Space heating consumes a lot of energy. In fact, for most Americans, it takes up approximately 42 percent of our utility bills.
Solutions are necessary, both to save your hard-earned cash and our declining environment. One way to cut your utility bills without having to freeze is by investing in the right high-efficiency space heaters.
Today, we’re reviewing the most energy efficient space heater, plus six alternatives. In a few minutes, you’ll know exactly what to look for and why this investment is worth your while.
Our top choice for the most efficient space heater is the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace.
Our Picks for Most Energy Efficient Heaters
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2024-04-20 at 03:09
Reviews of the Most Energy Efficient Space Heaters
1. Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace — Best Overall
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2024-04-20 at 05:31
The 3D infrared electric fireplace from Duraflame is a high-efficiency heater designed to resemble a fully-functioning stove.
This is a 5200 BTU infrared heater, working to provide supplemental zone heating with a range of up to 1000 square feet.
A great feature is the infrared quartz heat that helps to preserve natural humidity in the indoor air. This keeps the space comfortable without the risk of dry eyes and skin.
The 3D flame effect technology included creates a dancing flame both on and behind logs. You can adjust the color, brightness and speed according to your mood.
Included is also a thermostat and remote control.
Pros
- Long-range heater—up to 1000 square feet.
- Utilizes infrared quartz heating, which preserves humidity.
- Realistic-looking fireplace effects, like 3D flames, which are adjustable.
- Thermostat, allowing you to set your temperature.
- Remote control included.
Cons
- Not much difference between the different temperatures.
- The top gets hot.
2. Lasko 751320 Ceramic Tower Space Heater — Best Ceramic Space Heater
No products found.
For small to medium-sized rooms, we recommend the Lasko Ceramic Tower space heater. This is an easy-to-use, energy efficient unit with several good-to-have features.
For starters, it includes a self-regulating ceramic heating element and oscillation power, pushing hot air throughout the room. Thanks to the automatic adjustments, you’re not wasting energy heating up a space that has already reached the perfect temperature.
Another excellent feature is the easy-to-read color-coded LED display and controls sitting at the top. Using the panel, you can set the built-in timer, ranging from one to seven hours.
The ceramic tower also includes several safety features, like automatic overheat protection and cool-to-touch technology. Lastly, Lasko also provides a remote, allowing you to adjust the timer, heat, temperature and power.
Pros
- Includes a self-regulating ceramic heating element.
- Features an oscillation setting.
- Easy-to-use LED display and control panel.
- Color-coded lights, indicating the approximate temperature.
- Built-in timer.
- Automatic overheat protection.
- Cool-to-touch, making it easy to move.
- Remote control included.
Cons
- Not as durable as hoped—contains plastic parts that may melt after hard use.
- Temperature settings are in 5-degree increments, which somewhat limits your choices.
3. LifeSmart 6 Element Infrared Heater — Most Compact
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2024-04-20 at 05:31
The infrared heater from LifeSmart is a compact yet powerful unit that can fit in almost any corner of your home. This option provides a safe, healthy heater that is highly efficient for large rooms.
The heater features six infrared quartz elements that are all warrantied for one year. LifeSmart includes three energy-saving settings—one is an Eco Setting that works well with smaller areas using only 500 watts.
The unit is quite stylish, designed to assemble a simple metal cabinet that’s fully cool to the touch. At the bottom, it includes E Z Glide casters, making it effortless to move from room-to-room.
Included is a remote control, but there’s also a control panel on the unit where you can adjust the settings. Lastly, there’s a dual timer, which you can set up to 12 hours in advance to either turn the unit on or off.
Pros
- Compact unit.
- Powerful quartz heating elements.
- Three energy-saving settings.
- Stylish design.
- Glide casters, making it easy to move.
- Includes a control panel and remote control.
- Dual timer.
- One-year warranty on the heating elements.
Cons
- Isn’t as durable as hoped.
- Doesn’t do well in open spaces.
4. Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater — Best Budget Pick
No products found.
For our budget pick, we chose the ceramic portable space heater from Lasko. This is a small unit, ideal for use in compact areas of your home.
This portable heater includes three quiet settings, such as high, low and fan-only, which work together with an adjustable thermostat. With the thermostat, you can choose between 11 temperature settings by turning the easy-to-use dial.
For safety reasons, Lasko includes overheating protection, preventing the unit from overheating if left for long periods. It also allows the body to remain cool to the touch.
Another fantastic feature is the convenient carry handle, allowing you to bring the unit with you. Lasko states that it’s sufficient for 300 square feet.
Pros
- Small, highly portable unit.
- Offers three quiet settings.
- Provides 11 temperature settings.
- Very user-friendly.
- Includes overheating protection.
- Convenient carry handle.
Cons
- Not for medium to large rooms.
- Lacks in durability.
- No tilt shut-off feature.
5. Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater — Multi-Use Heater
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2024-04-20 at 03:09
If you’re looking for something you can use year-round, we suggest this option from Dyson. This is a hot and cool jet focus fan, suitable to heat or cool down a room.
Dyson includes its patented air multiplier technology that efficiently projects either heat or cool air into the room. It features an intelligent thermostat, which monitors the temperature to maintain your selected settings. This also minimizes energy waste by not overcooling or heating the room.
The fan doesn’t have any exposed heating elements or spinning blades, suggesting it’s safe around pets and kids. Also, should the unit tip over, it automatically shuts off.
Pros
- You can use it for cooling and heating.
- Features air multiplier technology.
- Includes an intelligent thermostat, minimizing wasted energy.
- No exposed heating elements or spinning blades.
- Safety features included.
- Comes with a remote control.
Cons
- The fan function is rather weak—may not work in large rooms.
- Can’t operate without the remote.
- Quite loud on the highest setting.
6. De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater — Best Panel Heater
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2024-04-20 at 03:09
The De’Longhi micathermic panel heater packs a whopping 1500 watts of power, sufficient for a medium-sized room. What we like about this unit is its sleek look—it won’t become the room’s eyesore.
This energy efficient space heater offers an adjustable thermostat with several heat settings, allowing you to customize the temperature. Another excellent detail is how quiet it is—there’s no loud spinning fan keeping you up at night.
The unit is also portable—it’s very light and compact—including a convenient carry handle and wheels. If you don’t want it on the floor, De’Longhi gives you the option to mount it on the wall. Just ensure the material isn’t flammable.
To prevent fire hazards, the unit offers overheating protection and tilt shut-off safety features. It will sound an alarm should it fall over to alert you.
Pros
- Sleek and subtle design.
- Adjustable thermostat with multiple settings.
- Easy-to-use dials.
- Quiet operation.
- Highly portable, featuring a handle and wheels.
- Can be wall-mounted.
- Several safety features, including a tip-over alarm.
Cons
- Not sufficient in large rooms.
- Can’t operate on high settings for long before overheating.
- Includes some plastic parts that are less durable.
7. Tenergy PTC Ceramic Heater — Best Energy Efficient Portable Heater
No products found.
If you’re looking for a compact heater for the office, we suggest the ceramic heater from Tenergy. This is a small yet powerful portable energy-efficient heater designed to generate heat fast and evenly.
The electric space heater consists of a 15-degree fan tilt that directs air towards you or your preferred area. You can control the settings by switching between fan only/low heat or high heat. Additionally, there’s a built-in adjustable thermostat, enabling you to set your desired temperature.
A great feature is the ceramic heating element, which is super fast at generating heat, saving you energy. Then the fan distributes the hot air throughout the room.
The heater comes with added safety features, including an automatic shut-off feature to prevent overheating. And lastly, it comes with a two-year warranty and an ETL certification.
Pros
- A small heater that’s highly portable.
- Powerful and generates heat fast.
- Includes an adjustable fan with a tilt feature.
- Several temperature settings.
- Offers several safety features.
- A two-year warranty is included.
Cons
- Not as durable as others.
- Only works in small spaces.
- Quite loud.
Types of Most Economical Space Heaters
Ceramic Heating Elements
Ceramic space heaters are generally more energy efficient and safer than traditional units. They’re also among the most popular devices, thanks to their relatively reasonable prices.
They work by heating an internal ceramic element using electricity. Then a fan or oscillator distributes the heat throughout the room.
Ceramic space heaters work fast and efficiently. They’re able to heat up in no time compared to the usual coil heaters. An excellent example of this type is the No products found..
This type of space heater is available in various sizes and designs. Still, they’re usually not suitable for large, open spaces and perform better in areas around 200 to 300 square feet. The best way to use a ceramic space heater is by directing it where it’s needed.
Infrared Technology
Infrared space heaters are a little different. You may recall from science class that human eyes can’t see infrared waves? This type of heater utilizes these invisible waves to heat light-absorbing surfaces in the room.
This unique distribution usually means that the heat won’t rise to the ceiling like with traditional electric heaters, minimizing energy waste.
These space heaters are also ideal if you suffer from sensitive skin. Infrared heaters don’t draw as much moisture from the air as other units, making them kinder to the skin. A prime example of this type is the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace.
Micathermic Technology
Micathemic technology is still quite foreign. It’s somewhat like a hybrid combining two heating methods. These units are capable of heating the indoor air while radiating infrared waves to warm up surfaces.
Micathermic space heaters are among the most energy efficient appliances. They waste little energy, using an electrical resistor, thus maintaining an almost 100 percent efficiency of the heating process.
In addition to this, it radiates heat quite well thanks to a silicate mineral containing optimal heat transfer properties.
It also radiates heat very well using a silicate mineral, which has excellent heat transfer properties. A micathermic space heater worth considering is the De'Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater.
Space Heater Safety Tips
Portable space heaters are convenient to have in your home or office for additional warmth. However, they pose a significant electric shock or fire hazard when not used properly.
In the US, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of fires. It’s been estimated that around 65,000 home fires every year are due to improper heating equipment. It can occur due to various factors, such as inadequate safety features or using an incorrect plug.
We’ve gathered some tips below for you to follow:
- Read instructions: Even if this isn’t your first rodeo with a space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never leave it unattended: It doesn’t take a long time for a hot heater to cause a fire. Whenever it’s on, remain close by, especially if there are kids or pets nearby. Turn it off when you’re sleeping.
- Only use as supplemental heating: Space heaters aren’t made to be your primary source of heat. Avoid using it for other purposes, as well, such as drying clothes, heating food and warming bedding, among others.
- Be mindful of its placement: Keep it at least 3 feet away from anything flammable. This includes couches, bedding and curtains. Place it on a flat surface and never on a cabinet, carpet, table or other furniture.
- Always plug the heater directly into the wall: Extension cords or power strips can easily catch fire when overused. And avoid plugging any other appliance or device into the same outlet as the heater.
Choosing the Most Energy Efficient Space Heater
Match Power With Room Size
The first step in choosing an energy-saving space heater that works best for your home is matching the power output with the room size. It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t—plus, you don’t have to be 100 percent accurate.
All you do is:
- Measure the length and width of the room. Multiply the results to see how many square feet the place is.
- Then, multiply the result by 10 to get the approximate number of watts needed to heat the space.
Doing this ensures that the heater you choose has a sufficient power output to heat the room efficiently.
Prioritize Safety Features
Safety features can help prevent fires and other potential hazards. Most modern space heaters include a few, such as tilt shut-off, overheating protection and cool surfaces.
Some space heaters have an alarm, alerting you if it’s fallen over or shutting the unit off in case of a malfunction.
A great feature is an automatic shut-off function that turns the heater off after it’s been on for too long. This can both save electricity and your home in case someone forgot to shut it off.
Consider a Thermostat
The most energy efficient room heaters will include a thermostat. This feature will monitor the room temperature and adjust the heater accordingly.
A thermostat can help you save a lot on heating.
Some models turn off the heater once the room reaches the set temperature. A few will even turn it back on when needed. This minimizes wasted energy since the heater won’t use power heating a room that’s already comfortable.
Sadly, not all space heaters have a thermostat. If not, you can easily purchase an external one, just make sure it’s compatible.
Timers Are Helpful Too
A timer allows you to set specific times that the heater should be on or off. This means that you won’t waste energy when you’re out.
Timers are generally a standard feature on many modern, or quality, space heaters. However, keep in mind that you should avoid running the heater while you’re away from home.
More Heat Settings Equals Higher Efficiency
Multiple heat settings help you pick a temperature just right for your needs. This, in turn, allows you to run your heater in a much more energy efficient way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Space Heaters Make Your Electric Bill Go Up?
Because space heaters run on electricity, they will add to your electricity bill. That said, if you use it efficiently, it won’t be as noticeable.
Which Type of Heater Is Cheapest to Run?
It depends on a few things. However, generally speaking, infrared space heaters are, on average, cheaper to run.
Is a Space Heater More Energy Efficient?
It depends on how you use it. If you’re only looking to increase the heat in a room or two, a space heater is more energy efficient than central heating.
Final Thoughts
Heating our homes takes up a significant chunk of our utility bills. Investing in the most energy efficient space heaters to complement central heating is one way to reduce this.
Our top choice today is the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace. It’s an infrared space heater, designed as a fireplace with a 3D dancing flame. It’s sufficient for up to 1000 square feet and includes a thermostat.
For the runner up, we have the No products found.. It comes with a self-regulating heating element and a built-in timer.
