When winter arrives and temperatures drop, many of us rely on electric heaters to stay warm. But along with comfort comes a common question—How much 500, 1000,1200 watts & 2kw heater cost per hour? Whether you’re using a small 500W heater for your bedroom or a powerful 2kW heater for your living room, the electricity bill can vary a lot depending on the heater’s wattage and your local electricity rates.
So, if you’ve been wondering how much your heater is costing you, this guide will break it down for you in simple terms. We’ll go through the cost per hour of running 500W, 1000W, 1200W, and 2000W (2kW) heaters and give you a clear picture of their real-world usage.
500, 1000,1200 Watts & 2KW Heater Cost Per Hour Chart
| Heater Wattage | Power (kW) | Cost per Hour | 5 Hours/Day (Monthly) | 8 Hours/Day (Monthly) | 12 Hours/Day (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500W | 0.5kW | $0.10 | $15 | $24 | $36 |
| 1000W (1kW) | 1.0kW | $0.20 | $30 | $48 | $72 |
| 1200W | 1.2kW | $0.24 | $36 | $57.60 | $86.40 |
| 2000W (2kW) | 2.0kW | $0.40 | $60 | $96 | $144 |
Cost of Running a 500W Heater Per Hour
Now let’s get into real numbers. A 500W heater is one of the smallest types available. It’s often used for small bedrooms, home offices, or personal heating when you don’t want to warm up an entire room.
Calculation Example for 500W Heater
- Power: 500W = 0.5kW
- Electricity cost: $0.20 per kWh
- Formula: 0.5kW × $0.20 = $0.10 per hour
If you run it for different durations:
- 5 hours a day → $0.50/day → $15/month
- 8 hours a day → $0.80/day → $24/month
- 12 hours a day → $1.20/day → $36/month
So, while a 500W heater seems “cheap” to run, the cost can add up if you use it for long hours every day.
Cost of Running a 1000W (1kW) Heater Per Hour
The 1000W heater—often called a 1kW heater—is one of the most common sizes for household use. It strikes a balance between power and efficiency, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
Calculation Example for 1000W Heater
- Power: 1000W = 1kW
- Electricity cost: $0.20 per kWh
- Formula: 1kW × $0.20 = $0.20 per hour
If you run it for different durations:
- 5 hours a day → $1.00/day → $30/month
- 8 hours a day → $1.60/day → $48/month
- 12 hours a day → $2.40/day → $72/month
Clearly, a 1000W heater doubles the running cost of a 500W heater but also provides double the heating power, making it much more practical for everyday use.
Cost of Running a 1200W Heater Per Hour
A 1200W heater isn’t as common as the standard 1kW or 2kW models, but it exists as a middle-ground option. It provides stronger heating than 1kW without jumping to the full 2kW cost.
Calculation Example for 1200W Heater
- Power: 1200W = 1.2kW
- Electricity cost: $0.20 per kWh
- Formula: 1.2kW × $0.20 = $0.24 per hour
If you run it for different durations:
- 5 hours a day → $1.20/day → $36/month
- 8 hours a day → $1.92/day → $57.60/month
- 12 hours a day → $2.88/day → $86.40/month
Cost of Running a 2000W (2kW) Heater Per Hour
The 2000W heater, or 2kW heater, is the powerhouse of household electric heaters. It is capable of heating larger rooms quickly, making it a favorite in living rooms, dining rooms, and offices.
Calculation Example for 2000W Heater
- Power: 2000W = 2kW
- Electricity cost: $0.20 per kWh
- Formula: 2kW × $0.20 = $0.40 per hour
If you run it for different durations:
- 5 hours a day → $2.00/day → $60/month
- 8 hours a day → $3.20/day → $96/month
- 12 hours a day → $4.80/day → $144/month
This makes the 2kW heater the most expensive to run, but it is also the most effective for large spaces.
The Basics of Wattage and Electricity Usage
Before diving into the calculations, let’s clear up some basic terms:
- Watt (W): A unit of power. It tells you how much energy a device uses per second.
- Kilowatt (kW): Equal to 1,000 watts. Electricity providers bill you in kilowatt-hours (kWh), not watts.
- Kilowatt-hour (kWh): This is the amount of energy a 1,000-watt device uses in 1 hour.
Here’s a quick analogy:
- Think of watts as the speed of your car (how fast energy is used).
- Think of kilowatt-hours as the distance traveled (how much energy is used in total).
So, a 500W heater running for 2 hours consumes:
- 0.5 kW × 2 hours = 1 kWh of electricity
If your electricity rate is $0.20 per kWh, that means it costs $0.20 for those 2 hours of heating.
How Electricity Costs Are Calculated
To calculate how much your heater costs per hour, you need two things:
- The heater’s power rating (watts or kilowatts)
Example: 500W = 0.5kW, 1000W = 1kW, etc. - Your electricity tariff (cost per kWh)
This varies by country, region, and provider. For this article, we’ll assume an average of $0.20 per kWh (you can replace this with your actual rate).
Formula for Calculating Running Costs
The formula is simple:
Cost per hour = Power (kW) × Electricity rate ($/kWh)
For example, if you have a 1000W heater and electricity costs $0.20 per kWh:
- 1kW × $0.20 = $0.20 per hour
If you run it for 5 hours a day:
- $0.20 × 5 = $1.00 per day
- Over 30 days: $30.00 per month
Factors That Affect Actual Energy Usage
While the formula gives you a straightforward number, in reality, your heater may not always run at full power continuously. Here are some factors that affect real usage:
- Thermostat Settings: Many heaters turn on and off automatically to maintain a set temperature.
- Room Size & Insulation: A well-insulated room keeps heat longer, so the heater cycles less often.
- Outside Temperature: On colder days, heaters run more frequently.
- Heater Type: Oil-filled radiators, ceramic heaters, and fan heaters all distribute heat differently, which can affect run time.
So, while we’ll calculate based on maximum wattage, your actual costs may be slightly lower depending on these conditions.
Conclusion
So, how much do electric heaters cost per hour? It all comes down to wattage and usage.
- A 500W heater costs about $0.10 per hour.
- A 1000W heater costs about $0.20 per hour.
- A 1200W heater costs about $0.24 per hour.
- A 2000W heater costs about $0.40 per hour.
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FAQs
Is it cheaper to run two small heaters instead of one big heater?
Not usually. Two 1000W heaters use the same amount of electricity as one 2000W heater. In most cases, a single powerful heater is more efficient.
Do oil-filled radiators use less electricity than fan heaters?
They use the same wattage, but oil-filled heaters retain heat longer, meaning they may run less often and save money over time.
How do I know my electricity rate per kWh?
Check your electricity bill—it should list the price per kWh. If not, call your provider for the exact rate.
Should I leave my heater on overnight?
It’s safer and cheaper to use a timer or thermostat. Continuous operation increases both fire risk and energy bills.
Which heater is the cheapest to run overall?
The 500W heater is cheapest per hour, but the most cost-effective heater depends on your room size and insulation. Sometimes a 1kW or 1.2kW heater may actually be better value.
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Hello!! I am Jamal Khan. I often fix my home electric heaters and gas stove problems and research the common issues in the heating units to improve my knowledge and expertise. The aim of establishing fireplaceadviser.com is to share my expertise and knowledge with my audience.
