To maximize the efficiency of a space heater, it is important to place it where air can circulate freely. Avoid placing it in corners, behind furniture, or under curtains. Safety: Space heaters should always be placed on a level, stable surface, away from flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, and furniture.
Heaters are best placed under windows. If you do not have the space for panel heaters, you can also choose wall strip panel heaters, which are lower and longer variants. By placing heaters under the windows, you heat up cold air descending from the window glass, and avoid cold draughts along the floor.
The CPSC calls it the “3-foot rule,” and it's pretty simple: Avoid placing a space heater within 3 feet of anything flammable. Some manuals list curtains, papers, furniture, pillows, and bedding as objects to stay away from.
Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away. Lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day can reduce your annual heating expenses by as much as 10 percent.
While there are occupants in the house, it is advised for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 and 72 degrees to promote maximum comfort. A pleasant temperature for everyone in the house, regardless of the apparel they are wearing, is between 68 and 72 degrees, which is neither too warm nor too cool.
Typically, we find unit heaters mounted about 8′–10′ off the floor in a room with 14′–26′ (or higher) ceilings. In most of these cases the heater is a horizontal flow heater mounted so that the air is basically blowing horizontally, or at best at a 10–15 degree angle.
A space heater should be kept at least three feet away from walls, furniture, or any flammable objects. This distance allows proper airflow, reduces overheating risks, and ensures safety. Avoid placing the heater near curtains, bedding, or other materials that can catch fire easily.
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.
Never leave any space heater on while unattended by a responsible adult. Leaving an electric or propane space heater on overnight is especially risky. If you're uncomfortably cold at night, we recommend adjusting your thermostat.
Q: Where is the heater located in a house? A: If you have a furnace, it is typically located centrally in the home. Areas to check could be a utility closet, garage, attic or basement. If you have a heat pump, it would be located outside of the home.
An estimated 25% of all heat loss occurs through the attic or roof of a home. Cracks or holes in an attic, along with improperly placed vents, allow for significant amounts of heat loss through the attic space. In addition, improper ventilation in attics leads to even more heat escaping.
This is because the heat in the room is easily lost through the thin glass which creates a cold area close to the window surface. By placing a radiator directly underneath the window, hot air is produced and released, which then rises to hit the cold air from the window.
Ceramic heaters, when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, can be safely left on while you sleep. However, you'll need to make sure the heater is placed on a flat, stable surface, free from obstructions around it. Additionally, never cover the heater while in use.
Set your thermostat
You can save money by having a programmable thermostat. Keep the internal temperature of your heating set to between 18°C and 20°C. Every degree you increase your heating can add up to 10% on your energy use. Set your thermostat to warm your house for times you need it.
Recommended thermostat settings are a matter of what feels right to you and your family. Generally speaking, the best temperature to set the thermostat in winter is between 68 and 72 degrees. But when you are away from home, you can get away with keeping your home between 62 and 66 degrees.
Example (you can use an electric heater running cost calculator below for different wattages/kWh prices): If we assume the price of electricity is $0.1319 per kWh, a 1,500-watt electric space heater will cost; $0.20 to run per hour. $4.80 to run per 24 hours (day). $11.20 to run per week (8h/day).
If you have a modern gas or oil central heating system and a well-insulated home, you should use it to keep your whole home at a comfortable temperature rather than just one room.
If someone is at home in the daytime, 72° F (22° C) is a good start, but aim for 68° F (20° C). If everyone is away from home in the daytime or you're asleep at night, we feel 66° F (19° C) to 62° F (17° C) is best.
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.
On a carpet, rug or flammable surface
Space heaters can't sit on any surface that can easily scorch or catch on fire. That means you can never place one on a carpet or rug. You should also avoid using them on more delicate hardwoods or meltable vinyl, especially for long periods.
To use a room heater safely, always place it on a flat, stable surface away from flammable materials. Keep it at least three feet from furniture, curtains, and other objects. Never leave it unattended, especially when sleeping or leaving the room. Plug it directly into a wall outlet.
Most furnaces are installed in the center of your home, either in a special utility closet or downstairs in the basement.
We recommend the following as the best thermostat settings: For warmer times, set your thermostat at 78° F during daytime. Set it to 86° F if you leave the house. For cooler times, set your thermostat to 68° F while you're at home and awake.
A well-known way to position heaters is under windows. If you do not have the space for panel heaters, you can also choose wall strip panel heaters, which are lower and longer versions. By placing heaters under the windows, you heat up cold air descending from the window glass, and avoid cold draughts along the floor.