On a cold Alberta morning, a space heater can feel like a small miracle. Plug it in, wait a minute, and suddenly your toes have feeling again. They warm the room quickly. What that means for your energy bill is a little less obvious.
Let’s walk through how space heaters work, what they cost to run, and whether they help manage heating costs or push them higher.
What is a space heater?
A space heater is a portable heating device meant to warm a single room or small area, not your entire home.
Most space heaters used in Alberta homes are electric. They convert electricity directly into heat and release it into the room. There are fuel-burning options (like propane or kerosene), but those come with serious safety considerations and are not designed for everyday indoor use.
Common types of space heaters you’ll see:
- Ceramic heaters – quick heat, compact size
- Oil-filled radiators – slower, steady warmth and quiet operation
- Infrared heaters – heat people and objects directly
- Fan-forced heaters – fast heat with airflow and some noise
The key thing to remember is that space heaters are meant to supplement your main heating system, not replace it.
How much electricity does a space heater use?
Most electric space heaters use 1,200 to 1,500 watts when running at full power. That sounds manageable, until you look at how long they’re often used during winter.
Here’s a rough idea of what that means in real life:
- 1,500 watts = 1.5 kWh per hour
- At Alberta’s average regulated electricity rate of $0.125/kWh, that’s about $0.18 per hour, roughly $1.80 for 10 hours, and $54 per month if used daily
Those numbers add up faster at higher rates. Choosing a competitive electricity plan can make a noticeable difference when space heaters run more often in winter.
Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?
Space heaters don’t waste electricity, but they use a lot of it in a short amount of time. That’s the trade-off for fast, localized heat.
They make sense when:
- You’re heating one room you’re actively using
- You lower your main thermostat slightly
- You use the heater only when you’re in the room
They get expensive when:
- They run all day
- You rely on them instead of your furnace
- You’re using more than one at a time
Think of a space heater as a targeted comfort tool, not a whole-home solution.
Space heater vs central heating
Even though furnaces are bigger systems, central heating is often more efficient overall, especially if your home has a high-efficiency furnace.
That’s because:
- Furnaces distribute heat evenly
- Modern systems are designed to minimize wasted energy
- One space heater concentrates a lot of electrical demand in one spot
Using a space heater to warm a chilly bedroom or home office can be practical. Using several to replace your main heating system usually costs more in the long run.
Safety matters more than comfort
Space heaters are a common cause of winter-related house fires, usually due to improper use. A few simple habits make a big difference:
- Keep heaters at least 3 feet from furniture, curtains, and bedding
- Plug directly into a wall outlet instead of extension cords or power bars
- Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep
- Choose models with tip-over shutoff, overheat protection, and cool-touch surfaces
When a space heater isn’t the real solution
Space heaters can be helpful in the short term, especially for warming a single room you’re using. They provide quick comfort, but their electricity use adds up when they’re run often or for long periods.
With ATCO Energy, Albertan homeowners can focus on fixes that improve comfort at the source. That can include sealing or upgrading drafty windows or doors, addressing airflow issues, or installing a furnace that’s properly sized for your space. Regular furnace tune-ups also help ensure heat is delivered evenly and efficiently.
Space heater FAQs for Alberta homeowners
What is a space heater used for?
A space heater provides supplemental heat for a single room or small area. It’s designed to support your main heating system, not replace it.
Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?
Yes. Most use 1,200–1,500 watts, which can noticeably increase electricity costs if used often or for long periods.
How much does it cost to run a space heater?
Roughly $0.18 per hour, depending on your electricity rate and heater size. Daily use can cost you about $54 per month.
Do space heaters emit carbon monoxide?
Electric space heaters do not. Fuel-burning heaters can emit carbon monoxide and should not be used indoors without proper ventilation.
Are space heaters more efficient than furnaces?
For heating one small space, they can be. For heating an entire home, central heating systems are usually more efficient.
Is it safe to leave a space heater on overnight?
It’s not recommended. Even with safety features, heaters should be turned off when unattended or while sleeping.
