Electricity Cost of Electric Heaters in Pakistan: Full Guide
As winter approaches and temperatures drop across the region, electric heaters become essential for maintaining warm, comfortable indoor spaces. Their increasing popularity, however, comes with a recurring question: What is the electricity cost of electric heaters in Pakistan?
This comprehensive guide breaks down the true electricity cost of electric heaters, explores key variables affecting consumption, and provides detailed tables, formulas, and expert insights to help you make informed decisions—whether you are comparing heater types, calculating monthly bills, or optimizing usage to reduce electricity costs.
Understanding Electricity Cost of Electric Heaters
Electric heaters convert electrical energy directly into heat using resistive elements. This makes them 100% efficient at point of use, but it also means that every watt of power consumed shows up directly on your electricity bill. As unit rates rise, knowing how to calculate your heater’s cost is essential for budgeting and energy planning.
Below, we provide extensive heater wattage breakdowns, monthly consumption charts, per-unit calculators, and practical examples based on common heater sizes such as 300W, 600W, 800W, 1000W, 1500W, and 2000W.
How to Calculate the Electricity Cost of Electric Heaters
The core formula for determining heater electricity usage is:
Energy Consumption (kWh) = Heater Wattage × Hours of Use ÷ 1000
To calculate the cost:
Cost = Energy Consumption (kWh) × Per-Unit Electricity Rate
For example:
A 1000W heater used for 6 hours:
1 kW × 6 = 6 kWh
At Rs. 40 per unit → 6 × 40 = Rs. 240 per day
Electricity Tariff Used for Our Calculations
To ensure accuracy and practicality, we use current average per-unit electricity rates in Pakistan:
- Minimum Rate: Rs. 32 per unit
- Maximum Rate: Rs. 45 per unit
Your actual bill may vary depending on your regional DISCO (LESCO, K-Electric, FESCO, MEPCO, etc.), tariff slabs, taxes, and fuel adjustments.
Comprehensive Electricity Cost Table for Electric Heaters
Below is a detailed estimate for Pakistan’s most common heater wattages. These calculations assume daily heater use of 6 hours and 8 hours.
Electricity Cost of Electric Heaters in Pakistan (300W – 2000W)
Cost Breakdown Table
| Heater Wattage | Daily Usage 6h (kWh) | Daily Usage 8h (kWh) | Monthly Usage (kWh) | Monthly Cost Min (Rs. 32) | Monthly Cost Max (Rs. 45) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300W | 1.8 | 2.4 | 54 – 72 | 1,728 – 2,304 | 2,430 – 3,240 |
| 600W | 3.6 | 4.8 | 108 – 144 | 3,456 – 4,608 | 4,860 – 6,480 |
| 800W | 4.8 | 6.4 | 144 – 192 | 4,608 – 6,144 | 6,480 – 8,640 |
| 1000W | 6.0 | 8.0 | 180 – 240 | 5,760 – 7,680 | 8,100 – 10,800 |
| 1500W | 9.0 | 12.0 | 270 – 360 | 8,640 – 11,520 | 12,150 – 16,200 |
| 2000W | 12.0 | 16.0 | 360 – 480 | 11,520 – 15,360 | 16,200 – 21,600 |
In-Depth Analysis: Electricity Cost of Popular Heater Sizes
300-Watt Electric Heater Electricity Cost
A 300W heater is ideal for small rooms or personal heating.
✅ Monthly cost ranges between:
Rs. 1,728 – Rs. 3,240
depending on daily usage (6–8 hours).
Very economical but not suitable for large rooms.
600-Watt Electric Heater Electricity Cost
A moderately efficient heater for small to medium spaces.
✅ Monthly cost:
Rs. 3,456 – Rs. 6,480
Good balance between heating performance and affordability.
800-Watt Electric Heater Electricity Cost
Common in many compact heaters and halogen heaters.
✅ Monthly cost:
Rs. 4,608 – Rs. 8,640
Great for bedroom heating, but will consume more electricity if used for long hours.
1000-Watt Electric Heater Electricity Cost
The standard size for most home heaters.
✅ Monthly cost:
Rs. 5,760 – Rs. 10,800
Best for maintaining consistent room warmth.
1500-Watt Electric Heater Electricity Cost
Strong heating power for larger rooms.
✅ Monthly cost:
Rs. 8,640 – Rs. 16,200
Consumes significantly more power—continuous usage will noticeably increase bills.
2000-Watt Electric Heater Electricity Cost
One of the most power-hungry heater sizes.
✅ Monthly cost:
Rs. 11,520 – Rs. 21,600
Provides fast heating but is expensive to operate for long periods.
Factors That Affect the Electricity Cost of Electric Heaters
1. Heater Wattage
Higher wattage = higher consumption.
A 2000W heater consumes 4 times more electricity than a 500W heater.
2. Room Size
Larger rooms lose heat faster, forcing the heater to run longer.
Room insulation greatly affects electricity usage.
Poorly insulated rooms may double the consumption.
3. Usage Hours Per Day
The single biggest variable.
Running a heater:
- 4 hours/day = low impact
- 8–10 hours/day = significant increase in bills
- 24/7 usage = extremely expensive
4. Climate Conditions
Colder regions require longer heater operation, especially at night.
5. Heater Type
Different heater technologies consume electricity differently.
- Fan Heaters: Heat quickly but consume more watts.
- Halogen Heaters: Energy-efficient for spot heating.
- Oil-Filled Radiators: Consume more watts but retain heat longer, reducing ON-time.
- Infrared Heaters: Direct heating method; very efficient in small areas.
6. Heater Maintenance & Condition
Dust buildup, damage, or old heating coils cause:
- Decreased efficiency
- Higher wattage draw
- Longer heating cycles
- Higher bills
Well-maintained heaters are always more energy-efficient.
Electric Heater Electricity Cost Calculator (DIY Method)
You can calculate heater cost yourself using this simple method:
Step 1: Note wattage (e.g., 1000W).
Step 2: Convert to kW:
1000W ÷ 1000 = 1 kW
Step 3: Multiply by usage hours:
1 × 6 hours = 6 kWh
Step 4: Multiply by unit rate:
6 × Rs. 40 = Rs. 240 per day
This method works for any heater wattage.
How to Reduce Electricity Cost of Electric Heaters
Use the Right Wattage for Room Size
Using a high-watt heater for a small room is unnecessary and costly.
Improve Room Insulation
Seal windows and doors to retain heat.
Insulated rooms require 50% less heat output.
Run Heater in Intervals (ON/OFF Method)
Heat the room for 15 minutes → turn off for 20–30 minutes.
Room stays warm, but electricity consumption drops.
Use Thermostat-Controlled Heaters
Automatically switch off when desired temperature is reached.
Saves up to 40% energy.
Avoid Leaving Heaters On Overnight
Instead, pre-heat the room before sleeping.
Use Warm Clothing & Bedding
Reduce heater dependency during mild temperatures.
Energy-Efficient Heater Types to Lower Electricity Bills
1. Oil-Filled Radiators
Pros: Retain heat longer; lower ON cycles
Cons: Slow heating time
2. Infrared Heaters
Pros: Direct body heating; low wattage
Cons: Not ideal for large rooms
3. Ceramic PTC Heaters
Pros: Auto-regulate temperature; safer
Cons: Slightly higher price
4. Halogen Heaters
Pros: Lowest consumption
Cons: Limited coverage area
FAQs About Electricity Cost of Electric Heaters
1. Does a heater consume more electricity than an AC?
Yes, in winter heaters often consume more because they run on full wattage without compressors or inverters.
2. Are electric heaters expensive to run?
Yes—heaters convert all electricity into heat, making them bill-heavy appliances.
3. What is the cheapest heater to run?
Halogen and infrared heaters usually provide the lowest running cost.
4. Does room insulation reduce heater cost?
Absolutely. Proper insulation can cut heater usage by 30–50%.
5. How to identify heater wattage?
Check:
- Back label
- User manual
- Heater’s box
- Manufacturer’s website
Also read: How to save money? 8 simple ways to save money:
Final Thoughts on Electricity Cost of Electric Heaters
The electricity cost of electric heaters varies depending on wattage, daily usage hours, room size, and per-unit electricity rates. With electricity prices rising sharply, understanding these factors is crucial. A heater that seems cheap to buy may turn out to be expensive to run if used for long hours without proper insulation or energy-saving habits.
By choosing the right heater size, improving room insulation, and managing operating hours, you can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bill while enjoying comfortable winter heating.
If you need a custom heater cost calculation or want a breakdown for your specific model, wattage, or electricity tariff, feel free to ask!
Also read: Electricity Cost of Electric Geysers in Pakistan: Full Guide