How to work out running costs
Cost = kWh × usage rate (cents) ÷ 100
The wattage is on the appliance's compliance plate or in the manual. For air conditioners, use the input power (not the cooling capacity). For appliances that cycle on and off, such as fridges, use the yearly kWh on the Energy Rating label instead.
Running costs per hour at 15 cents per kWh
| Appliance | Typical power | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 W | 22.5c |
| Baseboard heater (one room) | 1,500 W | 22.5c |
| Electric furnace (whole house) | 15,000 W | $2.25 |
| Clothes dryer | 5,000 W | 75.0c |
| Engine block heater | 500 W | 7.5c |
| Pool pump | 1,100 W | 16.5c |
| Ceiling fan | 50 W | 0.8c |
A heat pump moves heat rather than making it, so in mild weather it heats for roughly a third of the cost of baseboard or space heaters.
Worked example
A 2,000 W heater used 4 hours a day uses 8 kWh a day. At 15 cents per kWh that is $1.20 a day, $36 for 30 days, and $108 over a 90-day winter.
Finding your rate
Your energy rate in cents per kWh is on your bill. Quebec and Manitoba have some of the lowest rates in Canada; Ontario uses time-of-use or tiered pricing, so running a dryer or dishwasher off-peak costs less. Delivery and regulatory charges are extra.
Heating a pool? See its size with the pool volume calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a 1,500 W space heater?
About 22.5 cents an hour at 15 cents per kWh.
How much does a pool pump cost to run?
A 1,100 W pump running 6 hours a day uses 6.6 kWh, about 99 cents a day at 15 cents per kWh.
Is a heat pump cheaper than baseboard heaters?
Yes, in most weather. A cold-climate heat pump usually gives about 3 to 4 units of heat per unit of electricity, so it costs far less for the same warmth.
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Last updated October 2026.