Winter has arrived, and you may be looking for some cost-effective options to keep warm. That is why portable space heaters have become so popular over recent years. But do they actually work? And are they worth buying?
This handy guide will teach you everything you need to know about portable space heaters. By the end of it, you’ll know whether you should buy one for your home.
Table of Contents
What is a Portable Space Heater?
These heaters are exactly what they sound like – heaters that you can take from room to room. They’re ideal for people who don’t want to heat their whole home all the time. Just plug your heater into an outlet, and you’ll have fast heat in no time.
There are many different types of space heaters available on the market today. Some use electric coils to produce heat. Others use ceramic plates or oil-filled radiators. So you’ll have no shortage of options.
Pros of Space Heaters
Save You Money
Heating only the rooms you are using will save you money on your energy bills. Instead of heating your whole home, you’ll be using your central heater less. As a result, your heating bill will shrink every month.
Let’s say you work from home in a home office. You don’t need to heat your bedroom, living room, or bathrooms. Just heat your home office and any other rooms you spend a lot of time in. You can reduce your heating bills by 20-30% or more by using space heaters.
Super Convenient
Space heaters are very convenient to use. There’s no complicated setup or profession to call. You can take the heater out of the box and use it right away. Simply plug it into the wall and set your desired temperature.
Most space heaters feature digital controls. You’ll get a thermostat, remote control, and maybe even a programmable timer. That means it’s easy to keep your home at your preferred comfort level.
Great for Small Spaces
Got a small apartment or dorm room? Space heaters excel at heating small spaces. That is why students and apartment renters love them so much. They can take the chill off a cold room in just minutes.
If you have a small bedroom or home office that feels chilly. A space heater can keep you warm and toasty throughout the winter.
Portable and Versatile
As we mentioned before, these heaters are portable. You can pick up your heater and move it to wherever you need it. Need some heat in the bathroom in the morning? Move your heater from your bedroom.
NHS noted that this versatility means you can get by with just one space heater. Instead of needing multiple heaters around your home, you only need one. That means you save money and space.
Zone Heating Is Smart
With space heaters, you can do something called zone heating. Essentially, you’re only heating the rooms that you’re using. Instead of heating every room in your house all the time, you focus on certain rooms.
Imagine your family hangs out in the living room every night. You can just heat the living room. Your central heater can stay off, and you can all stay warm.
Cons of Space Heaters
Safety Issues
One downside of space heaters is that they can be dangerous. If used improperly, space heaters are responsible for thousands of fires every year in the U.S. alone. You have to be very careful when using one.
You should never leave a space heater on unattended. For that reason, many people don’t like using space heaters while they sleep. Also, you should keep your space heater away from curtains and furniture.
Raises Electricity Bill
While space heaters can save you money, they can also cost you money. If you have multiple space heaters running around your home. You could end up with a higher electricity bill each month.
Space heaters require a lot of energy to run. Leaving one on all day could cost you $50-100/month. That depends on your local electricity rates. Because of this, space heaters are meant for supplemental heating.
Not Ideal For Large Rooms
Space heaters are good for small to medium rooms. But if you try to heat a large living room with one. You’ll have cold spots all over the place. You’ll either need multiple space heaters or just use your central heater. That is why space heaters aren’t practical for larger homes.
Not Energy Efficient
Most space heaters convert electricity into heat. That makes them less efficient than your furnace or heat pump. If energy efficiency and your carbon footprint are your primary concerns. You’re probably better off without a space heater.
Space heaters also don’t distribute heat evenly like a furnace does. So, you could be warm next to the heater and cold across the room.
Can Be Noisy
Many space heaters operate with a noticeable noise. You may hear fans blowing, coils buzzing, and oil bubbling. If you’re easily bothered by noise or plan on using it while you sleep. It could annoy you.
That is why I always recommend testing out a heater before you buy it. That way, you can ensure you’ll be able to sleep with the noise.
Which One Should You Choose?
Like anything in life, there are pros and cons to using space heaters. On one hand, they can save you money and are very convenient to use. Not to mention they allow you to have more control over your heating costs.
On the other hand, space heaters can be unsafe and pose a fire hazard. If misused, they can waste energy and drive up your electricity bill.
So, should you buy one or not? Well, that depends on your situation. If you need to occasionally heat one or two rooms at a time. Space heaters are a great option. You’ll save money and stay comfortable all winter long.
But if you need to heat your whole house. You’re probably better off just using your central heater. Not to mention, if you want a long-term heating solution. Space heaters shouldn’t be your go-to solution.
FAQ’s
Regardless of what you choose, always use caution when using space heaters. Always use them on a flat surface away from objects. Don’t leave your space heater unattended either. Follow these tips, and you’ll have no problem.
1. Will a portable space heater heat up a room?
Definitely. Space heaters are ideal for smaller rooms such as bedrooms, home offices, dorm rooms, etc. However, they’re intended to heat people, not whole houses. They can quickly warm up a room and make a space feel more comfortable when the temperatures drop.
2. Will a space heater save me money on heating bills?
Possibly. Using space heaters to heat individual rooms rather than your whole home (sometimes called “zone heating”) can save you money. However, letting them run all day or using multiple ones at once can send your electricity bills soaring. Use them sparingly.
3. Are space heaters dangerous?
If used improperly, yes. Space heaters can pose a fire hazard if left unattended or placed too close to flammable items like curtains or bedding. Many newer models come with automatic shutoff features if tipped over or overheated, but you should still exercise caution when using one.
4. Why do space heaters buzz and hum so much?
Again, it depends on the type. Fans heaters are usually loudest since they blow air over heating elements. Oil-filled radiators and infrared heaters are quieter than fan heaters. If you plan on using it while sleeping or concentrating, consider testing one out before you buy it.
5. Are space heaters energy efficient?
Not compared to central heating systems. Space heaters simply convert electricity into heat, which is inherently inefficient. Furnaces and heat pumps spread heat more evenly throughout your home while using less energy. Try to look at space heaters as a temporary or supplemental source of heat instead of your primary.
6. Who should get a space heater?
Anyone who lives in a smaller space or spends most of their time in one room should consider one. Space heaters are perfect for home offices or providing a little extra warmth on cold days. They won’t be much help if you’re looking to heat an entire large home. A central heating system would be a better investment for that.