Resistance heating
Fan, panel, oil-column and radiant heaters use resistance heating in Kiwi homes. Their rated wattage is usually close to the maximum electrical draw, but a thermostat may reduce active heating time.
Change every default to reflect your appliance.
Estimated running cost
$1,042.44
per yearEnergy / year
3,066 kWh
Per hour
$0.12
0.35 kWh
Per day
$2.86
8.4 kWh
Per week
$19.99
58.8 kWh
Per month
$86.93
255.67 kWh
Per year
$1,042.44
3,066 kWh
The estimate shows the variable electricity cost at the selected wattage, daily use and thermostat duty cycle. Two heaters with the same active wattage cost roughly the same while their elements are on, although comfort and cycling can differ.
The calculator converts watts to kilowatts, multiplies by daily hours and duty cycle, then applies your cents-per-kWh rate. A 70% duty cycle means full power is modelled for 70% of the selected time.
A 2,000 W heater running for four hours at full power uses 8 kWh. At 34 cents per kWh, the variable electricity cost is about $2.72 for that day.
Choose a heater type to load a typical wattage. Replace the example electricity rate and usage with figures from your appliance and current plan.
The estimate shows the variable electricity cost at the selected wattage, daily use and thermostat duty cycle. Two heaters with the same active wattage cost roughly the same while their elements are on, although comfort and cycling can differ.
Calculation method
The calculator converts watts to kilowatts, multiplies by daily hours and duty cycle, then applies your cents-per-kWh rate. A 70% duty cycle means full power is modelled for 70% of the selected time.
Worked example
A 2,000 W heater running for four hours at full power uses 8 kWh. At 34 cents per kWh, the variable electricity cost is about $2.72 for that day.
The default rate is a starting point only. Check a current bill from your retailer—such as Contact, Meridian or Genesis—for the cents-per-kWh rate that applies to your plan. Tariffs, lines charges and heating needs can differ between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Otago and provincial networks, so your own bill is a better input than a national example. Fixed daily charges and other appliances remain separate from this estimate.
Typical values and guidance are informed by EECA and MBIE electricity prices.
For a better input, see how to choose an NZ electricity rate and read an appliance energy label.
At the same active wattage, running time and electricity rate, their direct electricity cost is similar. Thermostat cycling and room heat retention can change total use.
Use 100% only for continuous full-power operation. A thermostat that regularly switches the element off produces a lower average duty cycle.
Not for direct resistance heating cost. Wattage and active time drive consumption, while heater design affects how and where the warmth is delivered.
No. They are illustrative starting points. Use the wattage on your heater label or a measured reading whenever possible.