Is an electric patio heater expensive to run?

Point it at the seating, not the sky: outdoor resistance heat only pays off as direct radiant warmth. At typical use it adds about $22.56 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $15.75 in the cheapest states to $58.66 in the most expensive.

How many watts does an electric patio heater use?

Electric Patio Heater typically draws about 1,500 running watts. It's a resistive load, so its startup and running wattage are the same. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does an electric patio heater use?

At typical use (1,500 W for 3 hours a day), an electric patio heater uses about 4.5 kWh per day — roughly 137 kWh per month, or about 16% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running an electric patio heater?

Point it at the seating, not the sky: outdoor resistance heat only pays off as direct radiant warmth. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Patio Heater?

An infrared patio heater warms people directly at 1,500 watts — an evening outside costs well under a dollar per heater. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running an electric patio heater costs about $22.56/month ($270.68/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 3

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run an electric patio heater

$271/yr

Per day: $0.74
Per month: $22.56
Energy per year: 1,643 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does an electric patio heater use?

At 1,500 W for 3 hours a day, an electric patio heater uses about 4.5 kWh per day — roughly 137 kWh per month and 1,643 kWh per year. That's about 16% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps an electric patio heater draws.

Cost to run an electric patio heater by electricity rate

Same 1,500 W appliance, 3 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$15.75	$189.05
US average	16.5¢	$22.56	$270.68
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$58.66	$703.98

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, an electric patio heater drawing 1,500 watts for about 3 hours a day costs roughly $0.74 per day, $22.56 per month, and $270.68 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Patio Heater?

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Cost to run an electric patio heater by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions