor plan or high-ceiling room without experiencing hot or cold spots.

Conclusion: Balancing Comfort and Efficiency

Using space heaters wisely can help you save money on energy bills, despite their higher electricity usage. To maximize your savings, choose an energy-efficient space heater that will heat the space that you occupy. Use zone heating to keep only the rooms you are using warm, and properly maintain your space heater.

Using space heaters in conjunction with a lower central heating temperature will usually produce the best results. You can stay warm and comfortable all winter long while minimizing your energy costs by following these strategies.

By purchasing a high-quality, energy-efficient space heater from Manastin, you can save money over time on electricity by reducing the amount of electricity you are consuming. Be smart about how you heat this winter.