A portable electric space heater can warm a small area. When winter’s chill settles in, it can be tempting to use space heaters to keep your home cozy. But running them frequently can increase your electric bills. To run one space heater every day for a month could cost around $80. For example, operating a 1,500-watt heater for 12 hours daily will use 540 kilowatt hours (kWh) in 30 days. At REC’s current residential rate of 15 cents per kWh, that’s $81.
Before adding more heating, look for ways to keep warmth in:
Add a layer of clothing or use a regular blanket for personal warmth.
Seal around windows and doors with appropriate caulk or weather-stripping.
Have attic insulation and ducts in unheated areas checked for opportunities to reduce heat loss.
