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Using an electric space heater can be an effective way to keep warm, but it is not without its hazards and costs.
Some ways to help keep the heat inside and to save energy are:
- Install insulated shades or drapes to reduce heat loss. Heat loss occurs through windows and patio doors.
- Open those insulated curtains, drapes and blinds on sunny days to let the heat come inside.
- Block gaps around doors and windows with caulking and weatherstripping.
- Use an electric blanket rather than a space heater: it is more cost effective.
- At night, turn off the heat or turn it down to 55°.
- Heat only occupied rooms.
- While you're away, if you have a programmable thermostat, you can keep the heat off, and set the heat to
come on just as you return.
Electric space heaters must be used safely. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that nationwide more than
25,000 fires and 300 deaths are caused by the improper use of electric heaters every year. Portable electric heaters that heat by
circulating oil or water are the safest because of their lower surface temperature. Please follow these safety precautions:
- Keep children and pets away from heaters
- Choose a heater that turns off or sounds an alarm if it is tipped over
- Place heaters at least three feet away from furniture and drapes, and always keep them away from water
- Do not put objects on top of a heater or close to the heating coil
- Do not overload electric circuits – electric heaters compose a large load on a circuit
- Do not leave portable space heaters on when you are not going to be home or when you are sleeping
- Do not use an extension cord with an electric heater
- Be certain that your heater is placed on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface, not on rugs or carpets
- Don't place portable heating units in high-traffic areas, such as hallways or on staircases
Monthly Cost to Use an Electric Space Heater*
| Heater Output |
Hours/Day Heater Is On |
| 2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
|---|
| 1000 watts |
$6.39 |
$12.78 | $19.17 |
$25.56 | $31.95 |
$38.34 | $44.73 |
$51.12 |
| 1500 watts |
$9.58 | $19.17 |
$28.75 | $38.34 |
$47.92 | $57.51 |
$67.09 | $76.68 |
| 2000 watts |
$12.78 | $25.56 |
$38.34 | $51.12 |
$63.90 | $76.68 |
$89.46 | $102.24 |
| 2500 watts |
$15.97 | $31.95 |
$47.92 | $63.90 |
$79.87 | $95.85 |
$111.82 | $127.80 |
| 3000 watts |
$19.17 | $38.34 |
$57.51 | $76.68 |
$95.85 | $115.02 |
$134.18 | $153.35 |
| 4800 watts |
$30.67 | $61.34 |
$92.01 | $122.68 |
$153.35 | $184.03 |
$214.70 | $245.37 |
Note: A typical 6-foot baseboard heater uses 1,500 watts.
* Based on average residential rate of $0.13312/kWh.
For more information regarding electric heat or any other energy-efficiency programs,
please call us at 510-748-3947, or browse this site.
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