Best Picks for Energy Efficient and Portable Space Heaters

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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 hours on high
• Features low-oxygen safety shutoff system

Cons

• Propane tank not included
• Should use a carbon monoxide detector when running

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 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 using 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.

What to Consider When Buying an Energy-Efficient Space Heater

When looking for an energy-efficient space heater, you’ll need to consider the size of the space you’ll be heating. Some portable heaters work best in small rooms, while others are better suited to warm large areas. Look for additional features, such as whether it’s programmable or controlled via remote. Also, check for safety functions, such as automatic shutoff and tip-over protection, as well as how hot it gets during use or if there’s a cool-touch exterior.

Consider the space heater’s BTU, which tells you how much energy a heater uses to warm up a room. The higher the BTUs, the better equipped the heater will be to bring the heat to larger spaces.

Also look at watt ratings, which 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 covers about 120 square feet.

Why You Should Trust Us

I lived through a major home renovation in 2019 so I know the ups and downs of home improvement projects. I’m a veteran journalist of both print and television with experience covering everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden products. In addition to Family Handyman, I’ve contributed to various publications including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent; and have won several writing awards.

For this article, we also got advice from Brad Roberson, the president of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company that provides HVAC services to residential and commercial clients. Aire Serv is a trusted name in the field of heating and air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair; and Robertson has almost 20 years of experience.

How We Found the Best Energy-Efficient Space Heater

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.

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 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.

What are the benefits of an energy-efficient space heater?

According to Roberson, energy-efficient space heaters are a cost-effective and convenient solution for supplemental heating. “The primary advantage of owning an energy-efficient space heater is its ability to heat specific areas, allowing users to avoid heating the entire home, which reduces overall energy consumption,” he says.

Are they budget-friendly to run in your home?

Energy-efficient space heaters can be budget-friendly for targeted heating needs in specific areas of a home, says Roberson. However, he adds, it’s important to note that an HVAC system is generally more efficient in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures throughout the entire house. “Space heaters are best used as supplemental sources of warmth in areas where centralized heating may not be necessary, providing flexibility and cost savings in specific situations,” he explains. “However, for overall heating needs, a well-maintained and efficient HVAC system remains the primary and more comprehensive solution.”