Typical electricity cost

How much does a Patio Heater cost to run?

Based on typical usage

A Patio Heater typically uses about 1,500 watts, costing around $0.22 per hour at $0.15 per kWh.

At typical use (3 hours per day), that's about $20.25 per month and $81.00 for a typical 4-month outdoor heating season.

Per hour $0.22
Daily $0.68
Monthly $20.25
Outdoor heating season $81.00

Based on

  • 1,500 watts
  • 3 hours per day
  • $0.15 per kWh
  • 4-month outdoor heating season

What affects cost most

  • Average hours used per day
  • Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
  • How many active days or months the device runs each season
  • Pump size, maintenance, and season length

How it works: Daily cost uses wattage, hours per day, and electricity rate. Monthly uses daily × 30; outdoor heating season uses monthly × 4.

Use the calculator below to estimate cost based on your own wattage, usage time, and electricity rate.

Calculator

1. Device

2. Usage

Quick presets

3. Rate

Enter your values and click Calculate Cost.

How Much Electricity Does a Patio Heater Use?

These example monthly costs show how scheduled runtime changes the bill over the active season.

Example monthly costs

  • Light Use 1.8 hours per day
    $12.15/month
  • Typical Use 3 hours per day
    $20.25/month
  • Heavy Use 4.2 hours per day
    $28.35/month

Get a better estimate and keep costs down

Defaults are a starting point. Real cost changes most when runtime, wattage, and your electricity rate differ from the benchmark assumptions.

What changes cost most

  • Average hours used per day
  • Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
  • How many active days or months the device runs each season
  • Pump size, maintenance, and season length

How to get a better estimate and lower cost

  • Replace the default electricity rate with the actual rate from your latest power bill.
  • Adjust daily runtime to match how long you actually use the equipment.
  • Use targeted heating zones instead of heating large open areas.
  • Reduce runtime with timers or occupancy controls.
  • Pair with wind blocks to improve heating effectiveness.
  • Lower heat level during milder conditions.

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