Space heaters are a popular choice for large areas where the main heating source isn’t powerful enough to do the job, or to help offset the cost of heating. They do an efficient job heating an area in a portable and targeted manner.
But according to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters have contributed to 2 out of 5 home heating fires in the United States. This might sound like a scary statistic, but with the proper research and upkeep of your portable space heater, space heaters can be safely and competently used.
The aim of this article is to help you choose the right space heater for your needs and the space that you have.
Are Space Heaters Strong Enough for Large Rooms?
Yes, many space heaters are built to safely heat large areas like living rooms, dens and multi-purpose rooms. Space heaters can make a great addition to your home furnace and can help you save money on your energy bills as well. In larger areas, like warehouses and large community rooms, several space heaters working together might be able to get the job done.
To figure out what space heater is best suited to your own situation, read our important considerations below to determine your needs. We have done a lot of research and taken many factors into consideration when choosing the space heaters provided in this article, and we are confident that you will find one suitable to the room you are looking to keep toasty warm.
Quick Guide – Our Top Picks
Best Mounted Fireplace
This recessed fireplace is highly rated, vent free and suitable for heating very large rooms.
Best Electric Heater for Large Rooms
This powerful space heater offers up to 5200 BTU’s and can heat large indoor areas up to 1000 sq.ft.
Best Gas Heater
This powerful space heater offers up to 30000 BTU’s and can heat large indoor areas up to 1000 sq.ft.
5 Important Considerations Before Buying Heaters For Larger Spaces
Size & Shape Of The Area
The first thing to consider when purchasing a space heater for a large room is the size and the shape of the room. Measure the length of your room by the width of your room to discover the square footage of the room. For example, 12 ft X 15 ft = 180 square feet.
Make sure there is a proper location for the heater that will allow the heat to reach every corner of the room. If the room is open to other rooms (no doorway) you will also need to consider any heat that will be lost through that transition.
How High Are The Ceilings?
Ceiling height is another important consideration, because it will be much easier to heat a room with standard 8ft ceilings than a living room with 20ft vaulted ceilings, creating a lot of extra space.
If your room has a high ceiling, consider using a ceiling fan on the “clockwise” setting to help push warm air back down into the room and evenly distribute.
Another consideration with high ceilings is that because it will take longer to heat the room, you should make sure the heat is put somewhere where you can be comfortable while feeling it directly.
Does The Room Get Drafty?
Cool air creeping into your home is a very common that many homeowners face. As windows and doors age and the home “settles,” it becomes easier for cold air to sneak in. And if cold air is coming in, chances are your heat is also escaping out.
Your best bet with drafty rooms is to address where the cold air is coming from and resolve the issue completely, but sometimes older homes just continue to be cold. If this is the case for your home, consider using a space heater with an oscillating fan to keep the heat moving.
Are The Walls Well Insulated?
Space heaters that are meant for indoor use will often function better within rooms that are well insulated. In general, well insulated rooms will heat up faster and stay warmer longer than say, your garage. That doesn’t mean you can’t use your space heater in your garage, but you might want to consider one with more power for that purpose.
Radiator heaters, for example, take quite awhile to warm up to the desired temperature, and if your room is not fully insulated then you may never get to enjoy the full benefits of the lasting heat they provide.
Consider The Energy Efficiency
Today in the United States, a lot of home appliances have what is called an Energy Star Energy Efficiency Rating. This number tells you on average how much the unit costs to run and how efficient it is in general.
The EPA does not currently have Energy Star ratings on home space heaters, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t or won’t save you money on your heating expenses in the long-term. Using a space heater as supplemental heat will allow you to lower the thermostats of your furnace throughout the rest of the house and save you money.
Heaters for Large Rooms Compared
Other Considerations When Purchasing Indoor Room Heaters
Size (Wattage or BTU’s)
Watts are how we measure the flow of energy in electrical appliances, so most of the space heaters we look at in this article are measured in watts. When you look at your utility bill you will see the term kWh, meaning kilowatts. Kilo means one thousand, so if you used your 1,500-watt space heater for one hour, you are using 1,500/1000= 1.5 kWh per hour. Your bill will help you see the local cost for this amount of use, so you can easily estimate future costs.
BTUs, on the other hand, are British Thermal Units, and are often used to describe gas-powered appliances. This helpful resource will help you determine how much money your space heater will cost with regular use. You simply put find the type of fuel you are using and how much the fuel costs and match it to the BTUs your unit has.
Thermostat Options
Space heaters come with a variety of different thermostat options, so if you’re picky about how accurate your indoor temperature is you will want to pay close attention to each model’s thermostat. In general, there are three different types of thermostats for space heaters:
- Different levels – Some have two settings (low, high), some have three (low, medium, high). Each of the levels is predetermined within the unit and you will have to play with each to see which suits you best.
- Sliding adjustment – This works like a dimmer would on a light, and the unit offers a variety of temperatures as you adjust the dial between low and high. This kind is great for adjusting the temperature in small increments.
- Digital thermostat – These models have a built-in thermostat that allows to adjust the temperature to your desired temperature.
Safety Features
It’s important to check the safety features of a space heater before purchasing it, especially if the heater will be used around children or pets. Some of the safety features we look at in this article include: a tip-over auto-off function, cool touch exteriors, oxygen sensors, safe-plugs, built-in overheating shut-offs, and timers that will turn off the product after a specified amount of time.
It is recommended that space heaters are only used when you will be in the room to supervise its functionality, but safety features provide an extra precaution against malfunctions or misuse. It’s also important to follow the user guide to your product completely and keep your space heater away from curtains or other flammable materials.
Portability
How easily a space heater can be moved around might be another consideration you’d like to make before purchasing. Many of the space heaters that we look at in this article are easily manueverable and weigh under twenty pounds, making them ideal for carrying from room to room. Some models even have a built-in carrying handle.
Some space heaters, however, will be heavier and more difficult to move without assistance, especially the oil-filled radiator heaters. And obviously some space heaters will call for wall mounting and a gas hook-up, in which it will be important to decide on ideal placement before installation.
Noise Levels
Noise levels are often measured in dBa, a measurement of decibels. Typically, the higher the dBa, the louder the product is, and this will be a standard measurement on things like vacuum cleaners. Space heaters are, in general, quiet appliances that should not interrupt other devices that you are using (like a television), so products are not advertised with their dBa.
Design & Features
Once you decide on how big the space for heating is and how much power you need in a space heater, you will still be met with many designs of space heaters and additional features. Some space heaters look like what you would typically expect, but in today’s day and age there is also a wide variety of designer heaters that will complement the décor or any home, and not look like a space heater at all!
Our favorite is this Duraflame model that is built to look like an antique wood-burning stove (reviewed below). Additional features include remote controls, manual timers, oscillating fans and hidden controls.
Warranty
All of the space heaters that we have reviewed in this article come with some sort of warranty from the manufacturer, and the standard amount of length is one year from the date of purchase. After purchasing your space heater, make sure to read the warranty information carefully so that you will be completely covered during the allotted time.
Warranties are made to cover any malfunctioning you may experience with the space heater when using it exactly as the directions describe. If you are misusing the product (have failed to clean the filters, have used an extension cord when it says to put directly into wall, etc.) the warranty may not cover your issue. Many manufacturers require that you pay to ship the old product back to them before receiving a replacement.
12 Best Space Heaters For Large Rooms Reviewed
We have tested and reviewed the top space heating options for larger spaces. Below you can find out why these are our choices by reading our independent guides or watching our shorter youtube version.
1. Duraflame DFI-5010 3D Electric Fireplace Stove
Best Heater for Large Rooms
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 1,000 square feet |
| Wattage | 1,500 Watts / 5,200 BTU |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Warranty |
This Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove looks like an antique wood-burning fireplace. It’s aesthetically pleasing and unlike most space heaters, will add to your décor because it’s such a nice piece. Its 3D “flame effect” make it look like a real fire (and you can use this function with or without the heat!), and the power behind this model will keep you toasty warm.
Looks aside, this Duraflame model comes in first place for our best space heater for a large room. It can heat up to 1,000 square feet! It’s probably ideal for heating a room that is between 500 and 750 square feet, but that extra power will make a huge difference in large drafty rooms with high ceilings like many modern living rooms.
My favorite feature is that the digital thermostat and knobs are hidden by the fireplace door. From a distance your friends will really think you have an old wood-burning fireplace. With the door open you can easily change the settings with the included remote control, which means less getting up from your Netflix show and more staying cozy on the couch.
Duraflame has used a new, “Safer Plug” method on this model that will turn off all functionality if the plug reaches a certain temperature. I also appreciate that it is a cool-touch model, meaning that it’s safe to use around children and pets without too much worry.
Pros
- Heats up to 1,000 square feet
- Great for rooms with high ceilings
- Will add style to any room
- Remote controlled
- Ambient, dancing flames that can be adjusted and used with or without heating element
Cons
- Door must be open for remote control to work
- Short cord, will need to be placed right next to electrical outlet
2. Duraflame 5HM8000-O142 Oscillating Tower
No products found.
Best for 500 Square Feet
| Room Heating Size (Max) | Up to 1,000 sq ft |
| Wattage | 1,500 Watts / 5,200 BTUs |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 3 Year limited |
The Duraflame 5HM8000-O142 is a portable electric infrared quartz oscillating tower heater. With its oak cabinet surround, this portable heater looks more like a stylish side table for your living space than a heater. The cabinet remains stationary while the heater fans oscillate, so you can even set your newspaper and a drink on top while this heater sits next to your chair.
Infrared heaters are an excellent choice for people who are worried about their skin drying out or having dry air. That’s because this type of heat source allows the room to maintain its natural humidity levels.
Even though this Duraflame model is rated for up to 1,000 square feet, we think that this infrared tower heater is best for 500 square feet for maximum output. It’s a great addition to any living space because you can also use this device for year-round comfort. The two-speed fan can be used without heat to create a cool breeze in the warmer months.
The LED panel is both easy to see and use, and the thermostat can be set anywhere between 62F and 82F to control ambient temperature. To quickly heat an area, you can simply set it to “Continuously ON.” There are 10 helpful timer settings that range between 30 minutes and 9 hours for your convenience, too. A remote control is included, but unfortunately, it can only control On/Off functionality and you will need to use the LED panel for specific temperature changes or timers.
If light oak is not your style, Amazon also offers this heater with either a dark oak or cherry wood finish.
Pros
- Stylish option to match home decor
- Oscillating fan
- 3 year manufacturer warranty
- Several timer settings
- Different finishes available
Cons
- Remote doesn’t control temperature range
3. Touchstone Sideline 50”
Best Looking Heater for Large Rooms
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 400 sq ft |
| Wattage | 1,500 Watts / 5,000 BTUs |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Warranty |
We are loving the Touchstone Sideline Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace. It is such a modern contemporary heater and the best heater for extra large rooms like your master bedroom or family den. Your guests will have no idea that this isn’t a fixture built into your home, but an easy-to-install electric panel heater. As the product is 59 lbs, you will likely want a person or two to help you secure the panel into place.
If you’re not ready to make a permanent recess in your wall, the unit has several eyelet hooks that can be used for wall mounting so that you can get a better idea of the look. I wouldn’t recommend this as a permanent solution, though.
A truly impressive feature of this space heater is its authentic-looking flames that can be set to five different brightness settings, creating an ambiance for any mood you’d like to set. There are two heat settings (high and low), but you can also run the fireplace without heat, just for that ambient glow. An adjustable timer allows you to set the unit to turn off automatically after a range of 30 minutes to 7.5 hours.
We reviewed the 50″ black version of this recessed electric fireplace, but when you shop on Amazon, you can choose between 12 different sizes and styles, ranging from 28″ all the way up to 100″ and with different finishes.
The manufacturer offers a one year warranty with this electric panel heater, but you also have the option to extend this warranty by one or two years for a nominal fee.
Pros
- Several sizes and finishes available
- Fast customer service
- “Flames” can be used with or without heat
- Contemporary look
Cons
- Not the quietest product
4. TURBRO Suburbs TS25
Best Value Heater for Living Rooms
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 1,000 sq ft |
| Wattage | 4,777 BTUs |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Warranty |
The Turbro Suburbs TS25 is an electric freestanding fireplace that is best for heating living rooms. Not only will you have a functional space heater, but you will also have the ambiance of a vintage stove to keep you cozy throughout the day or night. This model is rated for up to 1,000 square feet of radiant heat.
Like other popular indoor fireplace heaters, this Turbro model comes with adjustable “flames.” You can adjust the brightness and use them with or without heat. That’s right – you can have the look of a piping fire in the middle of summer without any heat.
A digital control panel allows you to adjust the temperature from 62-82F, and a remote control lets you make these adjustments without getting up from the couch. Previous models required that you open the door and adjust manually, so this upgrade is definitely worth the few extra dollars.
On the Turbro website, customer Corbett remarks on the company’s customer service, saying, “The remote that came with the unit want working so I contacted the support team and they rushed out a replacement. Really fantastic customer service.”
Parents will love that this entire unit stays cool to the touch and is not easily tipped over. If it does tip or that the internal temperature gets too hot, the heater will automatically turn off.
The company offers a 1 year warranty on their fireplace products, but you will need to take a couple moments to register your product in order to apply the warranty.
We have reviewed a smaller version of this Turbro model in this article.
Pros
- Instant heat
- Flame function works with or without heat
- Remote control included
- Adds a design element to any room
- Cool-to-touch structure
Cons
- Expensive to run
- Must register product for warranty
5. Lasko 6405 Designer Oscillating Heater
Best Heater for 300 sq.ft. Room
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 1,000 square feet (max) – 300 more appropriate |
| Wattage | 1,500 Watts / 5,200 BTU |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 3 Year Limited Warranty |
This oscillating ceramic space heater by Lasko looks more like a decor element than a heater with its sturdy pedestal and vase-like design and would make a great addition to any large living area that needs a little extra boost in heat. I love that it has a neutral color that will fit into any home, and that it looks like a heavy-duty structure but weighs just over seven pounds.
The controls on this model are crystal-clear and located right on top, making it easy to use. I love the oscillating fan function because it seems to help distribute heat more evenly throughout the room.
One thing that is a little misleading about this product is that the pictures fail to show the power cord. This is an electric unit that has a 6-foot power cord. It’s not unsightly, but you won’t be able to put it in the middle of a room like some of the pictures might suggest.
We brand states it can heat up to 1000 square feet but in reality, we found it suitable for much smaller spaces. For this reason, we believe it is the best oscillating space heater and the best heater for 300 square feet rooms.
For more option on heaters for small rooms, head to our review, “Best Small Room Heaters“.
Pros
- Great Design that will blend with any home décor
- Comes equipped with 7-hour auto-timer so you don’t have to worry about leaving it running too long
- Cool touch exterior is safe for use around children and pets
- Very quiet
Cons
- Does not have an auto-off feature if the heater is tipped over
- Does not come with a remote control
6. Dyna-Glo WK24BK
Best Convection Heater for Large Rooms
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 1,000 sq ft |
| Wattage | 23,000 BTU |
| Power Source | Kerosene |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Limited |
The best convection heater for large rooms of up to 1,000 square feet is the Dyna-Glo WK24BK. This is our favorite choice for backup heat during a power outage or to take along to an unheated cabin because it requires zero electricity. This Dyna-Glo model runs entirely on kerosene (and batteries for ignition). A built-in fuel tank with a 1.9 gallon capacity is easy to lift out for refueling, and each full tank will provide 8-12 hours of run time.
Kerosene may not be as readily available and affordable as propane, but especially in emergencies, there is no better option. Kerosene will burn strongly and provide you with an intense amount of heat, making this Dyna-Glo model up to 99.9% efficient and will heat up your large space in no time.
A reviewer on Lowe’s says, “I live in a 1000 SQF house. This heater warms up the house in 2 hrs. It increased the house temp by 6-8 degrees. My family feels warmer with this heater than our own central heating system.”
What we really appreciate about this convection space heater is that it is incredibly easy to use. There is an automatic push-button ignition on the side and a simple one-touch shutoff as well. And while there isn’t a child lock to disable these features should little hands come exploring, you can rest assured knowing that the heater has a safety grille, cool-top design, and will also automatically turn off if it is tipped over.
Style may not be as important as quick and efficient heating, but this model also comes in white if that better suits your preferences.
Pros
- Heats up to 1,000 sq ft
- One touch on/off
- Safety features including auto shutoff
- Runs full 8-12 hours
- 99.9% energy efficient
Cons
- Expensive
- Needs to be refilled
7. PELONIS Oil Filled Radiator Heater
No products found.
Best Oil Filled Heater for Large Rooms
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 150 Square Feet |
| Wattage | Three Options: 600 W / 900 W / 1,500 W |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Warranty |
I love that this PELONIS Electric Radiator looks like a radiator that you would see in an old house or building, but that it still has the very modern features of a digital panel on the front. Because the oil takes awhile to heat up and start radiating heat to an area, this PELONIS model is probably best suited to a room 150 square feet or less or used as supplementing heating to your home furnace.
To see additional heaters that are good for apartment complexes, check our “Best Space Heater for Apartments” guide.
I would not recommend this one for use in an uninsulated room as it will take too long for you to enjoy the benefits. Once it gets going though you will be pleased with how toasty warm your room is.
As far as safety features go, being that the unit is filled with oil it weighs just about twenty pounds and would be pretty difficult to knock over, but if you did the unit would turn off automatically. However, if you have children you should be aware that this unit becomes very hot to the touch because of the oil heated inside. This is an expected feature, but little fingers would not be happy to learn this the hard way.
Pros
- Keeps room a consistent temperature
- Can be manually programmed on a timer
- Comes with remote control
- Stylish unit resembling old-time radiator
Cons
- Unit becomes hot to touch
- Takes awhile to heat up
8. Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 Vent Free
Best Gas Heater for Large Rooms
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 1,000 Square Feet |
| Wattage | 30,000 BTU / hour |
| Power Source | Propane or Natural Gas |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Warranty |
Gas heaters are a great option for supplemental heating, because they can always be used as an emergency backup if your power goes out. This ventless space heater by Dyna-Glo would even be a great choice for heating a cabin that isn’t hooked up to electricity at all.
Ventless gas heaters are still pretty new to the market, as until recently gas heaters had to have a separate built-in exhaust to the outside. While these ventless options are considered safe, they are not legal everywhere yet (like the state of California).
One thing that should be noted about this Dyna-Glo heater is that it will take a bit of setup, preferably by a licensed technician, before you’re able to use the unit. The model is meant to be mounted to the wall and hooked up to an outdoor, 100-pound propane tank. If you have a natural gas line, you can also hook it up to this. Once your heater is properly installed though, you will be pleased with the lasting heat!
Do take note that there are also wall mounted electric heaters as an alternative source of heat.
Pros
- Easily heats up to 1,000 square feet
- Can be used with propane or natural gas
- Push-button ignition
Cons
- No built-in thermostat – choose between low, medium and high
9. Cadet 05532 Baseboard Zone Heater
Best Baseboard Heater for Large Rooms
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 100 Square Feet |
| Wattage | 750 Watts |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Warranty |
Baseboard heaters are often overlooked as consumers shop for space heaters, but when used as supplemental heat in conjunction with a furnace, or used separately in smaller rooms, they can provide a great deal of heat. This Cadet baseboard heater is a great choice because it will release heat into the room right where you need it at floor level. Many people choose to use baseboard heaters in smaller areas like bathrooms for additional heat.
I like the design of this unit. When installed properly at baseboard level you will hardly know that its there, and for under $50 it is one of the most affordable supplemental heating sources on the market.
The only consideration you’ll need to be aware of before purchasing this baseboard unit is that it does not come with a thermostat. You will need to hire an electrician to hardwire the unit within your home with a thermostat for proper use.
Pros
- Slim design for easy room placement
- Affordable
- Manufactured in the United States
Cons
- Does not come with thermostat
- Requires professional installation
10. De’Longhi Mica HMP1500 Thermic Panel Heater
Best Micathermic Panel Heater for Large Areas
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 300 square feet |
| Wattage | 1,500 Watts |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Warranty |
DeLonghi is a company known for their nearly silent space heaters, and this Mica Panel Heater is no exception. The unit is so slim and so hot (literally) that it will easily fit in any room for a reliable heat source. I personally can’t get over how much heat this model puts off for a model that is just about as wide as a flat-screen television. For a closed-off room of about 300 square feet, this space heater will give you plenty of warmth, and larger rooms could easily use two of these units on opposite sides, as they are so quiet you won’t be able to tell if they are on or not!
The only general complaint with this DeLonghi space heater is that it requires several hours of “off-gassing” before use. This basically means plugging it in outside or in an open garage where it can run for a couple of hours and burn off the chemical smell from manufacturing. If you skip this very important step during set-up, you’ll be sorry!
Pros
- Silent heater won’t disrupt the flow of your home
- Slim design that easily wall-mounts
- Several heating options
Cons
- Requires off-gassing process before use
- Hot to touch
11. Homegear Infrared Space Heater
Best Small Space Heater for Large Rooms
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 1,500 Square Feet |
| Wattage | Max 1500 W |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$ |
| Warranty | Yes- 1 Year Warranty |
You might think that this Homegear Space Heater looks more like an industrial model, and you’d be right! This unit is only 22 pounds (which is still pretty solid for a portable space heater) but it will give you industrial-strength heat and has the power to heat up to 1,500 square feet! I highly recommend this Homegear model for extra-large living areas or living areas that are open to other rooms in your home.
One of the best features about this model is that the controls are all LED backlit. If you’re like me and like to watch television under blankets and in the dark, you’ll easily be able to see all the controls without having to turn on additional lights. Surprisingly, not many space heaters offer this feature! I also love that it comes with a very simple remote control.
Pros
- Heats up to 1,500 square feet
- Easily portable unit can be moved as needed
- Cool to the touch – safe for children and pets
- One of the most affordable models on the market
Cons
- Doesn’t have handles for moving
- Functions best in only well insulated rooms
12. Heat Storm HS-1500-IMO
Best Supplemental Space Heater
| Room Heating Size (Max) | 1,000 Square Feet |
| Wattage | 1,500 Watts / 750 Watts |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Price Range | $$ |
| Warranty | Yes – 1 Year Warranty |
I am a big fan of some of the Heat Storm outdoor heaters, and this little indoor guy also does a great job of supplemental heating. Used in addition to your home furnace, this space heater can help with heating up to 1,000 square feet. On its own you would only want it in a small room of 100-200 square feet, but it will still do a decent job.
When I first saw this Heat Storm unit, I immediately thought that it resembled a toaster, which is fitting because it will keep you toasty warm! I love that its only 11 pounds and can be easily moved with the carrying handle right on top.
The unit runs great on 1,500 watts but can also function at 750 watts in its “Energy Efficient Mode.” This is a great option for smaller rooms or for more targeted heating (like directly on your feet in an office).
While on the topic on efficiency, our guide, “Most Efficient Heating Systems” can also assist you on looking for models that are energy efficient and suits your need.
Pros
- Small, portable design great for moving from room to room
- Built-in handle
- Energy Efficient Mode
- Remote Control included
Cons
- Only meant for use as supplemental heating
How Do Space Heaters Work?
Space heaters are portable devices that are used to heat a smaller area within a home, like a living room or office space. Space heaters come in two main types – electric or fuel-powered (propane, natural gas, or kerosene).
Electric models work with what is called Joule heating, which is when an electric current travels over a conductor and produces heat. Many electric space heaters will also use a built-in fan to help distribute the heat more evenly in your space.
Propane and gas heaters are a popular back-up heating source choice, because they can be run even when your electricity is out. Gas heaters used to have to be fully vented to the outdoors to avoid breathing in carbon monoxide exhaust, but newly to the market are ventless gas space heaters that do not have an air exchange.
You can learn more about how these ventless options are safe from this article from Hunker. However, this option is illegal in the state of California and some smaller jurisdictions, so you may want to check and see if they are suitable for your location before purchase.
Types Of Indoor Heaters Explained
Ceramic
The term ceramic heater is often misleading because people are expecting a space heater that is made from mostly ceramic, which just isn’t true.
Most ceramic space heaters are made from either metal or plastic. The ceramic part is the inside part that heats up when electricity is transferred to it from aluminium fins inside the element. A fan is then used to push the hot air over the ceramic plate out into the room for you to enjoy.
Ceramic heaters are newer to the space heater world, and they are a popular choice because they usually provide heat faster than other models. They are also quite affordable to purchase and to run, making them a great choice for heating large rooms.
Fan & Forced
The term “forced air” is used to describe the action of a space heater pushing air over a hot heating element to create warmth in the surrounding area. Ceramic heaters are a type of forced air heater, yes, but typically when a product is advertised as forced air they are talking about a more industrial-strength wind than you would expect for your average indoor heating unit.
These forced air units are almost always run on a combustible type fuel (propane, natural gas or kerosene) and are best suited for well ventilated areas, like an outdoor workspace or an open garage. It is not recommended that you use one of these units within your house, as not only would it be a fire hazard but a breathing hazard as well.
Radiant & Infrared
Sometimes they are called radiant and other times they are called infrared, but the two terms are really one in the same and these space heaters should be described as radiant infrared heaters. They are electric heaters and work by heating either an electric coil or quartz tube. The heat is then transferred out to the consumer as IR, or infrared radiation. It might sound like a dangerous term, but the heat is not!
What you will feel will be a lot like the heat that you feel from the sun when it is shining directly on you. These units heat up very fast and are often hot to the touch on the outside. You will feel the most benefits from these heaters if you are sitting nearby them, but they will also do a great job warming a large room.
Micathermic and Oil Filled
Micathermic heaters and oil filled heaters are both known for their nearly silent operations. Unlike space heaters that are designed to give you quick and hot heat, these units take quite a bit longer to heat larger spaces. They are still recommended for large rooms though, because once they reach their optimal temperatures, they are great at keeping it consistent for long periods of time.
Micathermal heaters are usually thinner panel heaters that can be wall mounted. The electricity works in them by filling super thin sheets of mica, which is actually a type of stone. Oil filled heaters do not run on the oil inside of them, rather electricity heats the oil and then pushes the resulting heat out into the room. Oil filled heaters never burn off any oil, so you will never need to worry about replacing it.
Power Sources for Interior Heating
Electric
Electric space heaters are by and far the most popular type of space heaters for use indoors. The main reason is because electricity is so readily available and affordable to run. Electric space heaters work by transferring electricity to a heating element (like ceramic, coils or aluminium fins described above) and then pushing the resulting heat out into a room.
All of the indoor electric space heaters that we looked at in this article plug in to a standard outlet, making them easy and portable. It’s important to note though, that these space heaters are not meant to run off of an extension cord. Doing so could result in damaging the product or damaging your circuit!
Gas-Powered
There are three types of combustible fuels that run space heaters: propane, natural gas, and kerosene. Sometimes a space heater will be able to run on multiple fuels, so it will be up to preference.
Propane
Propane is the type of fuel that you would typically buy for your gas-powered grill. It’s a by-product of oil refining and natural gas, and it is stored in tanks in a liquid form. It’s American made and affordable, which makes it a popular choice for use in homes all over the US for heating and cooking.
When looking specifically at indoor space heaters that use propane heat, these units are almost always wall mounted (or on the floor next to the wall) because they will need to be hooked up to a 100+ pound tank of propane outside.
Why such large tanks? Anything smaller would make the vaporization process of the unit happen too quickly to keep up with the fuel. Propane can be used when the electricity is out, making it a great option for heating large rooms.
Natural Gas
If your home is connected to a natural gas line, you may be able to hook-up your gas-powered space heater directly to your gas line instead of using a propane tank (which needs refilling from time to time).
Natural gas is, as its name implies, a natural resource, and therefore it is a great choice for use as a heating fuel for your large room. Natural gas is often cheaper than propane, but you will have to take into consideration the cost of professional hook-up if you decide to go this route.
Kerosene
Kerosene is a liquid fuel that comes from petroleum. Many homes that were built in the late 1800s or early 1900s in the United States had homes that had kerosene lamps and lighting.
It’s not as popular today because even though it is less costly than natural gas or propane, it does not burn as cleanly (meaning its worse for the environment) and it is harder to find. Its fumes can be very harmful to your health, so even though there are several indoor kerosene heaters on the market today, we see them as the least attractive option.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How do you measure your room size correctly?
To find the square footage of a room, simply measure the length of the room and width of the room and multiply the two numbers together. For example, 16ft X 13ft = 208 square feet.
Are space heaters safe?
When used according to their instructions and routinely cleaned, a properly tended space heater is safe to use in your home.
Problems will always occur from time to time. It can be that the space heater keeps shutting off, or it may be that the heater keeps tripping the breaker. Either way, these issues sometimes can be avoided by maintaining your space heater regularly.
Can you leave them on all night?
Most contemporary space heaters have built-in features that help to make sure that they don’t overheat and can be used for longer periods of time. However, it is still recommended that you never sleep with a space heater running for your own safety.
How much electricity does a space heater use?
According to Consumer Reports, the average space heater costs about $2.82 to run for about 16 hours per day, which makes frequent use quite affordable. To see exactly how much it would cost you to run a 1500W space heater, follow these instructions provided by Consumer Reports below:
- Multiply 1500W by the number of hours in use. This is figure A.
- Multiply figure A by your electric rate per kilowatt hour. (You might need to check your electricity bill for this figure.) The sum is figure B.
- Divide figure B by 1,000 for your average cost.
Can space heaters save you money?
The short answer is yes. Using a space heater in a large, frequently used room like a family room will allow you to run your main heating source at a cooler temperature in the rest of the house. It will also help you be more energy efficient because you won’t be wasting resources heating rooms that are not in use.
What is the most energy efficient space heater on our list?
We highly recommend this Duraflame model for heating even your largest spaces for a fraction of what an entire home furnace would cost.
Conclusion
Space heaters are a great addition to the home heating that you already have and using them supplementally can help you save money and be more energy efficient. This article aims to help you find the best space heater for your large space. Our favorite is the Duraflame DFI-5010-01 Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove, as it is the highest rated indoor space heater and it looks as stylish while it functions like a pro.
Image via: homelectrical
