The Different Types of Space Heaters and How They Work Posted on November 22, 2017 Sometimes, whole-house or office heating just isn’t enough to beat the cold. If you’ve found yourself shivering at home or in the office, you’ve probably considered getting a space heater. Space heaters can be a convenient option for small spaces or rooms that require supplemental heating. These compact heaters are available in both gas and electric models. In this blog post, we explore what space heaters are, the different types and models, and situations for which a space heater is appropriate. What are Space Heaters? As the name suggests, a space heater is a heating device used to provide heat for a given space, usually a single room or a medium-sized open area. Space heaters are distinct from other types of heaters in that: They are usually self-contained and require no ducts. They are designed to service a small space or single room. Space heater capacities typically range between 4,000 to 40,000 BTUs. What are the Different Types of Space Heaters? Space heaters come in various heating designs. While many may only think of small electric plug-in heaters when they think of space heaters, we will focus on the safer and more permanent solutions for a cold space. Portable Fan Heater Portable Fan Heaters – Also known as blow heaters, they are the least expensive but also the least efficient. They work by using a fan to pass air over a heat source, dispersing the heated air throughout the room. In essence, they are electric fans with a heating element. Ventless Gas Heater Ventless Gas Heaters – Available in blue flame and infrared models, these heaters connect to a natural gas or propane line and can provide heat in various spaces. Much more powerful than portable electric heaters, they are great choices for areas that always need supplemental heat. They are available with or without blowers. Wall Mounted Electric Heaters Wall Mounted Electric Heaters – While a portable fan heater can be a good choice for occasional heating needs, a wall-mounted electric heater serves as a reliable solution that can be used consistently without safety concerns like tipping. Several types are available, including cove heaters for installation higher on the wall, baseboard heaters for installation near the floor, and wall heaters for main wall areas. These heaters can be used for supplemental or primary heat. How Do Space Heaters Work? There are three heating methods that space heaters use to warm up a room: Convection Convection – This involves heating the air itself and distributing it around the room. This is how fan and ceramic heaters work. Conduction Conduction – This involves heating nearby objects to transfer heat throughout the room. The oil heater transfers heat this way by warming up the oil, which then heats the unit, warming nearby objects. For example, a blue flame space heater works by heating the air in a room. When the heater turns on, it starts by heating the wall where it is installed, eventually warming the room from the floor to the ceiling. Radiation Radiation – This is when heat is directly transferred to objects and people around the room. This is usually the fastest form of heating to be felt and is used by infrared heaters. Are Space Heaters a Viable Heating Option? Yes! Space heaters work well as a supplemental heat source for homes and offices. This does not mean that you should rely on space heaters as a primary heat source; however, if you have a particularly drafty room in your home or part of your office building, a space heater will effectively keep that area warm. The heat productivity and cost efficiency of your space heater depend entirely on how you use it. If you’re only wanting to supplement heat in one room or small area, the benefits of a space heater are well worth it. However, if your whole-house or business heating isn’t cutting it and you’ve got one in every room, the space heater efficiency drops significantly. Where Can I Use Space Heaters? As Supplemental Heat Space heaters are designed to be a supplemental heat source. For this purpose, any type of space heater – whether gas, electric, or kerosene – will work well. If you need supplemental heat for employees in your place of business, infrared heaters or smaller, more compact electric heaters are excellent options. For Single-Room Heating Space heaters also work great for heating only the space you’re currently occupying. This is ideal if you want to leave the thermostat turned down to limit whole-house heat costs or if someone else prefers the house a little colder. This isn’t much more expensive if you limit space heater use to when you’re physically present in the room. Wearing layers can also help keep your heating needs lower. Choosing the right-sized space heater will greatly help your cost-to-heat ratio. If you only need to heat a small area when you’re occupying it, a small infrared or portable electric heater is your best bet. If you need supplemental heat in an entire room, a gas or medium-sized electric heater makes the most sense. Where Should I NOT Use Space Heaters? As a Sole Heat Source Space heaters are not designed to be your only source of heat. Continuously running one as the sole heat source can be costly. Whether you’re using an electric model that creates higher power costs or a kerosene or gas model that can be dangerous in unventilated areas, space heaters are impractical as a complete heat source. When It’s Not Enough If you notice that you’re using a space heater and still running your whole-house heat at full capacity, consider a different method. If it’s too chilly to turn down your thermostat and only supplementing with a space heater, a mini-split heat pump system or another alternative like a wall unit may be a better option. How to Choose a Space Heater Power Source: Space heaters can be powered by electricity, propane, natural gas, and kerosene. Electric heaters typically have the lowest BTU. Gas-powered heaters have higher heating capacity for larger spaces but require appropriate safeguards such as ventilation for safety. Heating Type: Consider the space and your budget. For small spaces and limited budgets, a fan heater may be adequate for heating the space or acting as a supplemental heat source in the winter. For larger spaces, a ventless gas heater can efficiently warm the area quickly. If you have a bigger budget, a more permanent electric solution like a baseboard heater with a hardwired power source and a thermostat may be the best choice. Choose the Right Size: Most heater manufacturers provide a sizing table indicating the size of the room a particular heater can accommodate. Buying an oversized heater can result in energy waste and unnecessary utility costs, while an undersized heater could lead to inadequate heating and cold indoor temperatures. For the most accurate calculation, have a local HVAC contractor perform a manual J heat loss calculation. UL Label: New electric space heater models come with current safety features. Check if the heater has the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. Thermostatic Control: A thermostatically controlled heater monitors the room temperature and scales back the unit’s operation once the desired temperature level is reached. This avoids energy wastage and makes the heater more cost-efficient. Tip-Over Safety: A space heater with a tip-over safety feature automatically shuts off the unit if it gets knocked down or tipped over, minimizing the risk of fire. Our Recommended Space Heaters for 2023 We carry several types of space heaters at Total Home Supply: ventless blue flame heaters, ventless infrared heaters (also known as radiant heaters), electric cove heaters, electric baseboard heaters, and electric wall heaters. Ventless Blue Flame Heaters Vent-free blue flame heaters use natural gas or liquid propane as a fuel source and work by heating the air in the room. Because these types of heaters heat the air in a room (as opposed to the objects in the room), blue flame heaters are best used in insulated spaces. Additionally, the heater’s flames offer a nice ambiance to make you feel extra cozy. Our picks: Empire Comfort Systems Blue Flame Vent Free Gas Heater Empire Comfort Systems Blue Flame Vent Free Gas Heater The BF-30 is equipped with a hydraulic thermostat and modulates from 8,500 BTUs to 30,000 BTUs for continuous temperature control. With a modulating hydraulic thermostat, once the preset comfort level is reached, the unit cycles the main burner flame from HI to LO and, when the thermostat is satisfied, to OFF while still leaving the pilot on. This reduces the large flame to a smaller flame while still emitting heat. Available in Natural Gas BF-30WN and Liquid Propane BF30WL. Vent-free Infrared/Radiant Heaters Infrared heaters, also known as radiant heaters, also use either natural gas or liquid propane as a fuel source. The difference between these heaters and blue flame heaters is the type of heat they produce. Infrared heaters produce radiant heat, which is the same type of heat generated by the sun or a burning fire. This type of heat directly warms the objects in the room rather than the air itself, meaning you’ll feel the warmth almost immediately. Our picks: Empire Comfort Systems SR-18TW Vent-Free Infrared/Radiant Gas Heater Empire Comfort Systems SR-18TW Vent-Free 18000 BTU Infrared/Radiant Gas Heater/Thermostat Control This ventless infrared heater comes in natural gas and liquid propane versions and operates at 99.9% AFUE efficiency. It delivers 18,000 BTUs of heating and can service medium-sized rooms. A push-button ignitor lights the pilot, eliminating the need for matches. The thermostatic controls are located on top for easy access. An Oxygen-Depletion Sensor shuts off the unit if there is not enough available fresh air for safety. The heater comes with wall and floor stand kits for flexible mounting options. Note that it cannot be shipped to California. Cove Heaters Cove heaters use a combination of radiant heat and convection to provide long-lasting warmth throughout your room. When the heater is turned on, it emits radiant heat, immediately warming the room like the sun by heating the objects in the room as well as the air. The second part of heating is through convection. Cold air is drawn in from the bottom of the heater through natural convection, and warm air is then discharged from the top of the unit, helping to maintain the warmth. Recommended Cove Heater: King KCV2406-W 47″ 420/560 Watt Electric Cove Heater King KCV2406-W 47″ 420/560 Watt Electric Cove Heater – 208/240 Volt King’s KCV-Series Cove heaters are a great solution for safe heating in almost any installation. They are installed at least 6 feet from the floor and closer to the ceiling*, making them safe for installation in schools and daycare centers. This particular model is 47″ long and emits 420/560 watts of electric heat, enough for medium-sized rooms. As a cove heater, it has no moving parts, so it operates silently and doesn’t blow dust or particles around the room. This heater is a great option for rooms with limited wall space since it can be mounted high on the wall just below the ceiling. Additionally, because heat is emitted from above, temperature fluctuations are minimized, providing better comfort while saving space. Baseboard Heaters As the name suggests, baseboard heaters are installed along the baseboard at the bottom of the wall. They are designed for this location since by starting along the floor, the heat emitted rises into the area between the floor and ceiling, allowing for better heating across the room. Baseboard heaters are usually installed underneath windows or on perimeter walls. This allows them to counteract the cold that seeps from window glass or exterior walls where heat loss tends to occur. They come in electric, gas, or hydronic versions, also known as hot water baseboard heaters. Recommended Baseboard Heater: Ouellet Sublime Electric Baseboard Heater – 240/208 Volt Ouellet Sublime Electric Baseboard Heater – 240/208 Volt This sublime baseboard heater features a draft-barrier type upflow air outlet. The advantage of this type of air outlet is that a film or shield is created between the cold glass and the indoor air, making it perfect for windows. They can even be installed in restrooms! It boasts a slim design, just under 3″ deep and rising about 7″ high. It has a sleek, polished design that will discreetly blend into any space and comes in white or metallic charcoal. Wall Heaters Wall heaters save valuable space by mounting directly onto a wall. They are ideal for single rooms or tight living spaces. Unlike portable space heaters, they don’t use outlets and are instead wired directly to a circuit in the electrical panel. This avoids unsightly wires snaking along the floor, which can be a tripping hazard. Recommended Wall Heater: King KCF2-2020-1-S-T 2000 Watt, 2 Ft. Wide Surface Mounted Cabinet Wall Heater King KCF2-2020-1-S-T 2000 Watt, 2 Ft. Wide Surface Mounted Cabinet Wall Heater This slim wall heater juts just 4” from the wall, making it the perfect heating option for narrow hallways or entryways. Despite its compact size, it can output 2,000 watts of heat, or 6,800 BTUs. Designed and built to withstand heavy-duty commercial and institutional usage, it uses impact-resistant 18-gauge ceramic core heating elements, permanently lubricated bearings, and aluminum plate fins for rapid heat transfer. It also features a single whisper-quiet squirrel cage blower. At 208 volts, the KCF heaters are intended for commercial use. If residential use is desired, a Manual Reset Limit Option must be installed. Space Heater FAQs Can You Sleep with a Space Heater On? Technically yes, you can sleep with a space heater on, provided that it is equipped with automatic shut-off and tip-over detection technology. However, due to the risk of fire, it is still not advisable to leave space heaters running unattended, including while you sleep. Things to Keep in Mind: Ventilation: Whether you’re burning natural gas or propane, unvented gas space heaters off-gas, much like kerosene heaters, so the space you’re heating needs to remain well-ventilated. Unvented space heaters are not recommended for overnight or long-term use. Unvented vs. Vented: Unvented gas heaters don’t vent exhaust outside, so they’re rated as more efficient in terms of heat vs. cost. However, they’re also prone to adding moisture to the air, so keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to high moisture content or live in an already humid climate. Ventless heaters are rated for up to 30,000 BTUs, meaning their use should be limited to smaller rooms and spaces for a few hours at a time. Vented heaters are slightly less heat efficient as they exhaust heat but are better for less-ventilated living areas. What Should I Look For in a Space Heater? Heating Type: Consider the space and your budget. For small spaces and limited budgets, a fan heater may be adequate for heating the space or acting as a supplemental heat source in the winter. For larger spaces, an oil-filled heater may be more suitable as it can take a while to heat up but is capable of warming bigger rooms. If you have a bigger budget, an infrared heater provides the quickest heating that can be felt immediately. Power Source: Space heaters can be powered by electricity, propane, natural gas, and kerosene. Electric heaters typically have the lowest BTU. Gas-powered heaters have higher heating capacity for larger spaces but require appropriate safeguards such as ventilation for safety. UL Label: New space heater models come with current safety features. Check if the heater has the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. Do Space Heaters Use A Lot of Electricity? Unfortunately, space heaters use a significant amount of electricity to operate. The cost of electricity varies by state, and if you overly rely on your space heater to get through the winter months, you can expect your electricity bills to rise. To stay warm without incurring high electricity costs, it’s best to use an electric space heater only when necessary. Note: Total Home Supply only carries gas space heaters and does not sell electric space heaters. Is It Cheaper to Run the Heat or a Space Heater? Overall, it is cheaper to run the main heating system in a home than to use a space heater. A space heater is meant to be used as a secondary, supplemental heat source, not as the sole source of heat. However, you may be able to save some money by pairing a space heater with your primary heating system. If you turn down the thermostat in your home and supplement with a space heater, it’s possible to see your heating bill decrease. Conclusion Space heaters can be a very effective and cost-efficient way to stay warmer in your home or business. They are generally designed to heat only the area you’re currently inhabiting, making them ideal for room-to-room use in places with multiple inhabitants, as room temperature preferences vary from person to person. By considering the size of the area or room you need heated, the type of heat you’re looking for, and understanding that space heaters are designed to be a supplemental source of heat, you can prevent high energy bills and keep your family or employees happy and toasty. Browse our heaters and you’ll be well on your way to a warmer winter. Shop Heaters Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
Sometimes, whole-house or office heating just isn’t enough to beat the cold. If you’ve found yourself shivering at home or in the office, you’ve probably considered getting a space heater. Space heaters can be a convenient option for small spaces or rooms that require supplemental heating. These compact heaters are available in both gas and electric models. In this blog post, we explore what space heaters are, the different types and models, and situations for which a space heater is appropriate. What are Space Heaters? As the name suggests, a space heater is a heating device used to provide heat for a given space, usually a single room or a medium-sized open area. Space heaters are distinct from other types of heaters in that: They are usually self-contained and require no ducts. They are designed to service a small space or single room. Space heater capacities typically range between 4,000 to 40,000 BTUs. What are the Different Types of Space Heaters? Space heaters come in various heating designs. While many may only think of small electric plug-in heaters when they think of space heaters, we will focus on the safer and more permanent solutions for a cold space. Portable Fan Heater Portable Fan Heaters – Also known as blow heaters, they are the least expensive but also the least efficient. They work by using a fan to pass air over a heat source, dispersing the heated air throughout the room. In essence, they are electric fans with a heating element. Ventless Gas Heater Ventless Gas Heaters – Available in blue flame and infrared models, these heaters connect to a natural gas or propane line and can provide heat in various spaces. Much more powerful than portable electric heaters, they are great choices for areas that always need supplemental heat. They are available with or without blowers. Wall Mounted Electric Heaters Wall Mounted Electric Heaters – While a portable fan heater can be a good choice for occasional heating needs, a wall-mounted electric heater serves as a reliable solution that can be used consistently without safety concerns like tipping. Several types are available, including cove heaters for installation higher on the wall, baseboard heaters for installation near the floor, and wall heaters for main wall areas. These heaters can be used for supplemental or primary heat. How Do Space Heaters Work? There are three heating methods that space heaters use to warm up a room: Convection Convection – This involves heating the air itself and distributing it around the room. This is how fan and ceramic heaters work. Conduction Conduction – This involves heating nearby objects to transfer heat throughout the room. The oil heater transfers heat this way by warming up the oil, which then heats the unit, warming nearby objects. For example, a blue flame space heater works by heating the air in a room. When the heater turns on, it starts by heating the wall where it is installed, eventually warming the room from the floor to the ceiling. Radiation Radiation – This is when heat is directly transferred to objects and people around the room. This is usually the fastest form of heating to be felt and is used by infrared heaters. Are Space Heaters a Viable Heating Option? Yes! Space heaters work well as a supplemental heat source for homes and offices. This does not mean that you should rely on space heaters as a primary heat source; however, if you have a particularly drafty room in your home or part of your office building, a space heater will effectively keep that area warm. The heat productivity and cost efficiency of your space heater depend entirely on how you use it. If you’re only wanting to supplement heat in one room or small area, the benefits of a space heater are well worth it. However, if your whole-house or business heating isn’t cutting it and you’ve got one in every room, the space heater efficiency drops significantly. Where Can I Use Space Heaters? As Supplemental Heat Space heaters are designed to be a supplemental heat source. For this purpose, any type of space heater – whether gas, electric, or kerosene – will work well. If you need supplemental heat for employees in your place of business, infrared heaters or smaller, more compact electric heaters are excellent options. For Single-Room Heating Space heaters also work great for heating only the space you’re currently occupying. This is ideal if you want to leave the thermostat turned down to limit whole-house heat costs or if someone else prefers the house a little colder. This isn’t much more expensive if you limit space heater use to when you’re physically present in the room. Wearing layers can also help keep your heating needs lower. Choosing the right-sized space heater will greatly help your cost-to-heat ratio. If you only need to heat a small area when you’re occupying it, a small infrared or portable electric heater is your best bet. If you need supplemental heat in an entire room, a gas or medium-sized electric heater makes the most sense. Where Should I NOT Use Space Heaters? As a Sole Heat Source Space heaters are not designed to be your only source of heat. Continuously running one as the sole heat source can be costly. Whether you’re using an electric model that creates higher power costs or a kerosene or gas model that can be dangerous in unventilated areas, space heaters are impractical as a complete heat source. When It’s Not Enough If you notice that you’re using a space heater and still running your whole-house heat at full capacity, consider a different method. If it’s too chilly to turn down your thermostat and only supplementing with a space heater, a mini-split heat pump system or another alternative like a wall unit may be a better option. How to Choose a Space Heater Power Source: Space heaters can be powered by electricity, propane, natural gas, and kerosene. Electric heaters typically have the lowest BTU. Gas-powered heaters have higher heating capacity for larger spaces but require appropriate safeguards such as ventilation for safety. Heating Type: Consider the space and your budget. For small spaces and limited budgets, a fan heater may be adequate for heating the space or acting as a supplemental heat source in the winter. For larger spaces, a ventless gas heater can efficiently warm the area quickly. If you have a bigger budget, a more permanent electric solution like a baseboard heater with a hardwired power source and a thermostat may be the best choice. Choose the Right Size: Most heater manufacturers provide a sizing table indicating the size of the room a particular heater can accommodate. Buying an oversized heater can result in energy waste and unnecessary utility costs, while an undersized heater could lead to inadequate heating and cold indoor temperatures. For the most accurate calculation, have a local HVAC contractor perform a manual J heat loss calculation. UL Label: New electric space heater models come with current safety features. Check if the heater has the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. Thermostatic Control: A thermostatically controlled heater monitors the room temperature and scales back the unit’s operation once the desired temperature level is reached. This avoids energy wastage and makes the heater more cost-efficient. Tip-Over Safety: A space heater with a tip-over safety feature automatically shuts off the unit if it gets knocked down or tipped over, minimizing the risk of fire. Our Recommended Space Heaters for 2023 We carry several types of space heaters at Total Home Supply: ventless blue flame heaters, ventless infrared heaters (also known as radiant heaters), electric cove heaters, electric baseboard heaters, and electric wall heaters. Ventless Blue Flame Heaters Vent-free blue flame heaters use natural gas or liquid propane as a fuel source and work by heating the air in the room. Because these types of heaters heat the air in a room (as opposed to the objects in the room), blue flame heaters are best used in insulated spaces. Additionally, the heater’s flames offer a nice ambiance to make you feel extra cozy. Our picks: Empire Comfort Systems Blue Flame Vent Free Gas Heater Empire Comfort Systems Blue Flame Vent Free Gas Heater The BF-30 is equipped with a hydraulic thermostat and modulates from 8,500 BTUs to 30,000 BTUs for continuous temperature control. With a modulating hydraulic thermostat, once the preset comfort level is reached, the unit cycles the main burner flame from HI to LO and, when the thermostat is satisfied, to OFF while still leaving the pilot on. This reduces the large flame to a smaller flame while still emitting heat. Available in Natural Gas BF-30WN and Liquid Propane BF30WL. Vent-free Infrared/Radiant Heaters Infrared heaters, also known as radiant heaters, also use either natural gas or liquid propane as a fuel source. The difference between these heaters and blue flame heaters is the type of heat they produce. Infrared heaters produce radiant heat, which is the same type of heat generated by the sun or a burning fire. This type of heat directly warms the objects in the room rather than the air itself, meaning you’ll feel the warmth almost immediately. Our picks: Empire Comfort Systems SR-18TW Vent-Free Infrared/Radiant Gas Heater Empire Comfort Systems SR-18TW Vent-Free 18000 BTU Infrared/Radiant Gas Heater/Thermostat Control This ventless infrared heater comes in natural gas and liquid propane versions and operates at 99.9% AFUE efficiency. It delivers 18,000 BTUs of heating and can service medium-sized rooms. A push-button ignitor lights the pilot, eliminating the need for matches. The thermostatic controls are located on top for easy access. An Oxygen-Depletion Sensor shuts off the unit if there is not enough available fresh air for safety. The heater comes with wall and floor stand kits for flexible mounting options. Note that it cannot be shipped to California. Cove Heaters Cove heaters use a combination of radiant heat and convection to provide long-lasting warmth throughout your room. When the heater is turned on, it emits radiant heat, immediately warming the room like the sun by heating the objects in the room as well as the air. The second part of heating is through convection. Cold air is drawn in from the bottom of the heater through natural convection, and warm air is then discharged from the top of the unit, helping to maintain the warmth. Recommended Cove Heater: King KCV2406-W 47″ 420/560 Watt Electric Cove Heater King KCV2406-W 47″ 420/560 Watt Electric Cove Heater – 208/240 Volt King’s KCV-Series Cove heaters are a great solution for safe heating in almost any installation. They are installed at least 6 feet from the floor and closer to the ceiling*, making them safe for installation in schools and daycare centers. This particular model is 47″ long and emits 420/560 watts of electric heat, enough for medium-sized rooms. As a cove heater, it has no moving parts, so it operates silently and doesn’t blow dust or particles around the room. This heater is a great option for rooms with limited wall space since it can be mounted high on the wall just below the ceiling. Additionally, because heat is emitted from above, temperature fluctuations are minimized, providing better comfort while saving space. Baseboard Heaters As the name suggests, baseboard heaters are installed along the baseboard at the bottom of the wall. They are designed for this location since by starting along the floor, the heat emitted rises into the area between the floor and ceiling, allowing for better heating across the room. Baseboard heaters are usually installed underneath windows or on perimeter walls. This allows them to counteract the cold that seeps from window glass or exterior walls where heat loss tends to occur. They come in electric, gas, or hydronic versions, also known as hot water baseboard heaters. Recommended Baseboard Heater: Ouellet Sublime Electric Baseboard Heater – 240/208 Volt Ouellet Sublime Electric Baseboard Heater – 240/208 Volt This sublime baseboard heater features a draft-barrier type upflow air outlet. The advantage of this type of air outlet is that a film or shield is created between the cold glass and the indoor air, making it perfect for windows. They can even be installed in restrooms! It boasts a slim design, just under 3″ deep and rising about 7″ high. It has a sleek, polished design that will discreetly blend into any space and comes in white or metallic charcoal. Wall Heaters Wall heaters save valuable space by mounting directly onto a wall. They are ideal for single rooms or tight living spaces. Unlike portable space heaters, they don’t use outlets and are instead wired directly to a circuit in the electrical panel. This avoids unsightly wires snaking along the floor, which can be a tripping hazard. Recommended Wall Heater: King KCF2-2020-1-S-T 2000 Watt, 2 Ft. Wide Surface Mounted Cabinet Wall Heater King KCF2-2020-1-S-T 2000 Watt, 2 Ft. Wide Surface Mounted Cabinet Wall Heater This slim wall heater juts just 4” from the wall, making it the perfect heating option for narrow hallways or entryways. Despite its compact size, it can output 2,000 watts of heat, or 6,800 BTUs. Designed and built to withstand heavy-duty commercial and institutional usage, it uses impact-resistant 18-gauge ceramic core heating elements, permanently lubricated bearings, and aluminum plate fins for rapid heat transfer. It also features a single whisper-quiet squirrel cage blower. At 208 volts, the KCF heaters are intended for commercial use. If residential use is desired, a Manual Reset Limit Option must be installed. Space Heater FAQs Can You Sleep with a Space Heater On? Technically yes, you can sleep with a space heater on, provided that it is equipped with automatic shut-off and tip-over detection technology. However, due to the risk of fire, it is still not advisable to leave space heaters running unattended, including while you sleep. Things to Keep in Mind: Ventilation: Whether you’re burning natural gas or propane, unvented gas space heaters off-gas, much like kerosene heaters, so the space you’re heating needs to remain well-ventilated. Unvented space heaters are not recommended for overnight or long-term use. Unvented vs. Vented: Unvented gas heaters don’t vent exhaust outside, so they’re rated as more efficient in terms of heat vs. cost. However, they’re also prone to adding moisture to the air, so keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to high moisture content or live in an already humid climate. Ventless heaters are rated for up to 30,000 BTUs, meaning their use should be limited to smaller rooms and spaces for a few hours at a time. Vented heaters are slightly less heat efficient as they exhaust heat but are better for less-ventilated living areas. What Should I Look For in a Space Heater? Heating Type: Consider the space and your budget. For small spaces and limited budgets, a fan heater may be adequate for heating the space or acting as a supplemental heat source in the winter. For larger spaces, an oil-filled heater may be more suitable as it can take a while to heat up but is capable of warming bigger rooms. If you have a bigger budget, an infrared heater provides the quickest heating that can be felt immediately. Power Source: Space heaters can be powered by electricity, propane, natural gas, and kerosene. Electric heaters typically have the lowest BTU. Gas-powered heaters have higher heating capacity for larger spaces but require appropriate safeguards such as ventilation for safety. UL Label: New space heater models come with current safety features. Check if the heater has the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. Do Space Heaters Use A Lot of Electricity? Unfortunately, space heaters use a significant amount of electricity to operate. The cost of electricity varies by state, and if you overly rely on your space heater to get through the winter months, you can expect your electricity bills to rise. To stay warm without incurring high electricity costs, it’s best to use an electric space heater only when necessary. Note: Total Home Supply only carries gas space heaters and does not sell electric space heaters. Is It Cheaper to Run the Heat or a Space Heater? Overall, it is cheaper to run the main heating system in a home than to use a space heater. A space heater is meant to be used as a secondary, supplemental heat source, not as the sole source of heat. However, you may be able to save some money by pairing a space heater with your primary heating system. If you turn down the thermostat in your home and supplement with a space heater, it’s possible to see your heating bill decrease. Conclusion Space heaters can be a very effective and cost-efficient way to stay warmer in your home or business. They are generally designed to heat only the area you’re currently inhabiting, making them ideal for room-to-room use in places with multiple inhabitants, as room temperature preferences vary from person to person. By considering the size of the area or room you need heated, the type of heat you’re looking for, and understanding that space heaters are designed to be a supplemental source of heat, you can prevent high energy bills and keep your family or employees happy and toasty. Browse our heaters and you’ll be well on your way to a warmer winter. Shop Heaters
Portable Fan Heater Portable Fan Heaters – Also known as blow heaters, they are the least expensive but also the least efficient. They work by using a fan to pass air over a heat source, dispersing the heated air throughout the room. In essence, they are electric fans with a heating element.
Ventless Gas Heater Ventless Gas Heaters – Available in blue flame and infrared models, these heaters connect to a natural gas or propane line and can provide heat in various spaces. Much more powerful than portable electric heaters, they are great choices for areas that always need supplemental heat. They are available with or without blowers.
Wall Mounted Electric Heaters Wall Mounted Electric Heaters – While a portable fan heater can be a good choice for occasional heating needs, a wall-mounted electric heater serves as a reliable solution that can be used consistently without safety concerns like tipping. Several types are available, including cove heaters for installation higher on the wall, baseboard heaters for installation near the floor, and wall heaters for main wall areas. These heaters can be used for supplemental or primary heat.
Convection Convection – This involves heating the air itself and distributing it around the room. This is how fan and ceramic heaters work.
Conduction Conduction – This involves heating nearby objects to transfer heat throughout the room. The oil heater transfers heat this way by warming up the oil, which then heats the unit, warming nearby objects. For example, a blue flame space heater works by heating the air in a room. When the heater turns on, it starts by heating the wall where it is installed, eventually warming the room from the floor to the ceiling.
Radiation Radiation – This is when heat is directly transferred to objects and people around the room. This is usually the fastest form of heating to be felt and is used by infrared heaters.
As Supplemental Heat Space heaters are designed to be a supplemental heat source. For this purpose, any type of space heater – whether gas, electric, or kerosene – will work well. If you need supplemental heat for employees in your place of business, infrared heaters or smaller, more compact electric heaters are excellent options.
For Single-Room Heating Space heaters also work great for heating only the space you’re currently occupying. This is ideal if you want to leave the thermostat turned down to limit whole-house heat costs or if someone else prefers the house a little colder. This isn’t much more expensive if you limit space heater use to when you’re physically present in the room. Wearing layers can also help keep your heating needs lower. Choosing the right-sized space heater will greatly help your cost-to-heat ratio. If you only need to heat a small area when you’re occupying it, a small infrared or portable electric heater is your best bet. If you need supplemental heat in an entire room, a gas or medium-sized electric heater makes the most sense.
As a Sole Heat Source Space heaters are not designed to be your only source of heat. Continuously running one as the sole heat source can be costly. Whether you’re using an electric model that creates higher power costs or a kerosene or gas model that can be dangerous in unventilated areas, space heaters are impractical as a complete heat source.
When It’s Not Enough If you notice that you’re using a space heater and still running your whole-house heat at full capacity, consider a different method. If it’s too chilly to turn down your thermostat and only supplementing with a space heater, a mini-split heat pump system or another alternative like a wall unit may be a better option.
Ventless Blue Flame Heaters Vent-free blue flame heaters use natural gas or liquid propane as a fuel source and work by heating the air in the room. Because these types of heaters heat the air in a room (as opposed to the objects in the room), blue flame heaters are best used in insulated spaces. Additionally, the heater’s flames offer a nice ambiance to make you feel extra cozy. Our picks: Empire Comfort Systems Blue Flame Vent Free Gas Heater Empire Comfort Systems Blue Flame Vent Free Gas Heater The BF-30 is equipped with a hydraulic thermostat and modulates from 8,500 BTUs to 30,000 BTUs for continuous temperature control. With a modulating hydraulic thermostat, once the preset comfort level is reached, the unit cycles the main burner flame from HI to LO and, when the thermostat is satisfied, to OFF while still leaving the pilot on. This reduces the large flame to a smaller flame while still emitting heat. Available in Natural Gas BF-30WN and Liquid Propane BF30WL.
Vent-free Infrared/Radiant Heaters Infrared heaters, also known as radiant heaters, also use either natural gas or liquid propane as a fuel source. The difference between these heaters and blue flame heaters is the type of heat they produce. Infrared heaters produce radiant heat, which is the same type of heat generated by the sun or a burning fire. This type of heat directly warms the objects in the room rather than the air itself, meaning you’ll feel the warmth almost immediately. Our picks: Empire Comfort Systems SR-18TW Vent-Free Infrared/Radiant Gas Heater Empire Comfort Systems SR-18TW Vent-Free 18000 BTU Infrared/Radiant Gas Heater/Thermostat Control This ventless infrared heater comes in natural gas and liquid propane versions and operates at 99.9% AFUE efficiency. It delivers 18,000 BTUs of heating and can service medium-sized rooms. A push-button ignitor lights the pilot, eliminating the need for matches. The thermostatic controls are located on top for easy access. An Oxygen-Depletion Sensor shuts off the unit if there is not enough available fresh air for safety. The heater comes with wall and floor stand kits for flexible mounting options. Note that it cannot be shipped to California.
Cove Heaters Cove heaters use a combination of radiant heat and convection to provide long-lasting warmth throughout your room. When the heater is turned on, it emits radiant heat, immediately warming the room like the sun by heating the objects in the room as well as the air. The second part of heating is through convection. Cold air is drawn in from the bottom of the heater through natural convection, and warm air is then discharged from the top of the unit, helping to maintain the warmth. Recommended Cove Heater: King KCV2406-W 47″ 420/560 Watt Electric Cove Heater King KCV2406-W 47″ 420/560 Watt Electric Cove Heater – 208/240 Volt King’s KCV-Series Cove heaters are a great solution for safe heating in almost any installation. They are installed at least 6 feet from the floor and closer to the ceiling*, making them safe for installation in schools and daycare centers. This particular model is 47″ long and emits 420/560 watts of electric heat, enough for medium-sized rooms. As a cove heater, it has no moving parts, so it operates silently and doesn’t blow dust or particles around the room. This heater is a great option for rooms with limited wall space since it can be mounted high on the wall just below the ceiling. Additionally, because heat is emitted from above, temperature fluctuations are minimized, providing better comfort while saving space.
Baseboard Heaters As the name suggests, baseboard heaters are installed along the baseboard at the bottom of the wall. They are designed for this location since by starting along the floor, the heat emitted rises into the area between the floor and ceiling, allowing for better heating across the room. Baseboard heaters are usually installed underneath windows or on perimeter walls. This allows them to counteract the cold that seeps from window glass or exterior walls where heat loss tends to occur. They come in electric, gas, or hydronic versions, also known as hot water baseboard heaters. Recommended Baseboard Heater: Ouellet Sublime Electric Baseboard Heater – 240/208 Volt Ouellet Sublime Electric Baseboard Heater – 240/208 Volt This sublime baseboard heater features a draft-barrier type upflow air outlet. The advantage of this type of air outlet is that a film or shield is created between the cold glass and the indoor air, making it perfect for windows. They can even be installed in restrooms! It boasts a slim design, just under 3″ deep and rising about 7″ high. It has a sleek, polished design that will discreetly blend into any space and comes in white or metallic charcoal.
Wall Heaters Wall heaters save valuable space by mounting directly onto a wall. They are ideal for single rooms or tight living spaces. Unlike portable space heaters, they don’t use outlets and are instead wired directly to a circuit in the electrical panel. This avoids unsightly wires snaking along the floor, which can be a tripping hazard. Recommended Wall Heater: King KCF2-2020-1-S-T 2000 Watt, 2 Ft. Wide Surface Mounted Cabinet Wall Heater King KCF2-2020-1-S-T 2000 Watt, 2 Ft. Wide Surface Mounted Cabinet Wall Heater This slim wall heater juts just 4” from the wall, making it the perfect heating option for narrow hallways or entryways. Despite its compact size, it can output 2,000 watts of heat, or 6,800 BTUs. Designed and built to withstand heavy-duty commercial and institutional usage, it uses impact-resistant 18-gauge ceramic core heating elements, permanently lubricated bearings, and aluminum plate fins for rapid heat transfer. It also features a single whisper-quiet squirrel cage blower. At 208 volts, the KCF heaters are intended for commercial use. If residential use is desired, a Manual Reset Limit Option must be installed.
Can You Sleep with a Space Heater On? Technically yes, you can sleep with a space heater on, provided that it is equipped with automatic shut-off and tip-over detection technology. However, due to the risk of fire, it is still not advisable to leave space heaters running unattended, including while you sleep.
Things to Keep in Mind: Ventilation: Whether you’re burning natural gas or propane, unvented gas space heaters off-gas, much like kerosene heaters, so the space you’re heating needs to remain well-ventilated. Unvented space heaters are not recommended for overnight or long-term use. Unvented vs. Vented: Unvented gas heaters don’t vent exhaust outside, so they’re rated as more efficient in terms of heat vs. cost. However, they’re also prone to adding moisture to the air, so keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to high moisture content or live in an already humid climate. Ventless heaters are rated for up to 30,000 BTUs, meaning their use should be limited to smaller rooms and spaces for a few hours at a time. Vented heaters are slightly less heat efficient as they exhaust heat but are better for less-ventilated living areas.
What Should I Look For in a Space Heater? Heating Type: Consider the space and your budget. For small spaces and limited budgets, a fan heater may be adequate for heating the space or acting as a supplemental heat source in the winter. For larger spaces, an oil-filled heater may be more suitable as it can take a while to heat up but is capable of warming bigger rooms. If you have a bigger budget, an infrared heater provides the quickest heating that can be felt immediately. Power Source: Space heaters can be powered by electricity, propane, natural gas, and kerosene. Electric heaters typically have the lowest BTU. Gas-powered heaters have higher heating capacity for larger spaces but require appropriate safeguards such as ventilation for safety. UL Label: New space heater models come with current safety features. Check if the heater has the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label.
Do Space Heaters Use A Lot of Electricity? Unfortunately, space heaters use a significant amount of electricity to operate. The cost of electricity varies by state, and if you overly rely on your space heater to get through the winter months, you can expect your electricity bills to rise. To stay warm without incurring high electricity costs, it’s best to use an electric space heater only when necessary. Note: Total Home Supply only carries gas space heaters and does not sell electric space heaters.
Is It Cheaper to Run the Heat or a Space Heater? Overall, it is cheaper to run the main heating system in a home than to use a space heater. A space heater is meant to be used as a secondary, supplemental heat source, not as the sole source of heat. However, you may be able to save some money by pairing a space heater with your primary heating system. If you turn down the thermostat in your home and supplement with a space heater, it’s possible to see your heating bill decrease.
April 27, 2018 at 1:09 PM Tiny House Heat & AC - Best Ways to Heat and Cool a Small Home says: […] find that there are spots that are just a bit colder than others. In these instances, getting a small space heater could work for heating those specific […] Reply
May 22, 2018 at 4:43 PM Heating and Cooling Options for an Addition to Your Home says: […] turn on as needed. For spaces like this, you might want to get a gas or electric fireplace, or space heater. That way, you are only paying for the heat when you actually require […] Reply