Are Patio Heaters Consumers of Electricity? Cost Breakdown
Patio heaters are now an essential outdoor accessory, which provides warmth on a cool evening. However, nowadays, a lot of homeowners are asking the question: do patio heaters consume a lot of electricity and how much do they actually cost to operate? Knowing how much energy they use will assist you in deciding which one is cost effective to your lifestyle.
The way Electric Patio Heaters operate.
Radiant heat technology is used in electric patio heaters. As opposed to warming air, they also produce infrared radiation which directly heats people and objects. This makes them efficient in spot heating, although the cost is determined by the wattage, electricity charges and time spent.
Mean Patio Heater Wattage.
The majority of electric patio heaters are 1,200 to 3,000 watts. Smaller tabletop heaters generally use less power, whereas freestanding or wall-mounted heaters normally use more. The greater the wattage, the greater the amount of heat it produces, however running costs are also raised.
Computing Electricity Consumption
The equation to determine the amount of electricity consumed is simple:
Watts (W)/1000x Hours Used= Kilowatt-Hours (kWh)
To illustrate, a three hour heater with 2,000W burns:
2,000 / 1,000 x 3 = 6 kWh.
And assuming your electricity is 0.15 a kWh, then that session would be 0.90.
Typical Cost Per Hour
The average price of patio heater sizes in the US is as shown below:
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1,200W heater: $0.18/hour
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1,500W heater: $0.23/hour
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2,000W heater: $0.30/hour
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3,000W heater: $0.45/hour
Depending on your local utility company, the rates can differ, and thus, you should always know your current per kWh price.
| Heater Wattage | Cost per Hour (USD) | Monthly Running Costs (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200W | $0.18 | $5.40 (1.5 x 2 x 20 = 60 kWh) |
| 1,500W | $0.23 | $9.00 (1.5 x 2 x 20 = 60 kWh) |
| 2,000W | $0.30 | $12.00 (2 x 2 x 20 = 80 kWh) |
| 3,000W | $0.45 | $18.00 (3 x 2 x 20 = 120 kWh) |
Monthly Running Costs
Assuming you have 20 nights in a month using a patio heater 2 hours per night, the approximate cost that you incur per month will be as follows:
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1,500W heater: 1.5 x 2 x 20 = 60 kWh - about $9/month
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2,000W heater: 2 x 2 x 20 = 80 kWh - about $12/month
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3,000W heater: 3 x 2 x 20 = 120 kWh - about $18/month
These statistics indicate that not all patio heaters use huge amounts of power, but how they are used matters.
Patio Heaters Electric vs Gas.
Comparing the sources of energy, the propane and natural gas heaters tend to be more expensive on an hourly basis than the electric ones. Propane heaters can be $1.50 to $3.00 per hour and natural gas is approximately $0.70 to $1.20 per hour. Electric heaters on the contrary can be as low as less than 0.50 per hour.
| Heater Type | Cost per Hour (USD) | Efficiency | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Heaters | < $0.50 | 100% efficient, no emissions | Electricity |
| Propane Heaters | $1.50 to $3.00 | Less efficient, higher emissions | Propane (fossil fuel) |
| Natural Gas Heaters | $0.70 to $1.20 | Less efficient, higher emissions | Natural Gas (fossil fuel) |
Electric Heaters are efficient.
Patio heaters powered by electricity are almost 100 percent efficient in changing electricity into heat. It does not lose fuel or emit any emissions and no venting is needed. But they have a smaller heating range than propane or gas heaters and are therefore more useful in patios, balconies, and small outdoor dining areas.
Impact of Electricity Rates
The prices of electricity are fluctuating. As an example, average rates in the US will be between $0.10 and 0.30 per kWh. There is even a higher rate in some parts of Europe. That is that the same 2,000W heater might be as cheap as $0.20/hour one area and close to $0.60/hour another.
Determinants of Energy Consumption.
Some of these variables influence the amount of electricity your patio heater uses:
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Wattage - The higher the wattage, the greater the power consumption.
-
Duration - The more the time of heating, the higher the expenditure.
-
Frequency - Daily use accumulates fast as compared to occasional use.
-
Climate - Colder climates can need more wattage or longer run cycles.
-
Placement - Placing the heaters in semi-enclosed spaces saves on energy wastage.
Key Variables Impacting Energy Consumption
| Variable | Impact on Energy Consumption |
|---|---|
| Wattage | Higher wattage = greater power consumption |
| Duration | Longer heating duration = higher expenditure |
| Frequency | Daily use accumulates faster than occasional use |
| Climate | Colder climates may need more wattage or longer runtime |
| Placement | Semi-enclosed spaces help conserve energy by minimizing heat loss |
Patio Heaters Electric vs Gas.
Comparing the sources of energy, the propane and natural gas heaters tend to be more expensive on an hourly basis than the electric ones. Propane heaters can be $1.50 to $3.00 per hour and natural gas is approximately $0.70 to $1.20 per hour. Electric heaters on the contrary can be as low as less than 0.50 per hour.
Electric Heaters are efficient.
Patio heaters powered by electricity are almost 100 percent efficient in changing electricity into heat. It does not lose fuel or emit any emissions and no venting is needed. But they have a smaller heating range than propane or gas heaters and are therefore more useful in patios, balconies, and small outdoor dining areas.
Impact of Electricity Rates
The prices of electricity are fluctuating. As an example, average rates in the US will be between $0.10 and 0.30 per kWh. There is even a higher rate in some parts of Europe. That is that the same 2,000W heater might be as cheap as $0.20/hour one area and close to $0.60/hour another.
Determinants of Energy consumption.
Some of these variables influence the amount of electricity your patio heater uses:
Wattage - The higher the wattage, the greater the power consumption.
-
Duration - The more the time of heating, the higher the expenditure.
-
Frequency - Daily use accumulates fast as compared to occasional use.
-
Climate - Colder climates can need more wattage or longer run cycles.
-
Placement - Placing the heaters in semi-enclosed spaces saves on energy wastage.
Environmental Impact
As electric patio heaters are grid-dependent, their carbon footprint is based on the energy source in your area. Electric heaters are much more sustainable in places that receive power supplies through renewable energy sources than propane models which directly burn fossil fuels.
Are Patio Heaters Consumers of Electricity?
To recap it all, electric patio heaters may not exactly consume a lot of electricity, but prices may run high based on the amount of watts and the frequency of use. Most households can afford to run a 1,500-2,000W heater a few nights a month. This will be reflected on the bill when it comes to heavy or daily use, particularly when using larger units.
Final Thoughts
The operating cost of a patio heater relies on three major variables, wattage, time of use, and electricity prices. But with the right size selection, control of usage and better outdoor insulation, you may enjoy warm nights without the fear of huge bills.
Patio heaters may be an affordable outdoor living addition provided it is used sensibly. It is possible to strike a balance between comfort and affordability and still manage your energy consumption with the right approach.
