Patio Heater Running Cost Calculator
Estimate hourly, daily, monthly and seasonal running cost for one or more electric patio heaters using power, runtime and electricity tariff.
Default project preview
$34.56
Connected heater power
3 kW
Average operating power
3 kW
Hourly running cost
$0.54
Daily energy use
12 kWh
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Number of heaters
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 2. Minimum: 1.
Power per heater
Enter this project assumption in kW. The current imperial default is 1.5 kW.
Operating hours per day
Enter this project assumption in hours. The current imperial default is 4 hours.
Operating days per month
Enter this project assumption in days. The current imperial default is 16 days. Minimum: 1. Maximum: 31.
Months per heating season
Enter this project assumption in months. The current imperial default is 5 months. Minimum: 1. Maximum: 12.
Average duty cycle
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 100 %. Minimum: 1. Maximum: 100.
Electricity price
Enter this project assumption in per kWh. The current imperial default is 0.18 per kWh. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Connected heater power
2 heaters. Default preview: 3 kW.
Average operating power
100% duty cycle. Default preview: 3 kW.
Hourly running cost
while operating at average duty. Default preview: $0.54.
Daily energy use
4 hours per day. Default preview: 12 kWh.
Daily running cost
entered electricity price. Default preview: $2.16.
Seasonal running cost
5 months. Default preview: $172.80.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Connected power = heater count × power per heater. Average power applies the duty cycle. Energy = average power × operating time. Cost = energy × electricity price.
FAQ
Patio Heater Running Cost Calculator questions
What does duty cycle mean?+
It is the share of operating time that heaters run at full power. Thermostats or staged controls may reduce average energy use.
Do infrared heaters use less electricity at the same power?+
Two heaters with the same electrical input consume the same energy while on, though comfort and heat targeting may differ.
Does this include propane patio heaters?+
No. The inputs and results are for electric heaters rated in kilowatts.