How to Choose the Right Space Heater for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Space Heater

Overview

A space heater is a great way to warm up a space and provide some extra comfort and warmth to your home. This buying guide will provide you with information and tips to help you select the right space heater for your needs. It will cover the different types of space heaters available, the features to consider, safety tips, and other important information to consider. With this guide, you will be able to make an informed decision that will provide you and your family with the right heater to meet your needs.

Key features

  1. Type of Space Heater - Select a space heater that corresponds to the size of the space to be heated, such as a small, medium or large room space heater.
  2. Size of Space Heater - Determine the size of the space heater needed to adequately warm the desired area. It should cover the entire area without wasting energy.
  3. Safety Features - Look for safety features like an overheat protection switch and automatic shut-off to prevent the risk of fires. Also consider units with a cool-to-the-touch exterior or a safety guard.
  4. Energy Efficiency - Consider the energy efficiency of the space heater. Select one with the Energy Star label for maximum efficiency.
  5. Noise Level - Consider the noise level of a space heater. Lower noise level models are preferred for bedrooms and offices.
  6. Price - Compare prices and select a space heater with features that best fit the needs of the consumer.

See the most popular Space Heater on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Energy efficiency - Space Heaters are often more energy efficient than heating an entire room, as they can be directed to warm a specific area.
  • Safety - Most models have built-in safety features, such as tip-over shutoff, overheat protection, and automatic shutoff, that help to ensure your home is safe when using a space heater.
  • Portability - Space Heaters are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them easy to move around the home or office.
  • Cost savings - Space Heaters are often more cost-effective than central heating systems, as they require much less energy to operate.
  • Noise level - Space Heaters produce very little noise, so you won't have to worry about distracting noise when using one.

Cons

  • Costs: Space heaters can often be expensive to purchase and maintain, particularly when compared to traditional heating systems.
  • Fire Hazard: Space heaters may present an increased risk of fires if they are not properly used and maintained.
  • Waste of Energy: Space heaters may be inefficient at heating large areas, leading to wasted energy and higher utility bills.
  • Air Quality: Space heaters can reduce air quality by drying out the air in the room, creating dust particles and making it harder to breathe.
  • Portability: Space heaters usually require a power outlet to operate and, as such, cannot easily be moved from room to room.
  • Safety Concerns: Space heaters can pose a safety risk if not used properly, as they may overheat and cause burns or fires.

Best alternatives

  1. Electric Blanket - A blanket that uses electricity to provide a gentle, comforting heat.
  2. Radiant Heater - A heater that uses infrared radiation to heat objects in its vicinity.
  3. Baseboard Heater - A heater that uses a series of hot elements to warm the air.
  4. Gas Heater - A heater that utilizes a variety of fuel types to generate heat.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Thermostats - Devices used to regulate the temperature of the space heater.
  • Heater Covers - Covers that provide additional protection to the heater and its controls.
  • Remote Controls - Used to operate the space heater from a distance.
  • Extension Cords - Allow the space heater to be plugged into an outlet from a greater distance.
  • Surge Protectors - Protect the space heater from power spikes.
  • Timer Switches - Automatically turns the space heater on and off at user-defined times.
  • Cleaning Supplies - Used to keep the space heater clean and free of dust and debris.

Common questions

  1. What type of Space Heater should I buy?
    This depends on the space you need to heat and your personal preferences. Electric space heaters tend to heat up quickly, and come in both portable and wall-mounted versions. Gas space heaters are larger, but provide more heat in a shorter amount of time. Radiant space heaters are good for spot heating in a limited area. Forced-air space heaters distribute heat more evenly throughout the space.
  2. What safety features should I look for?
    Look for features such as overheating protection, tip-over shutoff, and automatic shutoff timers. If the heater has a cord, look for a cord cover to prevent tripping. Make sure the space heater you purchase has the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification.
  3. Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?
    Yes, space heaters use a lot of electricity; however, the amount of electricity used depends on the size of the heater, type of fuel used, and the temperature settings. Generally, portable electric space heaters are more efficient than larger models.
  4. How do I know what size space heater I need?
    The size of the space heater you need depends on the area you are trying to heat. A larger space will require a larger heater, and a smaller space will require a smaller heater. Generally, you should measure the square footage of the space and use the manufacturer's size and BTU (British Thermal Units) recommendations for the size of the space.

Trivia

A humorous fact about space heaters is that astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) actually use space heaters to keep warm in the cold vacuum of space. According to NASA, the ISS is outfitted with more than 80 space heaters to keep the astronauts comfortable in the frigid temperatures. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.