How Much Does It Cost to Run a 1500W Infrared Heater? (Real Examples & Calculations)

A 1500W infrared heater costs between $0.18 and $0.24 per hour to run in the U.S., depending on your electricity rate. That equals roughly $1.80–$2.40 per day (if used 10 hours), about $55–$72 per month, or $650–$870 per year.

How a 1500W Infrared Heater Consumes Electricity

A 1500-watt infrared heater uses 1.5 kilowatts (kW) of electricity every hour it runs. The formula is simple:

Watts ÷ 1000 = Kilowatts (kW)
1,500W ÷ 1000 = 1.5 kW

Electricity companies bill in kilowatt-hours (kWh). So, if the average U.S. electricity rate is $0.16 per kWh, running a 1500W heater for one hour uses 1.5 kWh × $0.16 = $0.24/hour.

Real-World Cost Calculations

Let’s break down the numbers using average U.S. residential rates of $0.16/kWh:

• Per Hour: 1.5 kWh × $0.16 = $0.24
  
  

• Per Day (8 hours): $0.24 × 8 = $1.92
  
  

• Per Month (30 days, 8 hours daily): $1.92 × 30 = $57.60
  
  

• Per Year: $57.60 × 12 = $691.20
  

Estimated Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Costs

This table shows how electricity rate differences significantly impact total costs.

Variables That Affect Energy Use

Several factors influence how much you’ll actually pay:

• Room Size: Larger rooms need longer heating times.
  
  

• Insulation Quality: Poorly insulated rooms lose heat quickly, requiring more energy.
  
  

• Usage Time: The longer the heater runs, the higher the bill.
  
  

• Thermostat Settings: Lowering the thermostat by a few degrees saves costs.
  
  

• Outside Temperature: In colder climates, heaters work harder and longer.
  
  

• Supplemental Heating: Using infrared heaters as zone heating instead of whole-house heating reduces bills.
  

1500W Infrared Heater vs. Other Heating Devices

When compared to other common heating methods:

• 1500W Space Heater (Ceramic, Oil-filled, Infrared) → $0.18–$0.24/hour
  
  

• Central Heating (Gas or Electric Furnace) → $1.50–$3.00/hour (but heats entire house)
  
  

• Electric Blanket (200W) → About $0.03/hour
  
  

• Heat Pump → More efficient, ~$0.10–$0.15/hour for equivalent heat
  
  

This shows that while infrared heaters aren’t the cheapest, they provide targeted warmth, making them cost-effective for zone heating.

Is Running a 1500W Infrared Heater Cost-Effective?

A 1500W infrared heater is cost-effective when used for zone heating, instead of heating an entire home. For families who only need to warm up a living room or bedroom, it can significantly cut energy costs compared to running central heating nonstop.

If you want to combine comfort and style, consider heater options integrated into furniture such as entertainment centers. Brands like RealCozy offer fireplace TV stands with built-in infrared heaters, delivering both warmth and elegant design for modern living spaces.

This example gives you the math for one heater size, but for a complete overview of costs, electricity use, and efficiency, see our full guide on whether infrared heaters are expensive to run.

FAQ

1. How much does a 1500W infrared heater cost per hour?
Between $0.18 and $0.24 per hour, depending on your local electricity rate.

2. Can I run a 1500W heater all night?
Yes, but expect costs of $1.80–$2.40 per night if used for 8–10 hours.

3. Is infrared heating cheaper than central heating?
Yes, for small spaces or single-room heating, infrared is cheaper than running central heating.

4. Do infrared heaters use less electricity than ceramic heaters?
No, both 1500W infrared and ceramic heaters consume the same power; efficiency depends on usage.

5. What’s the yearly cost of a 1500W heater?
About $650–$870 per year, assuming 8 hours of daily use.