Planning to buy and install a 2,000-watt wall-mounted garage heater or any other space? Here are seven answers you should know.
1. How Many Square Feet for a 2000-Watt Heater?
Depending on the heater design, features (fan or fanless plus others), and the insulation of the space, the heater may be able to heat spaces up to 500 sq. ft. Check the actual specifications of your heater.
How many BTU for the Heater
A 2,000-watt heater has an estimated BTU/hr of 6,820. This can be calculated using the ratio of 1 W = 3.41 BTU/hr. 2,000 watts is 2,000 x 3.41 = 6,820 BTU/hr.
2. How Many Amps a 2000-Watt Heater Draws?
A 2,000-watt 220-240V heater when operating at maximum power draws about 8.3 amps. The current draw can be lower if the thermostat is set to a lower temperature.
3. What Circuit to use with the Heater?
You can connect the 2,000-watt heater to a 15-amp branch circuit. Connect the heater to a 15 amp double pole circuit breaker.
4. Heater Breaker Sizing
According to the NEC 2017 guidelines, the over-current protection device’s rating should be 125% of the continuous appliance’s current rating.
The continuous current rating for a 2,000-watt, 240-watt heater is 2000/240=8.3A.
8.3A x 125% =10.4A, approximately 11A. The next standard circuit breaker size is 15 amps.
5. Wire Sizing for Heater
Use a minimum of 14 AWG wire for the heater.
Shared or Dedicated Circuit
The heater should be connected to a dedicated circuit to avoid tripping the circuit breaker should the combined current draw with additional appliances exceed the 15A rating of the circuit breaker.
6. Is a 2000 Watt Heater Expensive to Run?
It costs about USD 2.7 to run the heater a day assuming 10 hours of operation. Indicative costs are below. Actual running cost depend on the heater’s usage pattern – hours of usage, temperature setting, and local tariff
What Is the Cost per Hour of Running a 2,000-Watt Heater?
Assuming an estimated daily energy consumption of 20kWh and an electricity tariff of $0.133, a 2,000-watt heater will cost approximately ¢ 0.11.
This is based on about 10 hours of operation per day. Note: The running costs are indicative, the actual running cost varies according to the heater’s usage pattern and local tariff.
This is calculated using the formula, the heater’s estimated hourly energy consumption (kWh) x the electricity tariffs for your location.
How much does it cost to run a 2,000-watt heater for 24 hours?
Assuming an estimated daily energy consumption of 20kWh and an electricity tariff of $0.133, a 2,000-watt heater will cost approximately USD 2.7 to run.
This is based on about 10 hours of operation per day. Note: The running costs are indicative, the actual running cost varies according to the heater’s usage pattern and local tariff.
This is calculated using the formula: the heater’s estimated hourly energy consumption (kWh) x the electricity tariffs for your location.
What Is the monthly cost of Running a 2,000-Watt Heater?
Assuming an estimated monthly energy consumption of 600kWh and an electricity tariff of $0.133, a 2,000-watt heater will cost approximately USD 79.8.
This is based on about 10 hours of operation per day. Note: The running costs are indicative, the actual running cost varies according to the heater’s usage pattern and local tariff.
This is calculated using the formula: the heater’s estimated hourly energy consumption (kWh) x the electricity tariffs for your location.
7. Tips to Maintain the Electric Heater
For the heater to heat efficiently (large enough space), maintain it regularly. To maintain the heater safely consult the manufacturer’s guidelines. These tips may also be of help:
- Always switch off the electric heater first and allow it to cool.
- Next, proceed to wipe with a damp cloth any dust build up on the vents and wipe the vents dry. You may need a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust behind the vents.
- Reconnect the heater to the electricity supply after it has dried properly to prevent electric shocks!
Closing Thoughts
Depending on the heater design, and features of the electric heater, it may be able to heat spaces up to 500 sq. ft.
Connect the 2,000-watt 240V heater to a 15 amp circuit breaker using 14 AWG wire.
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