What does it cost to run a space heater or hot tub in Alberta?

What does a space heater cost in my town?

These are chosen loads. They draw constant power during the stated hours. A thermostat can turn the heater off. This reduces running time. Use the hourly column for a short session. The monthly column repeats the daily use. Actual use can vary.

The hot tub input covers standby only. It starts with a US federal annual estimate of 1699 kWh (read 21 October 2026) [source]. We divide by twelve. This spreads use evenly across the months. It excludes extra energy for active use. It is not an Alberta winter forecast. Cold weather can change consumption. Spa size and use also matter.

The second fridge input is the utility guide’s potential saving from unplugging one: up to 75 kWh (read 21 October 2026) [source] per month. We use the upper saving. It is an example load. It is not a typical fridge rating.

The table uses current default-rate tariffs. Extra use adds variable delivery charges. It also adds town fees and GST. It leaves out daily charges already paid. Your plan’s energy price may differ. Read how the cost per kWh is worked out.

How do I work out any appliance?

Start with watts. Divide by a thousand. Multiply by hours. This is the utility guide’s method. Then multiply the energy by your town’s cost per unit. Some equipment cycles on and off. Count the hours it draws power. Time plugged in can overstate use.

Want standby or “phantom” power costs? Start with measured use. For electric in-floor bathroom heating or a sauna, check the equipment’s stated wattage. Use the watts and hours method above to price your own equipment.

What uses the most energy at home?

Space heating comes first in the Canadian residential totals. The national database reports total use of 1,372.4 PJ (read 21 October 2026) [source]. These figures cover all fuels, not electricity alone.

• Space heating: 814.8 PJ (read 21 October 2026) [source]
• Water heating: 265.2 PJ (read 21 October 2026) [source]
• Appliances: 195.8 PJ (read 21 October 2026) [source]
• Lighting: 59.4 PJ (read 21 October 2026) [source]
• Space cooling: 37.3 PJ (read 21 October 2026) [source]

These are national totals. They do not rank electricity use in your house. Heating fuel and equipment matter. A home using gas for heat will have a different electricity profile from one using electric heat. Compare meter readings and your own appliances. See our high utility bill guide.

Is a space heater cheaper than the furnace?

The running cost table alone cannot answer that. A room heater and a whole-home furnace serve different areas. Compare the cost of useful heat, the fuel price and the equipment’s efficiency. Use your furnace’s rated efficiency when comparing heat costs.

Converting units is only a starting point. The exact energy conversion for a gigajoule is 1.0 Gigajoules (GJ) 277.7778 Kilowatt-hours (kW.h) (read 21 October 2026) [source]. Energy content alone does not establish the cost of heat delivered to a room. Check your own electricity rate as well.

How do I use a space heater safely?

Health Canada gives these portable electric heater precautions:

• Keep combustible materials, including beds, clothes and curtains, away: At least 1 metre (read 21 October 2026) [source].
• Never use an extension cord or power bar (read 21 October 2026) [source]. Plug into a wall outlet.
• Before leaving home or going to sleep (read 21 October 2026) [source]. Unplug it before you leave home or go to sleep.

Do not leave a portable heater unattended. Do not run it while you sleep. Follow your equipment’s safety instructions.

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