Space Heaters: 2023 Buying Guide

Space heaters might not always be the most efficient way to heat a home, but they're a crucial addition to any home as a backup heat source or a convenient way to heat a chilly corner or small room. This article will discuss the different types of space heaters and how you can shop for the perfect model to fit your home, budget, and energy efficiency goals.

Since central heating can be expensive to install or operate, space heaters can be a less expensive alternative to heat a single room without adequate heating. Because of their versatility, space heaters can function in various locations. Wall mounting is excellent for keeping these heaters up and out of the reach of animals and children. Tabletop space heaters are great for moving and carrying around. Freestanding heaters work in any room of the home. And portable space heaters are a must-have for the person on the go and can be suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Always find a space heater that will work specifically with your home and the conditions you plan to operate.

• Convection space heaters work by warming the room's air and circulating it. These space heaters function best where heat has time to circulate and warm the space. Because convection space heaters take time to warm a room, they do not work well in areas with poor insulation, where heat is lost too quickly.
• Radiative space heaters function by radiating heat in a specific direction, warming the objects and people within range. Radiative heaters are popular in locations with poor insulation. Instead of heating a location's air and losing it through the walls, these space heaters will heat you directly and quickly. Radiative heaters are usually small and easy to move, making them an excellent option for heating outdoor spaces.
• Another available space heater is the filler space heater which uses electricity to heat a filler, like oil. This filler is heated up electrically, eventually warming enough to heat a small space. While these space heaters take a while to heat up, once they're warm, they offer uninterrupted heating.

• Electric space heaters can cost more to run than the fuel-burning alternatives but come with the added benefit of operating in an unvented space within the home. While safer than combustion space heaters, electric heaters can still cause burns and pose a fire hazard.
• Fuel-burning space heaters are excellent for providing a lot of heat to large spaces. Standard fuels in combustion space heaters include propane, natural gas, and kerosene. Burning fuel emits toxins, such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and water vapor. Because of this, fuel-burning space heaters will require proper ventilation to prevent them from accumulating in the closed space. In addition to the climate concerns related to burning fossil fuels for space heating, increasing these toxins can be dangerous and even deadly. When using fuel-burning space heaters, take measures to vent them outdoors with a permanent flue.

If you have chosen a vented, fuel-burning space heater, install it next to an outside wall where the product's flue can be connected outdoors. Sealed combustion units are vented, fuel-burning space heaters and operate more efficiently than their unsealed counterpart. These space heaters use the outdoor air for the fuel-burning process instead of drawing and exhausting already conditioned home air.

When buying a space heater, only purchase newer models and ensure plenty of safety features, such as automatic shutdown. Additional features, such as noise reduction, airflow louvers, and aesthetics, make great additions to a product. When purchasing a new space heater, a final step is to ensure that it carries the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label to guarantee quality.

People add space heaters to their homes to keep them warm. As a result, either electricity or fuel generates heat through convection or radiating energy. This process is not particularly efficient, but depending on your selected product, you can make more environmentally conscious choices. For example, if you're only going to be in the room for a few hours, choosing a radiative space heater over convection may be a better option. By selecting more energy-efficient products or making sure your space heater is the proper size for a room, you can save energy.

In addition, thermostatically controlled space heaters can reduce waste heat, maintaining a room's set temperature instead of overheating and, as such, reducing energy consumption. And, to ensure you're getting the most out of your space heaters, find out where your home is losing heat and work to eliminate air leakage and insulate it appropriately over time.

When calculating the energy use of a space heater, it is crucial to include the house's insulation. Homes with inadequate insulation will lose heat quickly and require more heating. Using a convective space heater in these situations would cost more money and would likely not heat the room appropriately.

Of the space heaters available, the most efficient heaters will be the ones tailored to your space. Some space heaters have two heating settings with higher and lower wattage meant for large or small rooms.

Fuel-burning space heaters, for example, that lack proper ventilation can emit gasses detrimental to a home's overall health. At the same time, improperly placed space heaters can be a fire hazard when not kept three feet away from drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated that over 25,000 residences catch fire annually due to space heaters. More than 300 people die in these events, and roughly 6,000 require emergency room visits because of burns. These burns are often just from touching the hot surface and not fire. 

If you're currently searching for your next space heater, look for the ETL listing mark of the product. These provide peace of mind because this product underwent testing to guarantee the highest quality. It would be beneficial to purchase a space heater with a tip-over safety switch, which switches the heater off when it tips over.

Electric space heaters will not need any unique installation, though be sure you plug them directly into an outlet. When an extension cord is required, ensure it is at least 14 gauge and has the shortest length possible.

The pros and cons vary between products, but in the end, the best heater for your space will be the one that best fits your needs. Whether using space heaters to make up for a room without insulation or warm a patio space, there is definitely a space heater that is perfect for your needs.

Article by:

Tanner Sagouspe

Tanner Sagouspe has a Masters in Environmental Management and is a Permaculture Designer who promotes tackling the climate crisis at home.