When central heating isn’t enough, toast your toes with a space heater
Space heaters are commonly powered by electricity or gas.
Look for models with an automatic shut-off in case it gets knocked over.
Radiant heaters warm bodies and objects rather than the air.
Follow manufacturer instructions for safe operation.
Your home probably has a central heating system designed to heat your home so you can stay safe and warm all winter. But when it’s exceptionally frigid in your area, backup heat from an auxiliary device can help warm a small area faster and keep you comfortable in a drafty room. Different types of space heaters have different pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider.
Electric space heaters range from about $35 for a small desktop model to $300 for one powerful enough to heat a room. You can even find space heaters that look like fireplaces with mantels to match your decor. Know the square footage of the area you plan to warm so you can get a space heater powerful enough for the area.
Electric space heaters come in various styles and at different price points. They can warm up the air one room at a time, so if you need a little extra warmth in the garage or basement bedroom, you can have it. They're also portable, so you can move them to the bedroom by night and the home office by day.
Space heaters are generally considered safe to use, but make sure to use them properly.
Plug them directly into the wall.
Keep them at least 3 feet away from clothing, curtains, papers, cardboard boxes, and anything that could catch fire.
Replace old models with frayed cords or appear damaged.
Follow the manufacturer’s safety and maintenance recommendations.
Place the cord so it doesn’t become a tripping hazard.
Space heaters aren't as effective as furnaces, so try not to depend on them as your primary heating source. Electric ones will also add to your energy bill. Depending on how often they run and the price of electricity, you can expect up to a $100 per month increase.
Radiant heaters generate and emit powerful infrared rays into the room. They warm up the bodies and objects in the room rather than the air as space heaters do. Units range between $50 to $150.
Radiant heaters generate heat you’ll feel right away and make them especially beneficial for small rooms, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, and kitchens. They’re also an efficient choice if you have high ceilings because they warm you instead of the space near the ceiling. Radiant space heaters also stay cool to the touch, making them a safer choice if you have kids or pets in the house.
Although radiant heaters are electric and can increase your energy bill, their superior efficiency will increase your bill at a lower rate than other types of electric heaters. Depending on the unit size and the cost of electricity in your area, expect to pay about $0.30 per hour in electricity.
To experience the full warming power of a radiant space heater, it must be placed in a direct line to the seating area in the room. Radiant heat travels until it hits a solid object, so if the heater is tucked out of sight in a corner, the wall or arm of a couch could block the warmth from getting to you.
Baseboard heaters are long units placed on the floor, usually under windows. Baseboard heaters can be hardwired in and mounted to the wall and generally operate with a thermostat. They can also be plugged into a nearby outlet and have a built-in thermostat. Portable baseboard heater units range from about $50 to $150.
They heat up quickly so you can turn them down when you leave the room and back up when you’re in there. Also, since they’re often placed under windows, the heat rises and warms any drafts that come in. However, it’s still best to seal drafty windows.
Since the units are often hardwired in, the cost to install baseboard heaters should include hiring a professional electrician near you. Even portable ones are clunky to move, so don’t plan to move them from room to room as needed.
In addition, since baseboards are on the floor, they attract dust and dirt. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep them clean, either annually or when pet fur or dust buildup is visible.
Baseboard heaters might limit window covering options as well. If you choose to hang curtains, hem them several inches above the space heater for safety.
Gas heaters use an ignition flame system fueled by propane, kerosene, or natural gas. Make sure to use propane heaters safely indoors. Read the label carefully to know if it’s rated for indoor use and how to use them properly. Never use outdoor-only space heaters inside. Also, ensure you get the right size for the square footage of the space you’re trying to warm. Going too big can be hazardous.
Gas heaters are very powerful and can effectively warm large areas. If you do plan to use a gas-powered space heater inside, look for safety features such as a low oxygen sensor, high-temperature coated safety guard, overheat protection, and an automatic shut-off in case the device gets knocked over.
They rely on fuel that’s flammable and prone to the emission of harmful carbon dioxide. To prevent any fires or health hazards from developing, ensure that your gas heater is located in an open area with sufficient ventilation, far away from any flammable materials, and at a safe distance from combustible objects, such as towels, curtains, and furniture. And for safety reasons, replace old space heaters that don’t have an automatic shut-off to help prevent house fires.
Additionally, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and check your space heater regularly for damage or dust and dirt. Don't leave gas heaters running unattended.
Gas heaters tend to be more expensive than electric space heaters, typically ranging from $200 to $800. However, in some areas, propane is less expensive than electricity.
Various space heater types have their pros and cons. Here’s a look at which one wins in various categories.
Electric space heaters have a large variety of options. Small desk-size space heaters start at about $35, while room-size electric heaters are comparable to the price of baseboard and radiant heaters, at around $150.
Least expensive: Electric
Electric and radiant space heaters can move easily to the room you need them and take a regular outlet, making them ideal picks for portability. Baseboard heaters can be portable but require several feet of floor space. Gas heaters need distance and ventilation, limiting where you can place them.
Most portable: Electric or radiant
All space heaters should be kept free of dust and dirt and visually checked for signs of wear. Baseboard heaters are prone to dust and dirt buildup because of their location on the floor, while gas heaters need to be carefully cleaned with the propane or gas tank needing to be changed. In comparison, electric and radiant heaters just need to be kept clean, making them low maintenance.
Least maintenance: Electric or radiant
Use all space heaters with care and keep them away from combustible materials, like linens and papers. But gas heaters shouldn’t be left unattended at all.
Radiant heaters stay cool to the touch and are often equipped with shut-offs in case they get tipped over, while electric models might be cool to the touch and equipped with automatic shut-offs in case they’re knocked over. Check your model if these features are important to you.
Safest: Radiant
