Space Heater vs Central Heat Calculator
Calculate which heating method costs less for your situation—portable space heaters or central heating with gas, propane, or oil.
Space Heater Details
Central Heating Details
Zone Heating Context
Room you're heating with space heater
Zone Heating
Space heaters can save money when heating only occupied rooms. They're 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat, but electricity often costs more than gas per BTU.
- • 1500W heater: ~5,100 BTU/hour
- • Best for: small rooms, occasional use
- • Central heat wins for whole-home heating
How to Use
- Enter your space heater details and electricity rate
- Enter your furnace efficiency and fuel costs
- Click Calculate to compare monthly costs
FAQ
When are space heaters more cost-effective?
Space heaters can save money when you're heating only one room for a few hours, your electricity is cheap, or your fuel prices are very high. They rarely beat central heat for whole-home heating.
Are space heaters safe?
Modern space heaters with tip-over protection and overheat shutoff are safe when used properly. Keep them away from flammables, never leave unattended, and don't use extension cords.
What size heater do I need?
As a rule of thumb, you need about 10 watts per square foot. A 1500W heater can comfortably heat a 150 sq ft room. For larger spaces, you may need multiple heaters.