Is it cheaper to run space heaters or central heat?
Is it cheaper to run space heaters or central heat?
$50 – $80 average monthly cost to run a space heater
$30 – $200 average monthly cost to run central heat
Space heater vs. central heat
When comparing space heaters versus central heat, space heaters cost $50 to $80 per month to run, while central heating costs $30 to $200 per month depending on the heater type and usage. Running a space heater is cheaper for a small space. Central heat is typically more cost-effective for whole-home heating.
| Timeframe | Portable space heater | Central heating |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | $0.20 – $0.30 | $0.13 – $0.83 |
| Per day (8 hours) | $1.60 – $2.50 | $1.00 – $6.60 |
| Per month | $50 – $80 | $30 – $200 |
| Per year (4- to 6-month season) | $200 – $480 | $120 – $1,200 |
Space heater vs. central heat cost comparison
Space heaters provide direct, supplemental heat to a single space and cost $200 to $480 per year to run. Other direct heating systems include pellet stoves with running costs averaging $500 to $1,300 per year and wood stoves with annual running costs ranging from as low as $0 to as high as $3,000+.
In comparison, central heating systems heat the entire home and cost $120 to $1,200 per year to run, depending on the system type and heat source. If your home is fitted with a furnace, heat pump, or boiler, it has central heating.
| Heat source | Heat type | Monthly running cost* | Seasonal running cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable heater | Direct | $50 – $80 | $200 – $480 |
| Wood stove | Direct | $0 – $500 | $0 – $3,000+ |
| Pellet stove | Direct | $130 – $220 | $500 – $1,300 |
| Natural gas furnace | Central | $30 – $60 | $120 – $360 |
| Heat pump | Central | $40 – $160 | $160 – $960 |
| Mini-split heat pump | Central | $30 – $150 | $120 – $900 |
| Oil furnace | Central | $80 – $145 | $320 – $870 |
| Propane furnace | Central | $90 – $200 | $360 – $1,200 |
| Electric furnace | Central | $130 – $180 | $520 – $1,100 |
| Radiant floors | Central | $65 – $250 | $140 – $1,500 |
| Baseboard heater | Central | $480 – $900 | $1,900 – $5,400 |
*Cost for 8 hrs. per day of usage.
Portable space heater
A portable space heater costs $50 and $80 per month to run. You can easily move them around the house, providing localized warmth where you need it most. However, electric space heaters have some safety risks, being responsible for over 40% of home heating fires.
There are several types of space heaters available, including:
Convection heaters: These use a heating element to warm air, ideal for larger rooms. Some models include fans for faster air circulation.
Radiant heaters: Good for spot heating, these heaters use radiant heat to warm objects in the room directly and don't heat the air itself. Infrared heaters are a type of radiant heater.
Ceramic heaters: These inexpensive heaters use a ceramic element to generate heat quickly.
Fan-forced heaters: These heaters use a fan to circulate warm air throughout the room. They can heat a room quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, but they can be noisy.
Wood stove
A wood stove costs $0 to $500 per month to run, depending on wood availability and prices in your area. Wood-burning stoves provide efficient and eco-friendly heating in off-grid or remote areas. This heating method is best suited for individuals with access to firewood and those looking for reliable heating during power outages.
Pellet stove
A pellet stove costs $130 to $220 per month for pellet bags and electricity. These stoves burn compressed wood pellets, providing consistent heat with minimal maintenance requirements. While pellet stoves are more energy-efficient than wood-burning stoves, they rely on electricity for operation, making them vulnerable during power outages.
Natural gas furnace
Though not available everywhere, a natural gas furnace can be both cost-effective and eco-friendly. The running cost for a natural gas furnace ranges from $30 to $60 monthly. They efficiently convert fuel into heat, making them 30% to 85% cheaper than alternatives like oil or electric furnaces.
Heat pump
A heat pump costs around $40 to $160 per month to run. Functioning in both heating and cooling modes, heat pumps are an affordable heating option in regions lacking natural gas.
A heat pump is 2 to 3 times more energy efficient than an electric furnace or baseboard heater, saving 30% to 70% on energy costs. However, they are less efficient in extremely cold climates and dependent on electricity. Heat pumps are most popular in moderate climates with milder winters.
Mini-split heat pump
Heating with a ductless mini-split heat pump costs $30 to $150 per month, depending on the climate and usage. These systems work by transferring heat from the outside air into your home without the need for ductwork. Mini-split heat pumps offer significant energy savings compared to traditional heating methods.
Mini splits provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile for year-round comfort. Their compact size and zoning capabilities allow for personalized temperature control in different areas of the house, improving overall energy efficiency.
Oil furnace
The cost to run an oil furnace ranges from $80 to $145 per month, depending on factors like fuel prices and the efficiency of the furnace. While oil furnaces can be effective at heating a home, they require regular maintenance and monitoring of oil levels.
Oil furnaces were far more common in the past but remain a popular choice for homeowners without access to natural gas due to their consistent and powerful heating output.
Propane furnace
A propane furnace costs $90 to $200 per month to run, depending on fuel prices and efficiency. Heating with a propane furnace involves burning liquid propane to produce heat distributed through ductwork in homes. Propane furnaces are efficient, easy to maintain, and can achieve high AFUE ratings of up to 98%.
Propane heaters do not require a natural gas connection and can be converted using conversion kits. Additionally, you can pair them with wall heaters for targeted heating, providing flexibility and comfort in different areas of the house.
Electric furnace
Operating an electric furnace costs from $130 to $180 per month, depending on electricity rates and usage. Electric furnaces use electricity to generate heat, and then distribute that heat throughout the home via ductwork. They are easy to install and require minimal maintenance compared to other heating systems.
Electric furnaces are efficient in converting electricity into heat and can be a cost-effective option for smaller spaces or regions with lower electricity prices. Additionally, electric furnaces do not produce combustion byproducts, making them a cleaner heating option for indoor air quality.
Radiant floor heating
Radiant floor heating costs $65 to $250 per month in operating costs, depending on the system size and energy prices. Heating with a radiant floor heating system involves installing heating elements beneath the floor to warm the space. This method provides consistent heat distribution and saves space compared to baseboard heaters.
Radiant floor heating systems operate silently and eliminate the need for ductwork, reducing energy losses. These systems are known for their energy efficiency and ability to heat rooms evenly from the ground up, creating a cozy environment while maximizing comfort and energy savings.
Baseboard heating
Electric baseboard heaters cost between $480 and $900 per month to run. They work by using coils to make heat along the bottom of a room. These heaters warm up specific areas, making it easy to control the temperature in each room.
Baseboard heating systems are relatively easy to install and operate quietly, offering a simple and effective heating solution. While they may not be as energy efficient as some other heating options, baseboard heaters are known for their reliability and ability to provide consistent warmth in specific areas of the home.
Heating cost FAQs
What is the cheapest way to heat a home?
The cheapest way to heat a home is often with a natural gas furnace. If your area doesn’t have natural gas, the next cheapest way to heat the entire home is likely an electric heat pump. However, a space heater can be cheaper if you only need to heat the room you are in.
What are the benefits of using a space heater?
Space heaters offer targeted, efficient heating, allowing you to reduce overall energy consumption. These portable heaters do not need installation. You simply move them to where you need heat and plug them in to quickly warm the space.
What are the benefits of using central heat?
Central heat offers consistent whole-house heating and the convenience of automated control through a thermostat. These systems have filters to improve indoor air quality by capturing dust and allergens and offer better comfort in extremely cold climates.
Should I adjust the thermostat or use a space heater?
The decision to adjust the thermostat or use a space heater depends on your home size, specific heating needs, and your energy-efficiency goals. If you want consistent warmth throughout the entire house, adjusting the thermostat is most effective. If you only need warmth in a specific area, a space heater can potentially save energy.
Is it cheaper to heat with propane or natural gas?
Typically, heating with natural gas is cheaper than using propane in many regions. To determine the more cost-effective option for your situation, you should compare the current local prices of both fuels and factor in the efficiency of your appliances.
Questions to ask an HVAC contractor
If you are considering HVAC upgrades to save on monthly heating costs, check with an HVAC installer near you to get estimates and discuss the most cost-effective heating options. Ask your HVAC installer the following questions:
What size furnace or heat pump would be ideal for my home to ensure maximum energy savings?
Can you tell me about the energy efficiency ratings (like SEER or HSPF) of the systems you recommend?
What is the estimated cost for an upgraded heating system, and what services do you include in that price?
Are there any government rebates, tax credits, or other incentives available for installing a more energy-efficient system?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.