What does a fan heater cost to run?
In New Zealand, a typical fan heater running at its typical daily hours costs around $49/month at the current national average rate of 40.6c/kWh.
Monthly cost
$49
national average
Annual cost
$593
12 months at current rate
Cost per hour of use
$0.81
nameplate wattage × rate
| Region | Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 40.3c/kWh | $49 |
| Dunedin | 39.6c/kWh | $48 |
| Christchurch | 36.6c/kWh | $45 |
Cheaper alternative
Could swap for a heat pump
a heat pump uses about 38% of the energy, cutting the monthly bill to roughly $19. Over a year, that's $368 back in your pocket.
Frequently asked
How much does a fan heater cost to run in NZ?
At the national average electricity rate of 40.6c/kWh, a typical fan heater costs about $49 per month, or $593 per year. Actual costs vary by region and how heavily you use it.
Which NZ region has the cheapest fan heater running cost?
Of the five centres shown on this page, Christchurch is the cheapest at $45/month, and Queenstown is the most expensive at $49/month. The 30% spread reflects regional MBIE retail rates.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a fan heater?
Yes - swapping to a heat pump would use about 38% of the energy, saving roughly $368 per year.