How much does an outdoor infrared heater cost to run?

An electric 2,000W outdoor infrared heater costs $0.26/hour, $1.04/day (at 4 hours), and $31.20/month at the US average electricity rate of $0.13/kWh. A propane 40,000 BTU unit costs roughly $1.29/hour — about 5× more per hour than the electric equivalent.

Are electric or propane outdoor heaters cheaper to run?

Electric outdoor infrared heaters are significantly cheaper to run. A 2,000W electric unit costs $0.26/hour versus $1.29/hour for a 40,000 BTU propane heater. Over a full month (4 hrs/day), electric costs $31.20 versus $154.80 for propane — a saving of over $120/month.

How much propane does an outdoor heater use per hour?

A 40,000 BTU propane outdoor heater uses approximately 0.51 gallons of propane per hour at 85% efficiency. At the US average propane price of $2.80/gallon, that equals roughly $1.29/hour. A standard 20 lb propane tank holds about 4.7 gallons, giving around 9 hours of run time.

What wattage outdoor infrared heater do I need for a patio?

Use 13–16 watts per square foot as a baseline for covered outdoor spaces. A 100 sq ft covered patio needs 1,500–1,600W. A 150 sq ft patio needs 2,000–2,400W. Add 25–40% more wattage for open, wind-exposed areas. For sizing help, see our infrared heater wattage guide.

Updated April 23, 2026

Outdoor Infrared Heater Running Cost

Find out exactly what your outdoor or patio infrared heater costs per hour, day and month.

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A 2,000W outdoor infrared heater costs $0.26/hour, $1.04/day (4 hrs), and $31.20/month at the US average electricity rate of $0.13/kWh.

Calculate Outdoor Infrared Heater Cost

Heater Type

Wattage (watts)Common outdoor electric infrared: 1,500–3,000W.

Hours Per DayAverage patio heater usage: 2–6 hrs/day.

Electricity Rate ($/kWh)US average $0.13/kWh.

Outdoor Infrared Heater Cost by Type (US 2026)

Heater Type	Cost/Hour	Cost/Day (4 hrs)	Cost/Month
Electric 1,500W	$0.20	$0.78	$23.40
Electric 2,000W	$0.26	$1.04	$31.20
Electric 3,000W	$0.39	$1.56	$46.80
Propane 40,000 BTU	$1.29	$5.16	$154.80
Gas 40,000 BTU	$0.44	$1.78	$53.40

Electric $0.13/kWh. Propane $2.80/gal, 85% eff. Gas $1.20/therm, 90% eff. 4 hrs/day, 30 days.

Electric vs Propane Outdoor Infrared Heaters

Electric outdoor infrared heaters are the cheapest to run at $0.20–$0.39/hour for 1,500–3,000W models. They require a nearby outdoor power outlet and work best in covered patio areas. Running costs are predictable and consistent year-round. See our infrared heater cost calculator for full hourly and monthly estimates at your electricity rate.

Propane outdoor infrared heaters cost significantly more per hour at ~$1.29/hour for a 40,000 BTU unit. However, they require no electrical connection, making them ideal for decks, gardens, and areas without convenient outdoor power outlets.

Natural gas outdoor infrared heaters offer a middle-ground cost of ~$0.44/hour for 40,000 BTU. They require a permanent gas line connection but eliminate propane tank refills, making them the best long-term option for fixed patio installations with existing gas access. Use our infrared heater wattage guide to size your outdoor unit correctly.

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