An electric heater is a broad category of appliances that convert electricity into heat, while a fan heater is a specific type of electric heater that uses a motorized fan to actively blow the warmed air into the room.
A space heater uses a lot less energy – and costs a lot less to use – than central heating. It's also important to note that none of these types are much more energy-efficient than the others. However, fan heaters heat up and cool down more quickly with the added advantage that they blow the heat to where it is needed.
Broadly, heat pumps are the most efficient form of heating. They can be more expensive than a furnace, especially if you purchase a geothermal heat pump. However, geothermal heat pumps are one of the cleanest heating options on the market. A geothermal heat pump can produce 1/6th the CO2 of a natural gas furnace.
Disadvantages of Fan Heaters:
As you may be aware, fan heaters work by warming the heating element and using a fan to expel hot air throughout a space, warming a room in the process. Fan heaters and other types of electric heaters are typically easy to move and take up minimal space, making them ideal for students or apartment living.
Because they do not use standard grid electricity or conventional electric and gas furnaces, the Amish heat their homes using off-grid, self-reliant methods. The most common systems include wood- or coal-burning stoves, propane and kerosene heaters, and natural airflow home designs.
For a bedroom, the safest space heaters feature no glowing elements and include automatic shut-off and tip-over protection. Oil-filled radiators (like those by De'Longhi) and modern ceramic convection heaters with cool-touch housing (such as the Dreo Solaris) are generally considered the safest options for overnight use.
If you need to dry clothes in the same room as your heater or open fire, ensure they are placed well away from the heat to reduce the risk of a fire starting. Don't leave your heater unattended whilst in use or while you are asleep.
Best Room Heaters for Good Health
Dehydration: Dry indoor air may lead to excessive water loss from the body, resulting in dehydration. Allergies and irritation: Dust particles or allergens circulated by heaters, especially fan-based models, can trigger allergies or worsen respiratory conditions.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
Natural gas is usually the cheapest way. Even with higher gas prices, a heating system fueled by natural gas is typically less than electricity, propane, or heating oil. Energy efficiency is another way to assess the cost of a heating system. An energy-efficient heating system saves you money on your heating bill.
No, 72°F is generally considered the ideal, standard room temperature for most homes. However, how it feels depends on the season and personal preference:
Convection Heaters
They produce hot air that rises to the ceiling and pushes cooler air to the floor, causing circulation of air in the room. These heaters are either baseboard heaters or water- or oil-filled heaters. Water- and oil-filled heaters are by far the most efficient, and they are generally warm to the touch.
Slower Heating: Some electric heaters may take longer to heat up a space compared to other heating systems. Limited Power: Electric heaters may struggle to heat larger areas or maintain consistent temperatures in very cold conditions.
Ceramic heaters and traditional fan heaters both use an internal fan to blow warm air into a room. However, ceramic heaters use self-regulating ceramic plates that make them safer, more energy-efficient, and better at maintaining a steady temperature. Standard fan heaters heat up faster initially but cool down instantly when switched off.
The best room heater depends on your space and heating needs. The Dreo Solaris Slim H3 is the best overall for fast, quiet heating. For energy efficiency, the Envi Smart Wall Heater is top-tier. If you want budget-friendly performance, the Amazon Basics Ceramic Heater is ideal.
Consumer Reports tests space heaters primarily on room heating ability, spot heating, and strict fire and safety criteria, such as overheat protection and tipping tests. Highly rated models often cost around $75 to $100 and feature auto-climate control and tip-over shut-offs.
17 Simple Ways to Heat a Room Without Electricity
The safest heaters to leave on overnight are permanently installed electric baseboard heaters or portable oil-filled radiant heaters. Because the heating element is fully enclosed and submerged in oil, these models do not get red-hot, lack exposed coils, and are much less likely to ignite nearby bedding or curtains.
On particularly chilly days, then having your heater on for a 2-3 hours in the room you are in can be a relatively efficient way to use your electric heater, especially if it's a model that reduced it's power consumption when the desired temperature is reached.
Fan heaters
Take care not to drop small items into these heaters, as they can land on the heating coil and potentially set on fire. It's especially important to supervise animals and children around fan heaters for this reason. Just like halogen heaters, keep fan heaters well away from flammable materials.
Seal drafts, insulate windows, and reposition your bed to reduce heat loss. Use warmer bedding, rugs, socks, and smart airflow (like reversing ceiling fans) to stay cozy. Add targeted heat with space heaters, electric bedding, or hot water bottles instead of raising the thermostat.
Running a 1500-watt (1.5 kW) heater for 24 hours consumes 36 kWh of electricity. Nationwide, this typically costs between $𝟑.𝟔𝟎 and $𝟖.𝟔𝟒 per day, depending on your local energy rates and how often the heater's thermostat cycles the heating element on and off.
Non-electric indoor heaters—such as vent-free propane, kerosene, or catalytic heaters—provide reliable warmth during power outages. Options like the DuraHeat Convection Kerosene Heater and Mr. Heater Propane Heaters are highly efficient, though they require adequate ventilation and safety features like Oxygen Depletion Sensors.