The 7 Best Energy-Efficient Space Heaters to Combat Cold Rooms
Updated: Feb. 08, 2023If you have a drafty home, are always cold or just want to add some supplemental heat, there's an energy-efficient space heater fit for the job.
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When the temperatures drop, sometimes your furnace just doesn’t cut it. No matter your room size, an energy-efficient space heater is a smart way to warm up a cold space and help cut down on those high winter heating bills. Plus, today’s models are often much safer than those you may remember from decades ago.
These are some of the best energy-efficient space heaters on the market that will surely succeed at keeping you toasty and warm inside when the cold air is working overtime outside.
Best Overall
Vornado MVH Vortex Heater
Introducing our top pick: the Vornado MVH Vortex Heater. It not only has three heat settings, an adjustable thermostat and an auto safety shutoff function, but this portable heater won’t make you feel like there’s a furnace pointed right at you. It uses vortex air circulation—similar to that of a forced air furnace—to warm up rooms on a smaller scale. It works best to heat up bedrooms, home offices and living rooms.
Pros
- Has three heat settings
- Features a unique airflow pattern
- Includes automatic shutoff for safety
Cons
- Not meant for large spaces
Best Budget
Aikoper Space Heater
For a budget-friendly option, consider the Aikoper convection space heater. It has multiple heat settings, distributing heat evenly to a small living room, bedroom or home office. Plus, it has a compact design and is lightweight, making it an easy-to-move energy-efficient space heater. It also has a built-in fan option, so you can distribute the heat where you need it most.
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- Produces low noise levels
- Fan-only option can be used in the summer
- Automatically turns off if overheats or gets knocked over
Cons
- Not meant for large spaces
Best for Large Spaces
Dr. Infrared Space Heater
If you need to add heat to a bigger room, the Dr. Infrared space heater heats spaces up to 1,000 square feet. It has an electronic thermostat that ranges from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be controlled via remote control. This model uses infrared heat, and has a 12-hour timer that automatically shuts this energy-efficient space heater off.
Pros
- Covers spaces up to 1,000 square feet
- Has a remote control and timer
- Features wheels to move around
Cons
- Pricer than other models
- Bulky
Best Wall-Mounted
Heat Storm Wall Mounted Space Heater
If you’re short on floor space, this Heat Storm 1,500-watt space heater is a convenient option for bedrooms and living rooms up to 300 square feet. This infrared heater, complete with a remote control, is safe to the touch, so it’s ideal for homes with small children and pets. There’s no installation required, and it features a digital display. If you don’t have a wall to hang it on, this energy-efficient space heater can also be used on the floor. Find out which is the safest space heater.
Pros
- Can be mounted or placed on the floor
- No installation required
- Available in white and gray colors
Cons
- Pricer than other models
- Not meant for large spaces
Best for Ambiance
Style Selections Fireplace Space Heater
Add warmth and ambiance to a room with the Style Selections infrared space heater, which mimics the look of many electric fireplaces. This infrared model throws out 5,200 British Thermal Units (BTUs) to heat up to 1,000 square feet, making large rooms feel more comfortable when the temperatures drop. This energy-efficient space heater features a 3D realistic flame effect, which can be used with or without heat, and has five adjustable brightness settings. It can be controlled with the included remote, and has a programmable shutoff and digital thermostat readout.
Pros
- Doubles as a fireplace
- Covers up to 1,000 square feet
- Produces low noise levels
Cons
- Doesn’t have a tip-over safety switch
Best for Style
Isiler Portable Space Heater
Add style and warmth to your space with the Isiler portable space heater. This ceramic model comes in four colors to match your room’s decor, and works best in small spaces, such as a bedroom or playroom. The heater has a self-regulating element and automatic overheating protection for safety, as well as an easy-to-use temperature control dial. It weighs under 3 pounds and offers a powerful heat output for its small size.
Pros
- Available in gray, yellow, green and pink colors
- Includes a handle for portability
- Has overheating protection and tip-over function
Cons
- Not meant for large spaces
Best for Outdoor Use
Mr. Heater Propane Radiant Space Heater
For those looking to take the chill out of their workshop or garage—or warm up an outdoor party this winter—the Mr. Heater portable space heater will get the job done in even the coldest of conditions. This energy-efficient space heater gives off up to 9,000 BTUs, and heats spaces up to 225 square feet. It is safe to use indoors as well, and automatically shuts off if tipped over, if the pilot light goes out or it detects low oxygen levels.
Pros
- Heavy-duty design meant for the outdoors
- Runs up to 5.4 hours on low and 2.4 on high
- Features low-oxygen safety shutoff system
Cons
- Propane tank not included
- Should use a carbon monoxide detector when using
What to Consider When Buying an Energy-Efficient Space Heater
When looking for an energy-efficient space heater, you’ll need to consider the space you’ll be heating. Some portable heaters work best in small rooms while others are better suited to heat large ones. Also, look at additional features, such as whether it’s programmable or controlled via remote, and safety functions, such as automatic shutoff and how hot it gets during use.
Consider the space heater’s BTU, which tells you how much energy a heater uses to warm up a room, and watt ratings. The higher the BTUs, the better equipped the heater will be to bring the heat to larger spaces.
Watts measure the rate of energy transfer. In simpler terms, how much you run the space heater determines how much electricity it uses over time. When determining what space heater to choose for your space, on average you’ll need about 10 watts for every square foot of floor space. So a 1,200 watt space heater will cover about 120 square feet.
Types of Energy-Efficient Space Heaters
There are four main types of energy-efficient space heaters:
- Ceramic space heaters: These work when electricity passes through coils, allowing the ceramic plates to heat up.
- Infrared space heaters: Infrared options warm a room by emitting electromagnetic waves that heat up physical objects in the room, such as the floor, furniture and you.
- Fan space heaters: These use a metal coil that heats up and transfers warmth to the space via a fan. Keep in mind that these can be noisy compared to other models.
- Radiant space heaters: With radiant options, they convert energy to heat via the use of an oil. If you’re looking to heat an area, like a garage, at a slow and steady rate, consider this type.
How We Found the Best Energy-Efficient Space Heater
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FAQ
What type of space heater is most energy efficient?
Infrared space heaters are largely considered to be the most energy efficient. These heaters don’t lose heat to air movement and heat up a space extremely fast.
Is it cheaper to turn up the thermostat or use a space heater?
It depends. If you’re looking to warm up your entire home, turning up the thermostat and using your central heating source is the most efficient. However, if you’re just looking to warm up a smaller space, such as a bedroom, playroom or home office, a space heater is the way to go since it’s only heating the room in use.
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