We’re so reliant on furnaces to provide climate control at home during the winter that it’s easy to forget there are other heating options. One of those options is space heaters.
Space heaters are highly effective at heating a specific area, and can help minimize the urge to bump the thermostat up a few degrees. They are also great for use in areas that aren’t climate controlled like the garage. But like any electrical device, space heaters use energy.
Which space heaters help you save electricity instead of increasing your utility bill? Let’s find out!
SPECIAL NOTE: It’s very important to use space heaters only as directed. Space heaters pose a serious fire hazard when used improperly. Never keep a space heater within three feet of anything combustible, and never put them in a child’s room.
What Makes a Space Heater Energy Efficient?
Before we break down which space heaters are the most energy efficient, let’s go over what goes into the determination. In other words, what makes a space heater energy efficient?
Most space heaters that are sold today are electric. They are both very efficient and very safe compared to other types of space heaters. The best indicator of energy efficiency is the amount of space the heater heats per watt, also known as the heating capacity. The rule of thumb is one square foot of heating per 10 watts. The average wattage for space heaters is 1,500 watts, which means 150 square feet of space can be heated.
Features are another factor. Some space heaters are equipped with energy saving features like auto on/off settings and an adjustable thermostat. Auto-off timers and tilt/tip sensors are features that save energy and improve safety. The more you can control the less energy the space heater will use. There are also smart space heaters that can be controlled remotely and programmed for maximum efficiency.
Lasko 754200 Ceramic Space Heater: Best Budget-Friendly Space Heater
It’s hard to believe that the Lasko 754200 Ceramic Space Heater is only around $33 given how well it heats small rooms. For nearly a decade it’s been a consumer favorite that has proven to be reliable. There aren’t a lot of features or frills, but for the price the Lasko 754200 is hard to beat.
If you want to heat a larger space that’s up to 300 square feet and prefer to have tip-over protection, the Lasko 5775 1,500-Watt Space Heater is a great option.
Dr Infrared 1,500-Watt Portable Space Heater: Best Infrared Space Heater
This model is considered by many to be the best space heater overall in terms of energy efficiency. Infrared space heaters heat up very quickly, cutting down on energy use. They also automatically shut off if people aren’t sensed in the room. The Dr Infrared 1,500-Watt Portable Space Heater offers even more with adjustable temperature from 50-85 degrees, three modes and a built-in humidifier.
Honeywell HeatBud Ceramic Space Heater: Best Desktop Space Heater
Space heaters come in all sizes, and the Honeywell Heatbud Ceramic Space Heater is one of the most energy efficient desktop models. One big advantage of the Honeywell Heatbud is that it’s quieter than most desktop space heaters and has 360-degree tip over protection in addition to two low-wattage settings for better temperature control.
Dyson Pure Heat + Cold: Best Smart Space Heater
Dyson is famous for smart home gadgets, and the Pure Heat + Cool HP01 Purifier Heater + Fan is the standout product for climate control. This smart space heater allows you to choose between long-range personal heating and whole room heating. It pairs with voice control systems like Alexa and can be controlled by remote. The one downside is the $500 price tag. At least you’ll be able to use this space heater year round since it doubles as a fan and air purifier.
Vornado VH200 – Best Ceramic Space Heater
Ceramic space heaters are known for being good at warming up an entire room. Vornado space heaters are no exception. The Vornado VH200 offers a great price for the performance, but the tradeoff is fewer features. Luckily, this space heater is very good at heating quickly and evenly. You can control energy use by choosing between three settings: low/750-watt, medium/1,125-watt and high/1,500-watt.
Feel better about running your electric space heater with a fixed rate energy plan from Major Energy. With fixed rate plans you’ll always know how much a space heater is adding to your utility bill.