Outdoor Heaters make patios, balconies, and alfresco areas comfortable throughout cooler evenings. One of the most common questions people ask before buying or installing one is how much an Outdoor Heater will cost to run.
Outdoor Heaters are relatively easy to cost because their energy use is based on wattage and how long they run. By using a typical Australian electricity rate, you can quickly estimate how much an Outdoor Heater costs to run per hour.
For this example, we will use an electricity price of $0.40 per kWh, which reflects common electricity pricing across many Australian households.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Outdoor Heater?
Electric heaters consume electricity according to their wattage. The calculation is straightforward:
Running cost = (heater wattage ÷ 1000) × electricity rate
Using an electricity rate of $0.40 per kWh, the approximate hourly running costs look like this.
Heater Output Cost Per Hour
1200 W heater $0.48
1800 W heater $0.72
2000 W heater $0.80
2400 W heater $0.96
2500 W heater $1.00
For example, running a 2000W Outdoor Heater for three hours during an evening would cost approximately: $2.40 per night
This makes Outdoor Heaters relatively predictable to run, especially when used only when people are outside.
What Affects the Cost of Running an Electric Outdoor Heater?
Wattage determines the base electricity consumption, but several other factors also influence real-world running costs.
Heater output level
Many Electric Outdoor Heaters allow multiple heat settings. Running the heater on a lower setting reduces energy use and operating cost.
Usage time
Outdoor Heaters are usually used only when people are outside, often for a few hours in the evening instead of all day. Shorter usage times keep overall energy consumption low.
Space exposure
Open areas lose heat quickly, which can make heaters work harder. Enclosed or partially protected spaces retain warmth more effectively.
Heater positioning
Correct positioning ensures the heat reaches people directly rather than being lost into open air.
How to Improve Outdoor Heating Performance and Reduce Running Costs
Outdoor heating works best when the space is designed to retain warmth. Small changes to your outdoor area can improve comfort and reduce the amount of heating your Electric Outdoor Heater needs to provide.
Add wind protection
Screens, blinds, or outdoor walls help reduce heat loss. Even partial wind protection can significantly improve heater performance.
Position heaters over seating areas
Infrared heaters warm people directly. Installing heaters above dining tables or lounge areas ensures the heat is used effectively.
Heat the area you use
Focus heating on the areas where people sit or gather rather than trying to heat the entire patio or backyard.
Use multiple smaller heaters
In larger spaces, two heaters placed correctly often provide better comfort than one large heater.
Use timers or smart controls
Timers and smart controls allow Electric Outdoor Heaters to operate only when needed. This helps reduce unnecessary electricity use.
Are Electric Outdoor Heaters Efficient?
Outdoor Heaters are efficient because nearly all the electricity consumed is converted into heat.
Unlike gas heaters, electric heaters do not lose heat through open flames or combustion exhaust. Infrared Outdoor Heaters also warm people directly, which means comfort can often be achieved without heating large volumes of outdoor air.
This makes electric heaters a practical solution for patios, balconies, and alfresco areas where heating is needed for shorter periods.
Final Thoughts
Electric Outdoor Heaters can be cost-effective to run when used correctly. At an electricity rate of $0.40 per kWh, most Outdoor Heaters cost between about $0.48 and $1.00 per hour depending on wattage.
Outdoor Heaters are typically used for a few hours in the evening, so the overall cost of running them is often modest compared with the comfort they provide.
Careful positioning, wind protection, and choosing the right heater size can improve heating performance while keeping running costs under control.