Heater Running Cost Calculator
Calculate the cost of running an electric heater, panel heater or reverse-cycle system through a cold Australian winter.
Your results
Calculation breakdown
- Energy
- kWh = (watts / 1000) × hours used
- Season cost
- Season cost = daily cost × days used
Worked example
A 2,000 W panel heater run 4 hours a day for 120 winter days at 32c/kWh costs about $2.56 a day, around $307 for the season.
Assumptions
- Excludes daily supply charge and GST.
- Assumes the heater runs at rated power for the whole period entered.
- Gas heating is not covered by this calculator.
How this calculator works
This calculator multiplies your heater's wattage by hours used and your electricity tariff to estimate cost per use, per day and per winter season. Compare different heater types or wattage settings to find the cheapest way to stay warm.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas heaters covered?
No, this tool is for electric heaters; use the Gas Bill calculator with your appliance's megajoule rating for gas heating.
How many hours should I estimate?
A typical household heater might run 4–6 hours on a cold evening; adjust based on your own usage pattern.
Is a bigger heater always more expensive?
Not necessarily, a larger heater may warm a room faster and be switched off sooner, so total energy use can be similar.
Actual prices, usage, efficiency and savings vary by provider, equipment, location and behaviour.