Cost to Run Guides: What Appliances Really Cost on Your Bill
An appliance's running cost is its watts times hours of use times your electricity rate. A 1,500 W space heater running 8 hours a day at 17 cents per kWh costs about $2 a day.
These guides compare common appliances head to head, and our cost to run calculator does the math for your state's rate.
5 cost to run guides
Cheapest Fans to Run: Watts, Cost per Hour and Why a DC Motor Pays Off
Fans cost well under 3 cents an hour at the US average. DC motors, low settings and air per watt decide which is cheapest. Maker watts, real math.
Top picks: Lasko EcoQuiet 42" DC Tower Fan, Vornado 683DC Energy Smart Medium Pedestal Air Circulator, Levoit Classic 36-Inch Tower Fan
Updated Oct 28, 2026
Cheapest Space Heaters to Run: Why the Thermostat Matters More Than the Brand
Every 1,500 W heater costs about 26 cents an hour at the US average. Thermostats, low-watt settings and heating one room are what cut the bill.
Top picks: Dreo Atom One 1500W Ceramic Heater with Digital Thermostat, De'Longhi Dragon TRD40615T Oil-Filled Radiator Heater, Amazon Basics 500W Ceramic Mini Desk Heater
Updated Oct 13, 2026
Heated Blanket vs Space Heater: Which Costs Less to Run?
A 100 W heated blanket costs under 2 cents an hour. A 1,500 W space heater costs about 26 cents. The math per night and per month, plus blankets by watts.
Top picks: Bedsure Heated Throw Blanket, 50 x 60 in, Bedsure Heated Blanket Queen, Dual Control, 84 x 90 in, Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad Queen, Dual Control, 60 x 80 in
Updated Nov 1, 2026
How Much Does Heated Flooring Cost to Run?
Electric heated floors cost about 38 cents per heated sq ft a month, about $19 for a 50 sq ft bathroom. The math, plus kits with thermostats by size.
Top picks: LuxHeat 40 sq ft Heated Floor Mat Kit with Thermostat (120V), LuxHeat 20 sq ft Heated Floor Mat Kit with Thermostat (120V), SunTouch TapeMat 30 sq ft Floor Heating Kit with WiFi Thermostat (120V)
Updated Oct 13, 2026
Heated Driveway Cost to Run (and the Cheaper Alternative)
An electric heated driveway draws about 50 W per sq ft: about $25 a snowfall for 2 cars. Tire tracks, plug-in snow melting mats and the math.
Top picks: HeatTrak Snow Melting Mat Starter Kit (walkway mat, 2 stair mats, power unit), WarmlyYours Snow Melt PowerMat, 120V, 2 x 10 ft (embedded), HeatTrak Snow Melting Driveway Mat, 24 in x 10 ft (one tire track)
Updated Oct 13, 2026