Energy efficient space heaters are a great way to augment your regular heating system, which helps to cut down on your energy costs.
There are 4 types of space heaters:
- Ceramic Space Heaters
- Oil-Filled Radiators
- Coil-Based Convection Heaters
- Infrared Space Heaters
Choosing an Energy Efficient Space Heater
Heating Area: The first point to consider is the area that you need to heat. Always remember, the amount of space is directly proportionate to the size of space heater you choose. So obviously a small bedroom will require a small heater, and a large living room will need a large heater or may be two heaters. If you purchase two heaters for a larger room, place them at opposite ends of the room, thus, creating a balance of heat around the room.
Thermostat Control: Check whether the space heater, especially if it is an electric heater, has a thermostat. If the heater lacks this feature, it will continue to heat the room beyond the optimum temperature. The thermostat will also help save electricity, as well as provide constant optimum temperature within the room.
Safety: Another aspect to consider when buying a space heater is the presence of children or pets in the house. You will need to choose a model that does not have open coils. It may lead to burn injuries, if a child or pet happens to touch the hot coils. Place the heater in an area where it would not be accidentally bumped into or knocked down.
Choose a model that follow the current safety standards and have the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL 1995) label attached to it.
Pelonis 1,500-Watt Portable Electric Oil-Filled Radiant Heater
A throwback to the yesteryears technology of oil-filled heaters, this pelonis product has some nifty modern features which make it an affordable and effective room heater. Oil heaters can take more time to heat up, and are large and cumbersome.
Features
- 3 temperature settings
- Thermostat
- Cover for heat protection
- Handle for mobility
- Fuel: Oil-filled
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1500 watts
Price: The Pelonis heater retails for $39.98, and can be purchased from various online retailers and also from the Pelonis website itself.
Honeywell HZ-725 Cool Touch Whole Room Heater
Honeywell is a traditional name in various home appliances. The
Cool Touch Whole Room Heater claims to warm a room twice as fast as a conventional heater. The cool touch panel on top makes it easy to remove and clean too. It also a safe bet as far as children and pets are concerned. The heater has a compact design and fits snugly in any corner of the room.
Features:
- Fast heating
- Cool Touch panel for safety
- Heat indicator
- Safety tip-over switch activates in case of a fall
- 3-year warranty
- Fuel: Electric
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1500 watts
Price: The Honeywell heater retails for about $49.95, and can be purchased online or at stores.
Lasko Designer Oscillating Ceramic Heater
One of the more stylish heaters on offer, this model by well-known home appliance manufactures Lasko is also an effective room heater. It is a ceramic heater with touch-sensitive electronic controls for stable temperature, and comes equipped with a remote control for easy use.
Features:
- Contemporary design, hourglass shape with metal stand
- Remote control
- Thermostat with timer up to 7 hours
- 2 thermostat settings for super-quiet performance
- Oscillator for better coverage of heating space
- Fuel: Electric
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage:1500 watts
Price: The price of this heater is in the range of $60, and it can be purchased both online and at retailers.
Bionaire BFH5000-UM Electric Fireplace Heater
Want to go in for a heating solution that complements the luxury of your home? The Bionaire Electric Fireplace Heater is the right choice for you. This heater has a digital display which shows a traditional fireplace with the logs and fire, giving the heater a realistic appearance. It has a fan for quick heat dissemination in the room.
Features:
- Controls for showing flame movements on screen
- Digital fireplace and controls are not visible when turned off.
- Wall mounting
- Remote control for ease of access
- Auto safety shut-off and tip-over safety inbuilt
- Fuel: Electric
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1500 watts
Price: The Bionaire can be purchased online for about $250. It is also available in retail stores.
Dyson Hot + Cool Tabletop Ceramic Fan and Heater
The Dyson Ceramic Tabletop Heater is a revolutionary product. It comes with state-of-the-art technology which is used in modern jet aircraft.
Features:
- Air-Multiplier Technology which pulls in the surrounding air in the room and amplifies it
- Heating as well as cooling properties
- Accurate thermostat for effective heating
- Mixed Flow Impeller, a technique used in jet aircraft propulsion for stronger airflow
- Ceramic construction
- 10 airflow settings for effective heating
- Remote control
- Auto shut-off and LED panel
- No grills, blades or covers, for easy access
- Fuel: Electric
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1500 watts
Price: The Dyson Hot + Cool Tabletop Ceramic Fan and Heater retails for about $300, and can be purchased both online and through retail stores.
LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz Infrared Portable Heater L-HOM6-NS12
Probably the most energy efficient of the several heaters reviewed on this list, the
LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz Infrared Portable Heater can heat up to 1500 sq feet of space, and looks like a box radio from the early ’30s. The wooden cabinet gives it an elegant look and is cool to the touch, enabling you to strategically place the heater for maximum heat coverage. Infrared heaters transfer almost all of their heat by reflecting outwards, making this an energy-saving device.
Features:
- 6 quartz setup for heat transfer
- Digital panel for controls
- Remote control for easy access
- 3-year limited warranty
- Auto shut-off
- ETL Certification
- Fuel: Electric
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Wattage: 1500 watts
Price: This infrared heater is priced at around $200, and can be purchased online and through retail stores too.
Disclaimer:This HomeQuicks article is for informative purposes only. Check the product’s price and specifications at your local dealer before making a purchase.
Space heaters are more energy efficient as compared to central heaters, and there is no doubt about it. Apart from lowering the cost of heating, these heaters are designed to suit any interior decor. So, this winter, choose an energy efficient space heater and say goodbye to exorbitant heating bills!