A 2000-watt heater produces more heat per hour than a 1500-watt heater and thus heats a room up faster, but it also consumes more electricity. At 21 cents per kWh (assumption), a 1500-watt heater costs about 31 cents per hour and a 2000-watt heater about 42 cents at full power.
What does the wattage of an electric heater mean?
The wattage indicates how much electrical power a heater consumes. In an electric heater, almost all the electricity consumed is converted into heat. A 2000-watt heater therefore produces about a third more heat per hour than a 1500-watt heater. This says something about the speed of heating up, not about how warm the room eventually becomes: that is determined by the thermostat, along with insulation, room size, and outside temperature.
A heater without a thermostat continues to operate at full power. Milieu Centraal calculates, for example, that a 1000-watt heater without a thermostat that is on for 500 hours per year costs about 110 euros in electricity at 21 cents per kWh. A heater with a thermostat consumes less or switches off as soon as the desired temperature is reached. See Milieu Centraal's explanation of energy guzzlers.
Costs per hour: 1500 watts versus 2000 watts
The calculation is simple: power in kilowatts multiplied by hours multiplied by the price per kWh. We assume a sample rate of 21 cents per kWh; enter your own rate for an accurate amount.
| Power | Consumption per hour | Cost per hour (at full power) | Cost for 4 hours per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 W | 1.5 kWh | approx. 31.5 cents | approx. 1.26 euros |
| 2000 W | 2.0 kWh | approx. 42 cents | approx. 1.68 euros |
In reality, a heater with a thermostat does not run at full power all the time, so the actual costs are often lower. The difference between 1500 and 2000 watts is over 10 cents per hour, which is still limited on a daily basis.
Which wattage is right for your room?
For a small room, such as a home office or bedroom, 1500 watts is usually sufficient. For a larger living room or a poorly insulated space, 2000 watts is more comfortable, because you get heat faster and the thermostat has to work less. It is better to use a heater as a supplement in the room where you are sitting, rather than as a replacement for your central heating. Also compare the costs with the basic heating, as you read in is an electric heater cheaper than central heating for a room.
Do you want to know what area a heater can handle? Then read how many m² an electric heater heats and what an electric heater costs per hour. You can find more saving tips at Milieu Centraal in the saving tips for heating.
A heater that can do both: adjustable power
You do not have to choose between 1500 and 2000 watts. The AirFlow HW2002 has an adjustable power of 1500 to 2000 watts, so you heat up quickly on the high setting and continue heating more gently on a lower setting.
Power: adjustable from 1500 to 2000 W, suitable for spaces up to 40 m²
Temperature: adjustable from 15 to 45 °C via LCD touchscreen or remote control
Comfort and safety: rotating function, timer, overheating protection, and fall detection
Size: 18 x 18 x 45 cm, weight 1.6 kg, cable length 1.7 m
Tips for choosing and using
Place the heater in a flat, clear spot and not directly against curtains or furniture. The fire department advises to connect electric heaters directly to a socket and not to a cable reel or power strip; read the tips from the fire department. A 2000-watt heater draws a lot of power, so do not use it together with other large consumers on the same circuit. Use the timer to not heat longer than necessary, and preferably only heat the room where you are sitting.
Choose the heater that fits
View the AirFlow HW2002 electric heater and the complete collection of heaters. Want to know more about consumption? Read how many watts a heater consumes per hour.
Direct answer: 2000 watts heats up faster and costs about 42 cents per hour at full power, 1500 watts costs about 31 cents per hour. Choose 1500 watts for a small room and 2000 watts for a larger or colder space.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2000 watts twice as warm as 1000 watts?
Yes, in terms of heat per hour: 2000 watts produces twice as much heat as 1000 watts. The room does not necessarily become twice as warm, but it does heat up faster.
Does a heater always consume the full wattage?
No. With a thermostat, the heater switches down or off as soon as the set temperature is reached, so the average consumption is lower.
Can I use a 2000-watt heater in any socket?
Use it directly in a socket, not on an extension cord or power strip, and follow the manual. If you have doubts about your circuits, consult an installer.
Which is more efficient: 1500 or 2000 watts?
Per hour at full power, 1500 watts is more efficient, but a more powerful heater sometimes finishes sooner and can then switch off. The total consumption depends on the room and your setting.