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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Baseboard Heater in the US? (2026)
Electric baseboard heaters are sized to the room, typically 500 to 2,500 watts, and are pure resistance heating. Every watt becomes heat, but electricity is an expensive way to make heat compared with a heat pump.
A typical baseboard heater (1,500 W) costs $0.27 per hour, or about $48.60 per month at 6 hours a day in United States (average). Expensive to run
| Wattage | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (500 W) | $0.090 | $0.54 | $16.20 | $197.10 |
| Typical (1,500 W) | $0.27 | $1.62 | $48.60 | $591.30 |
| High (2,500 W) | $0.45 | $2.70 | $81.00 | $985.50 |
Formula: watts ÷ 1000 × hours × price per kWh. Typical use is 6 h/day ≈ 3,285 kWh per year.
In the US, with electricity at $0.18 per kWh (source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, 2026-06), a typical baseboard heater costs $0.27 per hour and about $591.30 per year at 6 hours a day. Each $1.00 of electricity buys roughly 3.7 hours of use.
How to lower the cost of running a baseboard heater
- Fit a programmable thermostat per room and heat only occupied rooms.
- Keep furniture and curtains at least 15 cm clear so heat can circulate.
- Seal drafts around windows in rooms with baseboards. They cannot overcome a leaky room.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 1,500 watt baseboard heater cost per month?
At 6 hours a day it uses 270 kWh a month. Pick your region above for the cost.
Do baseboard heaters use electricity when the thermostat is satisfied?
No. They draw nothing between heating cycles.
Are hydronic baseboard heaters cheaper?
Not per unit of heat. They hold warmth longer after switching off, which feels more even, but the electricity used is the same.
Cost by region
- United States (average)
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Canada (average)
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Australia
- India