What is the difference between a space heater and a fan heater?

Author: Mrs. Savannah Gerhold  |  Last update: Thursday, September 11, 2025

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.

Is a fan heater the same as a space heater?

So a space heater warms a large area but to a lower temperature. A fan heater blows hotter but slower so warms a small area to a higher temperature.

Do space heaters make your electric bill go up?

If you use a space heater in your home, please be aware that using a space heater can cause a significant increase in your monthly bill. A 1,000-watt space heater operating 12 hours a day will add about $40 to your monthly bill. If the cost does not deter you, remember how important it is to use space heaters safely.

Which is better, a fan heater or a heater?

Fan heaters are therefore quicker if you just want to quickly warm up a small area, but convector heaters will result in a more comfortable evenly heated room.

What is the cheapest type of heater to run?

Conclusion. So, after looking at the different types of electric heaters available, due to its lower power-output, halogen heaters are the cheapest electric heaters to run. Shop our range of Halogen Heaters here .

Electric Heaters vs Oil-Filled Heaters [In-Depth Comparison]

Do fan heaters use a lot of electricity?

Electric fan heaters are very power intensive, consuming a lot of electricity even in a short space of heating time. Electricity prices are also on the rise, so you'll want to limit your usage of your electric fan heater only to when it's really necessary.

What kind of heater heats a room the best?

Radiant heaters are best if you want to heat an area very quickly. On the other hand, if you want to warm an entire room in your home, a convection heater is the better choice. If you're looking for a heater that can stand up to everyday use and abuse, combination heaters are tough to beat.

What are the cons of fan heaters?

Less Energy Efficient: Fan heaters need continuous power to keep producing heat, so they're not ideal for prolonged heating. Quick Temperature Drop: Once switched off, fan heaters cool down rapidly, so the room may lose warmth quickly.

Can fan heaters heat a room?

They can heat an enclosed space such as a room faster than a heater without a fan, but like any fan, create a degree of noise.

What runs your electric bill up the most?

What costs the most on your electric bill? Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.

How much does it cost to run a 1500 W heater for 24 hours?

Answer. To calculate the cost of running a 1500-watt heater for 24 hours in the US, you need to know the electricity cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). If the average cost is about 16 cents per kWh (as of early 2023), the heater uses 1.5 kW x 24 hours = 36 kWh. Therefore, the cost would be 36 kWh x 16 cents = 5,76.

Is it cheaper to turn up the heat or use a space heater?

Using a space heater can be a good way to boost the temperature in a small, drafty room—and it could be less expensive than cranking up your central heating system. But a space heater is economical only if you use it judiciously.

How long can you leave a fan heater on?

Can You Leave A Fan Heater On Overnight? How long can you leave a fan heater on? Electric heaters during winter account for around one-third of household appliance fires. As such, you should never leave your heater running overnight whilst you sleep.

What is better than a space heater?

Overall, central heating is usually more efficient and safe than relying on space heaters.

Does putting water in front of a fan heater work?

The heater's biggest side effect is that it makes the air too dry which makes even normal breathing uncomfortable. A dish with water is kept in front of a heater so that the evaporating water vapours could keep the air in the room moist/humid.

Which is better fan heater or heater?

Fan heaters provide quick warmth, efficiently heating up your space in no time. Oil-filled radiators (OFR) offer steady, long-lasting heat, perfect for maintaining a consistent, comfortable temperature. Infrared heaters deliver direct, energy-efficient warmth, targeting specific areas with precision.

Are oil-filled heaters cheap to run?

Oil filled radiators work in a very energy efficient manner, so can be considered cheap to run in comparison with many alternative designer radiator styles.

What are the side effects of a space heater?

Overusing the heater or using an oversized heater can result in elevated levels of carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide fumes in the air. These fumes can cause cold or flu-like symptoms, headaches, and eye, nose and throat irritation.

What is the safest heater to leave on all night?

What is the safest heater to leave on overnight? While it's not recommended to leave any space heater on if you're not monitoring it, oil-filled, radiant space heaters are considered safer than ceramic convection (hot air) types, according to Roberson. Both of these options are safer than open-coil heaters.

What type of heater uses the least electricity?

Oil-filled heaters can be very energy efficient, especially for long-term use. Once the oil is heated, these heaters can continue to provide warmth even after being turned off, using less electricity overall.

Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?

Space heaters can take anywhere from 750 watts to 3,000 watts to operate. Large space heaters take immense amounts of energy to run. However, those are most likely used only in commercial and industrial settings. The average residential space heater has two main heat settings, low and high.

What are the disadvantages of fan heaters?

Fan heaters and infrared heaters reduce the oxygen levels and humidity in the room which can cause dry eyes and nasal blockage over the long term. It is advisable to keep a bucket of water in the corner of the room or use a humidifier to prevent significant dehydration."

What is the cheapest way to heat a room?

What's the cheapest way to heat your home?
  • Gas boiler.
  • Gas boiler and solar thermal panels.
  • Oil boiler.
  • Electric combi boiler.
  • Air source heat pump.
  • Biomass boiler.
  • Infrared heating panels.
  • Wood burner.

Previous article
Can you turn a regular garden hose into a pressure washer?
Next article
What kills mold in HVAC ducts?