Space heaters can be a great way to stay warm during the winter, but they can also use a lot of energy if you’re not mindful. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient space heater, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
The first thing to look for is an Energy Star label. Space heaters that have this label have been certified as being energy efficient. You should also look at the wattage of the space heater. The higher the wattage, the more energy it will use. Another thing to consider is how you will be using the space heater. If you will only be using it occasionally, then a low-wattage space heater may be sufficient. But if you plan to use it regularly, you may need one with a higher wattage.
Finally, look for a space heater with an auto-shutoff feature. This will prevent the unit from overheating, which can damage your space heater or even cause a fire. Space heaters with built-in temperature sensors are best, as they will automatically turn on and off according to the room’s temperature.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the 4 most energy-efficient space heaters and how they can benefit your home.
Best Energy Efficient Space Heaters
Our picks for the best energy-efficient space heaters are:
- Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater
- Stiebel Eltron CK 15E
- Lasko 6435 Designer Series
- Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy
Looking to add energy-efficient space heaters to your home for the winter? Here are our top 4 picks for the most reliable products available.
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How We Chose Our 4 Best Energy-Efficient Space Heaters
As experts in insulation and ventilation, we know how important it is to make very intentional choices when it comes to maintaining comfortable living spaces in your home. We’ve scoured the internet for reviews, talked to our friends and family, and consulted with other experts to find out the elements that make up the best energy-saving heating systems. We’ve looked at the different types of space heaters, including electric and natural gas, so that we could provide a balanced and informed perspective. The best energy-efficient space heater for you will depend on the space you intend to use it in, wattage requirements, and more. Some of the important things to consider before deciding on a space heater include:
- Where will you use the space heater?
- What kind of safety features, such as automatic shut-off, timers, oscillation, and tip-over protection, are important to you?
- Do you need smart home compatibility or remote control functionality?
- What wattage makes sense for your household’s electrical system?
- Are you looking for a multi-functional appliance that can double as a humidifier or air purifier?
Types of Space Heaters
There are a few different types of space heaters.
Space heaters come in a variety of types, each with their own set of benefits. The most common type is the electric space heater, which plugs into an outlet and warms up the room by using convection to heat the air. Other popular types include gas space heaters, which use natural gas or propane to create a flame that heats up the room, and infrared quartz heaters, which use infrared radiation to directly heat objects and people in the room. Each type of space heater has its own unique set of benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
- Electric space heaters are the most common type and are easy to use. They plug into an outlet and use convection to warm up the room.
- Gas space heaters are more powerful than electric space heaters and can warm up a room faster. They also have a longer lifespan than electric space heaters.
- Infrared quartz heaters are energy efficient and don’t produce any noise. They also don’t emit any harmful particles, making them safe for people with allergies or asthma.
Overall, each type of space heater has its own unique set of benefits. When choosing the right one for your needs, it’s important to consider factors like power, size, and safety features. Whether you need a small heater for your office or a large one for your home, there is sure to be a space heater that fits your needs. So if you’re looking for a way to warm up your home or office this winter, consider investing in one of the many types of space heaters available today!
Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater
The Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater is our top pick as the most reliable and energy-efficient space heater on the market.
It uses infrared technology to heat your rooms, meaning it can sense spots in your rooms that need heat and distributes it accordingly. The Dr. Infrared heats objects in your room instead of filling out space with heat.
This means warm air won’t rise to the ceiling and disappear and remains constant without being intruded on by drafts. It can also retain moisture in the air, meaning your skin won’t dry out from using the Dr. Infrared.
Best of all, it doesn’t have any exposed heating elements. This makes the Dr. Infrared much safer to have around pets and small children.
While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the Dr. Infrared is quiet, energy-efficient, and contributes to better home comfort.
Stiebel Eltron CK 15E
If you don’t want a chunky space heater taking up floor space, wall-mounted heaters are the way to go. And when it comes to wall-mounted heaters, the Stiebel Eltron CK 15E is one of the most reliable options out there.
The slim compact design makes it unobtrusive and the white finish helps the Stiebel blend into most rooms. The wall-mounted design allows warm air to be blown downwards, helping heat spread evenly throughout the room. It also prevents cold feet.
The Stiebel comes with a timer, thermometer, and a frost protection setting, meaning you’ll get maximum energy efficiency. It heats up your room quickly and effectively.
While there are cheaper options out there, as far as wall-mounted heaters go, you can’t get much better than the Stiebel Eltron.
Lasko Heating Space Heater
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient space heater on a budget, the Lasko Heating Space Heater delivers like no other.
This ceramic heater by Lasko provides 1500 watts of comfort with patented blower technology for enhanced heat penetration. The 25″ height and 3 heat sweep settings, 90°, 170° and full 360°, project heat around the room.
This product includes a digital thermostat and 2 quiet heat settings. Safety is built-in with its self-regulating element, automatic overheat protection and an exterior that stays cool to the touch. The easy-to-clean filter keeps your unit running efficiently.
- 3 Heat Sweep Settings
- Patented Blower Technology – 25″ height projects warmth around the room
- Safe ceramic comfort – self-regulating element, automatic overheat protection and exterior stays cool to the touch
- Adjustable thermostat
- Fully assembled
Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy
Finally, we have the Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy. This is the best non-electric option for those looking for an emergency heater or a heater that doesn’t rely on electricity.
It’s capable of heating up to 225 square feet and runs on propane. It can easily be turned on by rotating a knob and pushing a few buttons. It’s one of the safest options out there, quelling any notion that propane heaters are dangerous.
It has an automatic turn-off feature if it’s tipped over, and an automatic shutoff option when the pilot light goes out. Mr. Heater also comes with a high-temperature wire guard as an extra heating safety element.
While it’s not the most defined heater in terms of digital controls, it weighs around 10 pounds, making it extremely portable and durable. If you need a heater for emergencies or to save extra on your energy bills by not relying on electricity, Mr. Heater is the choice for you.
Before Purchasing An Energy Efficient Space Heater
If you’re looking for energy-efficient space heaters, we recommend you first air seal and insulate your home.
Why?
Because air sealing and insulation can have a big impact on your energy consumption. They also help your home retain heat so that you can maximize the benefits of your space heaters during the winter.
Buying a space heater with poor air sealing and insulation is like putting a band-aid on a big, open wound. It’s not going to completely stop the bleeding. And it’ll likely do more harm than good down the road.
Air Seal Your Home
Air sealing is all about filling or covering air leakages in your home. While they may seem arbitrary, they actually account for anywhere between 25% to 40% of the energy lost when cooling or heating your home.
Think of it like a boat floating in the ocean. The smaller holes you have, the more water you’ll have in the hull. This causes your boat to sink and make it a bad day for everyone.
It’s a similar concept with air leaks. The smaller holes you leave unplugged, the more cold air you’re letting in. Your space heater and HVAC system can do everything it can, but your home will still be cold.
Air sealing is usually done with caulk, insulation, and spray foam depending on the size of your air leaks. Common places to air seal are your windows, attic hatches, attic floor holes, fireplaces, and even electrical outlets.
You can check for air leaks by placing a candle or incense next to a potential area and seeing if the smoke or flame moves.
Add Insulation
Another way of maximizing your home’s energy efficiency and improving comfort before adding space heaters is insulation. Insulation helps maintain your home temperature by keeping warm or cold air inside your home.
The laws of physics dictate that heat travels upward, in this case towards your upstairs rooms and your attic. This means warm air produced by your heaters and HVAC system travels to your attic and escapes through your roof or other holes.
Learn more about how to build an energy-efficient attic to lower energy bills and improve comfort in your home.
Insulation can be installed in the attic or your walls to keep that heat from escaping. This translates to greater energy efficiency, as the EPA states that insulating attic floors, walls, and ceilings help homeowners save up to 15% on their annual energy bills.
Insulation comes in different materials. The most common types of insulation are fiberglass or cellulose, which either come shaped like mats or can be broken up into smaller pieces. There’s also reflective insulation which can be placed in attics to reflect heat back into or out of homes.
When to Use a Space Heater
If you’ve air-sealed your home and added insulation to your attic, floors, and walls but want even more warmth and comfort in the winter, then space heaters are definitely the way to go.
Many homeowners choose space heaters because it lets them localize the heat more. Instead of heating their entire house, some people might only want to heat the rooms they more frequently occupy.
Using a space heater also simplifies the home heating process. While there are plenty of benefits to a comprehensive HVAC system, there’s nothing like plugging in a heater and flipping on a few buttons to enjoy the warmth.
Space heaters shouldn’t be used as replacements for central heating systems, but they can be convenient solutions for particularly cold days.
Do Space Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?
Space heaters are a popular way to stay warm during the colder months. However, there is some debate about how much electricity they use.
Some estimates suggest that space heaters can use as much as 1500 watts of power, which is more than most other appliances in the home. Others claim that newer, more efficient models use less than 1000 watts.
Regardless of which estimate is more accurate, it’s clear that most space heaters do use a significant amount of electricity. As such, it’s important to be mindful of how often you’re using your space heater. It’s also helpful to address your home as a whole and to make sure it is properly air-sealed and insulated. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep your energy bills down during the winter. In some cases, it may be more beneficial to consider a central heating system.
Summary
Space heaters are a nice way to add additional comfort to an already energy-efficient home.
Space heaters can be a great way to warm up a room quickly, but they also come with some drawbacks. They can be dangerous if not used properly, and they can also be expensive to run. Make sure you know the benefits and drawbacks of space heaters before deciding whether or not to buy one.
One of the main benefits of space heaters is that they can help you to warm up your room quickly. If you find yourself shivering in the winter, a space heater can be a great way to keep warm without running your central heating constantly. Many are also portable, so you can carry them from room to room as needed.
However, space heaters can also be a bit dangerous. Since they are designed to concentrate all of the heat in one area, it is important that you keep them away from flammable items like curtains or blankets. They should also not be left on unattended, since they do get very hot and could easily start a fire if left on for too long.
Another potential drawback of space heaters is their cost. Although they are relatively inexpensive to purchase, they can be quite expensive to run because they use a lot of electricity. If you have an electric bill that is already high, it may not be worth adding another item to your bill just so that you can stay warm.
Before making any decisions about purchasing a space heater, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of these devices so that you can make an informed decision. Although they can be useful in certain situations, there are also some downsides to consider. Make sure you know what they are before deciding whether or not to go ahead with your purchase.
Use this article to find the perfect heater to fit your budget and style preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of space heater is most energy efficient?
Infrared quartz model space heaters will be the most energy efficient. Other types of space heaters that are less efficient include ceramic models, oil-filled radiators, and convection models. Space heaters can be a costly way to heat your home, and with so many different types available it can be hard to know which is the most energy efficient, so it’s important to weigh your options and choose a model that fits your needs.
What is the difference between a space heater and a radiant heater?
A space heater is a type of portable heater that warms up a specific area, like a single room in your home. A radiant heater is a type of space heater that uses radiation to heat things up. It emits infrared radiation, which heats objects directly instead of the air around them. In general, radiant heaters are more efficient and can save you money on your energy bill compared to space heaters.
What are the drawbacks of using a space heater?
There are a few drawbacks of space heaters that should be noted. Space heaters can be a fire hazard if used improperly. They should never be left on when you leave the house or go to bed, and they should be kept away from curtains and other flammable materials. Additionally, many space heaters are not energy efficient and can increase your electricity bill.
While space heaters may seem like a convenient solution for keeping warm during the winter months, they come with several drawbacks that should be carefully considered before making a purchase. These include the risk of fire, inefficiency, and increased electricity bills. With proper use and maintenance, however, a space heater can be an effective way to stay warm without the expense and environmental impact of other heating sources.
How much does it cost to run a 1500 watt space heater for 24 hours?
The average 1500 watt space heater will cost between $0.15 and $0.20 per hour, which comes out to less than $5 per day. However, these costs will vary depending on your overall energy use, the costs in your region, and the insulation of the room you’re using it.
What safety precautions should you take when using a space heater?
When using a space heater, it is important to take certain safety precautions in order to prevent fires and other accidents.
- Keep space heater at least 3 feet away from anything flammable
- Make sure the space heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it gets too hot
- Only use space heaters with the UL mark
- Don’t leave space heaters running when you leave the room or go to bed
- Don’t use an extension cord with a space heater
- Keep the space heater out of reach of children and pets