Portable heaters can cause fires if they are placed too close to combustible materials, such as drapes, furniture or bedding, so make sure to place them at least three feet away from these materials.
The best way to prevent a fire is to never leave a space heater running in a room unattended—that way, if anything does go wrong, you can take action quickly. If you have kids or pets that could knock a heater over or drape fabric on it, keep a very close eye on its operation.
But they can also pose a safety risk—no matter where you use them. Portable space heaters are responsible for 1,700 house fires a year, on average, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fires started by portable space heaters result in about 80 deaths annually.
Generally, space heaters use 1,500 watts (W) of electricity, depending on the model. Most space heaters use about 15 amps, and connect to a 120 volt outlet. How much you run your space heater has the biggest impact on how much electricity it uses over time.
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.
While space heaters consume less energy than central heating systems, they are not as efficient if you are trying to heat up an entire floor of your home, for example. It is also important to consider how long you need to keep the space(s) warm.
The safest way to heat your home is to use a central heating system powered by electricity. Electrical heating systems are some of the most precise and safe heating systems you can use because of their power source. Gas-powered appliances have the potential to leak toxic carbon monoxide, which can be fatal over time.
Sealed combustion heaters are much safer to operate than other types of space heaters, and operate more efficiently because they do not draw in the heated air from the room and exhaust it to the outdoors. They are also less likely to backdraft and adversely affect indoor air quality.
If you plan to leave your heater on while you sleep, be sure to keep it far away from anything flammable, set the auto-off timer, and keep any pets or children out of the room you are using the heater in.
Convection heaters, such as oil column or panel heaters, are your best choice for a heater you're going to leave on all night – their gentle convection heating is conducive to an easy night's sleep, and they don't get as hot as other types of heaters so they're safer to touch (they compensate for this with the larger ...
While most modern space heaters can safely run for 10+ hours, you'll still want to check the documentation that came with your space heater. Space heaters feature a variety of safety mechanisms that cause the unit to shut down when it gets too hot or if it tips over.
They can be a great option to keep you warm, but they're not always the most sensible choice. Space heaters generally run on electricity, which can reduce heating cost if you're only using one. However, if you're using space heaters in several areas of your home, you could be wasting money, instead of saving it.
Don't set your space heater on top of a dresser, table, or other piece of furniture. An accidental bump or a curious cat could knock the heater to the floor, leading to a burn injury or a fire hazard. Space heaters belong on the floor.
Infrared heaters provide radiant heat from their hot surface and heat objects directly, including the occupants of a room. If you need quiet, an infrared heater will be better than a ceramic heater that works with a fan. It's also a better choice for a poorly insulated room.
Radiative space heaters are among the best options for indoor heating. You can also use this type of heater outdoors as well. Infrared and fireplace heaters, even patio heaters can fall under this category. The reason radiative heaters are popular is because they eliminate the need for insulation.
Combustion heaters are a great option for heating your home without power. Combustion heaters are indoor heaters that don't require electricity, utilizing propane instead of electricity. If you need heat without electricity or gas, kerosene radiant heaters should have everything you need.
The Eco Experts. Updated on 22 March 2023. ✔ A gas boiler is the cheapest way to heat your home. ✔ But electric combi boilers will take top spot in the next decade. ✔ Ground source heat pumps are the most expensive heating system.
Electric heaters work best when they heat up a confined space, such as the area around a desk or a reading chair. Take a look around your room and decide where your heater will be most useful. It may also help to choose an area that can be closed off by doors, so you can better trap in the heat.
If an entire family is home and in multiple rooms in the house, central heat will be the most efficient way to keep everyone comfortable. However, a single person at home all day can turn down the central heat and use a space heater for one room at a time, such as a home office.
Space heaters do use less energy as compared to using central heat. However, they are not as efficient as space heaters. As such, having a space heater in every room in the home and turning them all on at the same will only cost you more, not less. When you purchased your heater is also a factor.
An electric space heater is small but uses a lot of energy! A 1,500-watt heater running for eight hours each night for a month can add about $43 to your electric bill. Running multiple space heaters can run up your energy costs. Specific, sparing use.