10 Most Energy Efficient Space Heater | Reviews & Guide

Are you struggling to keep your house warm during the cold season? Are you looking at the power bill thinking if it’s worth sacrificing your budget for comfort?

Considering that home central heating typically warms up the entire house, you don’t always need that much heat when you are practically using just one room.

In that regard, we have a solution for you in the form of the most energy efficient space heater.

Each person will have different needs, but one thing is certain: a space heater can help you save on the bills, provided you make the right choice. This efficient electric heater review and guide should steer you in the right direction.

Most Energy Efficient Space Heaters

  1. Dr Infrared Heater – Best Overall 
  2. Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool Fan Heater – 
  3. DeLonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater – portable space heater
  4. Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Heater – electric space heater
  5. PELONIS Oil Filled Heater – ceramic heater
  6. Lasko 6405 Designer Oscillating Heater
  7. Taotronics TT-HE001 Heater – electric space heater
  8. De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Heater – 
  9. Vornado MVH Vortex Heater – 
  10. Pro Breeze Heater – portable space heater

What’s the Most Energy-Efficient Type of Heater?

Many people come across this question, and it completely confuses them when choosing a product. Sure, one uses less energy; one uses more energy.

A 750-watt unit will use 750 watts of energy per hour, no matter what type of heater. The same thing applies to 1500-watt heaters (consumes 1500 watts per hour), the only difference here being that they use twice the amount of energy to operate.

Electric space heaters have 100% efficiency at turning energy into heat – and that will happen regardless of the type of heater you are using.

So, to answer your question, “no, there isn’t one type of heater that is more efficient than the other.” Energy efficiency will depend mostly on what your requirements are.

For example, one may need a heater to warm them up as they read a book or work in their home office. Some may have a big room that continuously feels cold and needs to be warmed up.

The same heater that you believe is efficient may not prove as efficient to someone else because you have different purposes for it.

In that regard, we have a few types that are considered the most energy efficient space heaters:

  • Ceramic space heaters
  • Oil-filled space heaters
  • Infrared space heaters
  • Micathermic electric heaters

We’ll talk about them in detail later in the guide. Each of them has its own energy efficiency – the key here being how you use it, where you use it, and why you want to use it.

Still, when you want to save on the bills, people feel tempted to skip using pure electrical resistance and go for heat pumps. This, however, brings us to the next point.

A Heat Pump Is Not Electric Heat – Know the Differences

Heat pumps are commonly referred to as electric heaters, which may be a cause for confusion. Indeed, they are fueled by an electric source, but the difference here is that heat pumps don’t create heat.

Instead, heat pumps capture the heat into one place and transfer it into another. This way, the unit makes use of the energy and heat that is already there, conducts it, compresses it, and sends it back into the room.

To put it simply, it doesn’t create more heat; it simply “recycles” from the existing sources. Also, it’s worth noting that electric heat is more expensive compared to the heat generated from other fuels such as natural gas, propane, or oil.

Best Energy Efficient Space Heater Reviews (Updated List)

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Dr Infrared Heater – Best Most Efficient Space Heater

Sale
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater,...
  • Can heat up a large room with Auto Energy Saving Model With High and Low Feature. Tip-over protection and Overheat protection.Heat Up for a large room - Dual Heating System: Infrared Quartz tube + PTC for 60% more heat than others. Rated around 5200 BTU.
  • Dual Heating Systems featuring infrared quartz tube + PTC with 12-Hour automatic shut-off timer. Amperage: 12.5 Amps
  • IR Remote Control, High Pressure Low Noise Blower with Noise level 39 dB super quiet. Heating can cover for a large room.
  • Electronic Thermostat: range 50 to 85 degrees. Caster Wheels and Lifetime Filter
  • Weights 24 lbs and uses 12.5 Amps of Power. 1500 Watts. Power Cord is 72-inch-long (6 Feet)

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This unit is one of the reliable electric space heaters you’ll find on the market. It’s uniquely designed to combine both convection heat and infrared technology to ensure that more heat is generated in a fast and efficient manner.

It distributes heat evenly to ensure that all parts of the room are adequately heated. Even better, its technology allows it to retain much moisture in the air instead of convectional heaters that produce hot air only.

This helps your skin to dry out. Set your desired temperature by adjusting the thermostat (or using the remote control) to any of the three heat settings.

Although you can set the high and low settings to give you a fixed temperature, the auto setting allows you to set the temperature between 50 and 86 F. It also made it to our review of the best space heaters with thermostats.

A high-pressure low noise blower keeps the hum of the space heater so low that you won’t even notice it is running. This helps a lot, particularly if using the product in the kids’ room where noise interruptions would wake them up.

This energy efficient space heater comes with an anti-tip and overheating shut-off for added safety.

Pros

  • Auto energy-saving mode
  • Dual heating system
  • Tip-over protection
  • Quiet operation (39dB)
  • Portable heater

Cons

  • No remote control

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2. Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool Fan Heater – Best Versatile Heater

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Everything about Dyson fan heater AM09 is fantastic. First, it is designed by a well-known vacuum cleaner specialist who took the leap and made a huge difference in the heating and cooling industry.

Also, it’s a feature-rich model that comes with a lot of functions. The only issue is the price – it’s way too expensive than ordinary portable space heaters. But if you have the money and value what it offers, then it is worth the buy.

Unlike an ordinary portable space heater, this fan heater has both heating and cooling features. In addition, it uses a technology known as Jet Focus. This technology features two airflow aperture rings.

One pushes air out in a narrow and precise way while the other in a wide but not as exact as the other aperture. You can, therefore, decide the whole room or choose a soothing blast of air just for you.

You can control every function using the remote control that has dedicated buttons. You can also track the level of temperature within the room by checking the small LED display.

It’s portable and one of the safest heaters for baby nursery. Even after working for so long, it’s still comfortable to touch, and you can transport it from one place to another.

Another downside of this energy efficient product is the noise it produces when operating. It’s a bit noisy since it’s a fan heater, especially if you run it at full speed.

So, if you’re likely to be distracted by a running ceramic heater, you can choose low heating speed.

Pros

  • Magnetic remote control
  • Oscillation control
  • Digital thermostat
  • Sleep timer fan heater
  • Quiet Mark accreditation

Cons 

  • A bit expensive

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3. DeLonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater – Most Energy Efficient Wall Mounted Heater

DeLonghi Mica Panel Space Heater, 1500W quiet...
  • QUIET HEATER - Best for medium and large rooms, the 1500-watt Mica Panel Heater quickly delivers gentle heat that won’t stir up dust, pollen, or dander. Customize it to your needs with easy-to-use controls, an adjustable thermostat & two settings.
  • MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY - This De’Longhi heater converts 100% of the electricity used into heat when it's switched on, with no wasted energy. That means it delivers continuous heat while raising the room temperature to your desired setting.
  • BUILT-IN SAFETY - Features include a thermal shutoff to prevent overheating, an internal tip-over switch that automatically turns the unit off & a standby setting that turns on the heater when temperatures drop below 41 to help prevent frozen pipes.
  • SLIM DESIGN - Take advantage of the slim design by positioning the freestanding heater on the floor, or mount it on the wall with the included kit. The light weight and carry handle make it easy to move to another room as needed.
  • BETTER EVERY DAY - A De’Longhi product always turns everyday activities & moments into something special. Born in 1974 as a brand of electric radiators, we now offer innovative appliances for every area of the home.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Wall mounted DeLonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel uses a new micathermic heating element to supply constant, efficient, and silent heating.

In addition, it’s designed to give off heat in multi-directions to ensure every part of the room is heated evenly. For that reason, it is one of the best wall mounted heaters for large rooms.

This product has a slender and compact design, which means it won’t stick out like a sore thumb. In addition, it’s lightweight and portable, so it’s easy to move from one room to another.

An added carry handle and casters make it much easier to transport the unit as well. You can also mount it to a wall if that’s what you prefer.

This energy efficient space heater is an example of a modern heater that improves your room’s aesthetics, whether wall mounted or position it in a corner.

Apart from the noiseless operation, this product has an adjustable thermostat for you to customize the heat distribution in the room.

Two heat settings are also available to allow you to choose your desired temperature and save energy. A little knock is that it doesn’t come with remote control.

Some other useful features include a thermal shutoff that automatically trips when the electric space heaters begin to overheat and prevent fires and other accidents.

There is an internal tip-over switch, which powers down the unit if it falls onto its face. But, of course, you can always confirm the machine is on by checking the easy-to-see power and caution indicator lights.

Pros 

  • 1500 watts of heating power
  • Includes an easy to use wall mounted kit

Cons

  • The grill on the front of the heater detracts from its aesthetic appeal.

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4. Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater – Best User-Friendly Heater

Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater, Wifi...
  • (Wall Mounted Heater Only.) Wi-Fi enabled makes it possible for you to control the temperature from your phone!
  • Tip-Over safety shut off, Touch screen with digital thermostat, and remote included.
  • Space saving wall mount design means you don't lose floor space. Perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, offices and more
  • When installed over the outlet, you can hide the cord inside the heater. This unit stays cool to the touch and the wall stays cool.
  • Safe to the touch grill. Wall mounted version, Feet not included.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for a space heater that you can program based on your habits, you may want to look at this model.

You may set when you want it to turn on and off, making it the perfect choice if you aren’t home at all times. For example, you can set it to turn off automatically when you leave the house and turn it on when you get home.

One thing that makes this product special in comparison to others is the remote control. So, for example, if you are in bed and don’t want to get up and set the unit or change the temperature, you can simply use the remote.

Thanks to the highly visible display, it should be very easy for you to adjust the temperature. One last thing that people appreciate about this model is the fact that it’s very lightweight.

Since it looks similar to a baseboard, it’s compact and perfect for small rooms.

Pros

  • It’s very lightweight in comparison to other space heaters
  • Modern design that fits in every room style
  • The LED display is very easy to read
  • Features an accurate thermostat
  • It can be easily programmed both manually and by remote control

Cons

  • Due to its compact size, it can only offer coverage for a small room.

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5. PELONIS Oil Filled Space Heater – Best Quiet Heater

PELONIS Champagne Oil Filled Radiator Heater with...
  • 【Whole-Room Rapid Heating】 Relying on 1500W high power and special heating fins, it forms 360° hot air circulation to heat the whole room in seconds and last for long time without drying overly.
  • 【Personalized Temperature】Featuring 3 heating modes (1500w/900w/600w) , 5 temperature settings (65°F-85°F) and adjustable thermostat for customized warmth.
  • 【Save More on Winter Bills】ECO mode help adjust the heating mode based on the real-time temperature to save more energy while keep in constant comfortable warmth. Equipped with Caster wheels and Carrying handle, one machine is flexible to heat all rooms.
  • 【Easy to Use】Remote control avoids the need to leave a comfortable position to control any functions. LED screen for more clear and concise, also equipped with 10H timer for heating in advance.
  • 【Whisper-Quiet】Lacking of fan construction, the heater is super quiet, perfect for bedrooms, offices, rooms and other indoor places where not fan of noise.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

One thing that we know about most electric space heaters is that they tend to be quite loud. This is exactly why this model is so highly appreciated among its users.

Since this device doesn’t feature any fans to force the air out, it’s very quiet and the best choice for environments when the noise can bother.

Thanks to the 4-swivel caster wheels, this unit is also highly portable. It makes the heater the perfect choice if you need it for multiple rooms and you want to carry it with ease.

Plus, it has a carrying handle that is as elegant as it is useful, which will further increase its portability. The electric heater also has multiple heating settings that you can choose based on your preferences.

For example, you have 5 temperature settings going from 65- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit, as well as three heating modes (Hi, Lo, Eco).

Pros

  • The very quiet heating action
  • The caster wheels make it very easy to be carried around
  • It can be controlled by remote
  • The variety in settings makes it perfect for all temperature preferences

Cons

  • The thermostat may be inaccurate sometimes

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6. Lasko 6405 Designer Oscillating Heater – Best for Widespread Oscillation

Lasko Oscillating Designer Series Ceramic Space...
  • ✅【BLENDS INTO YOUR DECOR】With a stylish body and finish this space heater looks more like a piece of art than a space heater. Standing 16" high, 10" wide and weighing less than 6 pounds, this electric space heater is easy to move from room to room. This heater is ideal for the bedroom, home office and more
  • ✅【2 HEAT SETTINGS & ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT】Use the top-mounted electronic controls to select from 2 heat settings to customize your warmth. The adjustable thermostat allows you to adjust the heater's 1500 watt ceramic heating element. With easy to read LED temperature settings you can select temperatures from 60F to 85F or select max heat for maximum warmth
  • ✅【ADJUSTABLE TIMER】The auto-off timer can be programmed from 1 hour to 7 hours. Simply press the timer button on the digital control panel to easily program the timer in 1 hour intervals. Once the timer is set the heater will automatically shut off after the programmed time
  • ✅【BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES】Overheat protection ensures the space heater does not overheat even if left on for an extended amount of time. While a cool touch exterior keeps the heater cool to the touch even after running for hours
  • ✅【FULLY ASSEMBLED】This portable space heater comes fully assembled and ready to use. Simply take it out of the box and having it working in minutes. Plug the heater into a wall outlet, adjust the thermostat, and enjoy the warmth from your new Lasko space heater

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for a good oscillating heater that can offer you better coverage? In that case, you might want to look at the features provided by this ceramic heater.

With its electronic controls, you may easily choose the settings that work best for your comfort level. In addition, this model has a unique antique-meets-modern stylish design, allowing it to blend in pretty much every home environment.

It also has a smart design that allows you to pick between two heat settings. You also have an hour timer function and an auto thermostat for the moments when you don’t have time to deal with the heater.

The unit comes fully assembled, which means that all you have to do is plug it in and set it to do its job. It’s also very easy to set, the controls being very intuitive and without any complicated commands.

Pros

  • Very attractive design
  • Compact and portable
  • Has quite a widespread heating action
  • It comes fully assembled and is very easy to use

Cons

  • It does not have a remote

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7. Taotronics TT-HE001 Space Heater – Best for Quick Heating

TaoTronics TT-HE003 Space Heater, 1500W Electric...
  • Fast & Efficient Heating: TaoTronics space heater quickly & evenly heat up an area in home or office. Compact size makes the electric heater ideal for indoor use such as office, desk, home, bedroom, living room, anywhere as you need
  • Multiple Safety Protection: Built-in overheating and tip-over protection sensors and 12hr timer work together for a much safer heater. The heater is designed for your safe use and quiet enough to use while sleeping
  • Easy Control for Comfort: Featured with 12-hour timer with auto-shutoff and remote control, you could easily control the heater without getting up from bed or sofa. LED display and touch control is also optional for your easy operation
  • Wide-angel Oscillation: With far-reaching oscillation, this space heater for indoor use increase the heat distribution range by 20% for even warmth, so that you can get the fast widespread, comfortable and efficient heating comfort
  • Energy-Saving ECO Mode: Automatically adjusts heating mode based on the ambient temperature, which could save energy cost while keeping you cozy in winter

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sometimes, room heaters can take their sweet time to heat a room, which is exactly why this heater is such a convenient option. In just a couple of moments, your room will already begin to feel warm and comfortable to stay in.

Thanks to its 120-minute timer, this heater is a great choice for those that want to save energy. In addition, the timer allows it to automatically shut itself off after twelve hours of the time that you had it set on.

Plus, since this 300 sq ft space heater comes with remote control, you may easily shut the unit off from the comfort of your couch. The eco-saving mode is perhaps one of the most convenient features of these energy efficient space heaters.

Since it was given an inbuilt thermostat, this Taotronics model will adjust the heating automatically based on the overall ambient temperature. This will ensure that no energy is lost by overheating a room unnecessarily.

Pros

  • Automatically adjusts the heating based on the ambient temperature
  • The timer allows you to control how long you heat
  • Has the ability to heat a room very quickly
  • The slim design is perfect for small rooms

Cons

  • The fan is a bit noisy
  • May have issues with temperature control

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8. De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater – Best for Large Rooms

DeLonghi Convection Panel Heater, Full Room Quiet...
  • Room Heater - Fast, Efficient heat packs 1500 watts of power best for medium to large rooms. Best space heater for bedroom or any room in your home.
  • Versatile Style - Offers maximum performance, combining functionality and design and offers both floor and wall mount options with included kit. Feet are pre-assembled for convenience.
  • This energy efficient space heater saves energy with the ECO PLUS function, automatically adjusting heat and power settings for the most comfortable and economical warmth
  • Built-In Safety Features - Include a thermal shutoff to prevent overheating and an internal tip-over switch that automatically turns the unit off if it falls over
  • Cool Touch integrated controls allow you to easily operate and relocate your heater easily at any time during or after use

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking to heat a particularly large room, then you might want to try out this oil-filled model from De’Longhi.

Thanks to its 1500-watt heating output, it’s more than capable of providing you constant heat in the room while keeping the costs at a minimum.

This unit has a thermostat that may be adjusted to 3 different heat levels. This allows you to set the temperature that makes you most comfortable.

Plus, it has a ComforTemp button that will ensure the unit automatically keeps the room at a comfort level – shutting itself off when it is no longer necessary. This is a great feature when you are looking to save power.

Last but not least, people are also appreciative of how quiet this unit is. This makes it the perfect option if you need to use a space heater in the bedroom, your study, or your work office, where you need to keep the noise at a minimum.

Pros

  • A very quiet heating action
  • ComforTemp feature that ensures the temperature remains constant and doesn’t oscillate
  • Very portable and easy to take from one room to another

Cons

  • It occasionally emits a bad odor because of the burned oil.

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9. Vornado MVH Vortex Heater – Best Compact Size

Sale
Vornado MVH Space Heater with 3 Heat Settings,...
  • HEAT DIFFERENTLY — Gently heat all in the air in a small to medium-sized room through vortex air circulation without using intense heat, similar to how a forced air furnace works, just on a smaller scale.
  • HEAT SAFELY — Advanced safety features include a cool-touch exterior, tip-over protection, and automatic safety shut-off system for worry-free use.
  • HEAT EFFICIENTLY — 3 quiet heat settings (Low/750W, Medium/1125W, High/1500W) to tailor heat output and energy consumption.
  • CONTROL YOUR COMFORT — The internal, adjustable thermostat, with seven settings will automatically turn the heater on and off to maintain set temperature.
  • SUPERIOR SUPPORT — Our standards are high, and so are your expectations. If our product doesn’t meet them, we’ll replace it, for up to 5 years. Products designed and supported in Andover, KS.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for a small energy efficient space heater that takes a small space in your home, then you may want to check this unit.

Using vortex air circulation, this device can gently heat the room even if you place it in a corner. It doesn’t blow hot air like convection heaters, but it works pretty much like an air furnace – but it is much smaller.

This unit was given several safety features to ensure it won’t be a danger to those in the room. It has a cool-touch exterior but also an automatic shut-off system and tip-over protection to make sure that there is no danger or safety hazard.

Plus, this unit can save quite a lot of energy. Thanks to its internal thermostat and overheat protection, the heater will turn itself on and off upon need to make sure that the room remains at a comfortable and constant temperature.

Pros

  • It has a very small and attractive design, fit for modern and small rooms
  • Vortex Air Circulation can warm up the whole room without actually using a lot of heat
  • The unit has a good number of safety features
  • It automatically adjusts the temperature so that no excess heat is used to warm up the room
  • 5-year warranty.

Cons

  • It is not very efficient when it comes to warming up larger rooms.

Click to Check Price


10. Pro Breeze Space Heater – Best Budget Heater

Sale
Pro Breeze Space Heater – 1500W Portable...
  • COST-EFFECTIVE, SUPER-FAST WARMING: This electric space heater utilizes industry leading ceramic heating discs for ultra-warm heat transfer in any space of your choice. This advanced technology ensures that you receive faster and more energy efficient heating than traditional heaters for indoor use. The portable heater runs at a cost of just $0.19 per hour which allows you to reduce your bills by being able to heat individual rooms rather than expensively heating your entire home.
  • EASY CONTROL WITH 3 OPERATING MODES: The small space heater offers flexible heat control and features 750W (Low) and 1500W (High) power modes as well as a gentle fan only mode - perfect for keeping you warm this winter.
  • ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT: This indoor heater features an easy to use and fully adjustable thermostat control which monitors the surrounding air temperature for optimal heating efficiency. Compact and powerful, this is the ideal room heater, bedroom heater, bathroom heater, office heater and under the desk heater.
  • ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES: Pro Breeze goes above and beyond to deliver the ultimate level of safety with every mini heater. The built-in overheat protection and an enhanced anti-tip over switch ensures that the space heaters for indoor use instantly switch off in any unsafe situation, giving you complete peace of mind. PLEASE NOTE: If you hear a rattling sound, this is the anti-tip over safety ball mechanism. This is not a defect, but a reassuring sign of the safety switch in action.
  • PORTABLE & COMPACT: The lightweight and convenient design allows you to transport the indoor space heater to wherever you need it most, making it the perfect garage heater, tent heater, cozy cabin heater, dog house heater, and greenhouse heater. The dimensions are 6.5” x 5” x 9” with a useful 73" power cord.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you want to get a space heater but you are tight on the budget, then you might want to consider this model.

It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the fancier and pricier objects, but it’s unparalleled when it comes to doing a good job. It can easily do everything that you expect it to do.

This product works with a fan and forced-air technology, along with ceramic heating elements. This means that not only can the room be heated up fast, but it will also be easy for the unit to maintain a constant temperature.

It features a low (750W) and a high (1500W) power mode, along with a gentle fan setting. This means that you may use any of the two heat settings for your comfort without wasting too much power.

Pros

  • The price is low compared to other similar products
  • Space-saving and perfect for small apartments
  • May have the temperature adjusted easily
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • It’s a bit noisy because of the fan

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Buying Guide: Features to Consider in the Most Energy Efficient Space Heaters

Every best space heater has specific features that you need to keep in mind during the shopping process.

Depending on the room that you are planning to place it in, you might require a different heating method, different wattage, particular safety features, and so on. Here are some aspects that you might want to look into.

1. Heating Method

Electric space heaters may work on various heating methods, from natural gas to propane and even oil. These may influence how the room is heated, the speed, the warmth level, among many other things.

Overall, here are the ones you might want to look into if your purpose is to find an energy-efficient space heater:

  • Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic heaters use electric energy to heat a ceramic element within the unit. These electric heaters have in-built fans that will disperse the warmed air within the room, providing a constant heat source.

They can heat the room to a small degree even after the device has been turned off. A good model here might prove to be the Lasko 6405 Designer oscillating ceramic heater or the Pro Breeze ceramic heater.

Pros

  • It possesses very little risk for fire hazards since only the heating element gets hot.
  • Emits heat even after the unit has been shut down.
  • Perfect for small rooms
  • Typically portable and lightweight

Cons

  • Not a great addition for larger rooms that have a high ceiling

Best for: Small rooms that are drafty and cold, and kids and pets are more likely to hang out.

  • Oil-Filled Space Heaters

Oil filled heaters use convection heating, where the use of electricity heats the oil from within. The oil here is used as a buffer, meaning that it acts as a heat reservoir and doesn’t involve burning.

These energy efficient space heaters are a perfect choice if you wish to heat a large room. Some good models from our list are de Pelonis or the De’Longhi oil-filled heaters.

Pros

  • Can efficiently distribute heat in the room
  • They retain heat much better, which means that they can heat a while even after being turned off.
  • They do not have fans, so they are usually very quiet
  • Can reach a bigger surface

Cons

  • They take a longer time to heat up
  • The external surface may get heated up

Best for: Large rooms that have a tall ceiling and typically have problems in retaining heat

3. Infrared Space Heaters

Infrared space heaters – often referred to as radiant heaters – are typically more energy-efficient in comparison to other space heaters, as they use 100% of the produced heat. As a result, with infrared technology, these electric space heaters lead to less heat loss.

Unlike convection heaters that heat the air around, these electric heaters release infrared radiation to warm up the object or person directly.

The Heat Storm Phoenix Heater or the Dr. Infrared Portable one from our list are great models to look into if you search for this kind of heater.

Pros

  • No heat is lost in the process
  • It won’t dry out the air excessively
  • Considerably safer since they do not become very hot

Cons

  • The heat stops immediately after you turn them off

Best for: Small rooms where the person stays right in front of the infrared heater

  • Micathermic Heaters

Micathermic heaters work similarly to infrared heaters (and look similar), but the heating element that they use is mica – a silicate material that is structurally layered and is very shiny.

Electricity goes through the mica, which is further released in the form of an electromagnetic ray.

Pros

  • May warm up the air quite quickly and efficiently
  • It is one of the most efficient electric heaters today
  • Quieter than most heater types
  • Very portable and may be placed anywhere

Cons

  • It is not very efficient when it comes to heating a larger room

Best for: Small size rooms where it is necessary to keep a quiet environment

2. Heating Controls

Heating controls are also something you need to consider. For example, digital thermostats and two heat settings are great options when you wish to have a constant room temperature.

Wi-Fi connection can also be highly convenient if you want to control the heater from a distance.

That being said, some things that you will have to look into are the person sensor and the eco-mode – particularly if you aim to save as much running power as possible.

The person sensor will only turn the unit on when someone passes by the unit or stays in the room – therefore, ensuring that the electric space heaters do not run needlessly.

However, the eco-mode will use as little energy as possible to provide you an optimal comfortable temperature. In this case, the Pelonis Oil-Filled space heater can prove to be the best solution, thanks to its in-built eco-mode.

3. Safety

Safety features are also very important to look into, particularly when you live in a home with children or pets.

Of course, all heaters have a certain degree of safety feature – but your aim here is to find a model with as many of these features as possible. So here are just a few of them that should be added to that list:

  • Overheat Protection: This feature will shut the unit off automatically when a certain inner and outer temperature is reached, preventing overheating.
  • Timer: This will allow you to set when the heater should shut itself off (for example, when you’re leaving the house)
  • Tip Protection: If the heater gets tipped over, this feature will shut the unit off automatically.
  • Cool-Touch Surface: This will prevent the surface of the heater from getting too hot, making it a great choice if you have children and pets.
  • Low-Oxygen Safety Shut-Off: These heaters will measure the oxygen levels in the room, turning itself off automatically when the oxygen levels get too low.

All of the heaters we presented have in-built safety features, but you should particularly look into the Vornado MVH Vortex heater. From cool-touch to automatic shut-off and even overheat protection, this one has everything you need.

4. Wattage

Obviously, an electric space heater will use electric energy to function – and to determine just how much electricity you are going to use, you’ll have to calculate the wattage.

Simply put, watts are power space heaters that are used for measuring the transfer rate of the appliance. The higher the appliance’s wattage, the more energy will be transferred per second – and the faster it will work.

Space heaters will turn that energy into warmth, so the higher the wattage, the warmer they will get. Most energy efficient space heaters come with 1500-watt power – but some of these heaters can be adjusted to preference.

For example, the De’Longhi ComforTemp can be set as high as 1500W and a low as 700W – with the middle point being 800W. So you may get less heat there, but the energy consumption will also be smaller.

Here’s a video to help you in the calculation if you’re not sure about the procedure.

How to Calculate the Efficiency of Space Heaters

Each space heater is different and has a specific efficiency. First, you need to determine how much electricity your unit uses. When calculating the efficiency of a space heater, you need to consider three factors:

  • The wattage of the heater
  • The kWh (Kilowatts Per Hour) x rate
  • Number of hours you plan on using the space heaters

Once you have that information, you may calculate just how much it will cost you to run this device using the formula:

Average Cost = Wattage x Hours Used x kWh(Kilowatts Per Hour x) Rate

How much you’ll need will depend mostly on the room you plan to use it in. Obviously, the bigger the room, the bigger the costs will be – and we’ll get into that in the following paragraphs.

Matching the Room Size to your Heater Wattage

Room heaters size is a great concern when using electric heaters. Generally, to raise an insulated room temperature by 5-10 degrees, you’ll require 10 Watts per square foot.

  1. 0 – 50 square feet, e.g., cubicle and bathrooms – 500 Watts 
  2. 50 square feet  – 75 square feet, e.g., a small office – 750 Watts
  3. 75 square feet – 100 square feet, e.g., galley kitchen – 1000 watts
  4. 100 – 150 square feet, e.g., Bedroom. 1500 watts
  5. 500 square feet, e.g., large sitting room. 5000 watts

If you want to raise the temperature by 11-15 degrees, 15-20 watts per square foot is excellent. Remember that electric space heaters are designed for small space and supplemental heating.

Nonetheless, you’ll be wasting a lot of heat if you use a heater or a heat setting, which is too large for the room. Want low voltage heaters? We’ve gathered the best models for you.

How to Use an Electric Heater Efficiently

You may get the most energy efficient space heater on the market, but unless you use it efficiently and correctly, then your investment will be all for nothing.

One or two electric space heaters might do you well in your plan to reduce overall home heating costs, but you need to follow a specific set of guidelines.

If you want to save some money by using space heaters, here are some tips for you to get the most out of them.

  • Turn Down the Main Heat & Use a Space Heater Just for the Room You’re Occupying

You could use the space heater for one room at a time – but first, you need to turn your central heat off. Then, turn on the heater just in the room that you are using.

For example, you may first use it in your home office when you are working, then move it to your living room as you are relaxing after a hard day’s work – and then, in the evening, move it to the bedroom.

One tip for you, though: two electric space heaters at the same time are ok – for example if you are in the office and your spouse is in the living room.

However, if you find that you are using more than that, then you are wasting energy. In that case, it’s probably a much better idea to turn the central heating on.

  • Use It as Supplemental Heating

As we previously touched upon, efficient space heaters should not be used to heat the entire house. Instead, use them to aid your main heating system.

For example, let’s say that you are wasting a lot of energy because you turn your central heating system up to warm up a room that loses warmth. It’s the kind of room that stays cold while the rest of them are very warm.

In particular, to warm that room, you’d practically have to crank the heat so high that a lot of it gets wasted in the process.

This is why you may want to use that unit as supplemental heat instead. Place it in a room that gets less heat to aid your home’s main heating system.

  • Emergency Heat

Let’s say that you have issues with your central heating system – the heat pump failed, or your furnace requires repairs.

In that case, a space heater can prevent your home and pipes from freezing, making the place livable until you fix the problem.

Tips for Safe Operation of a Space Heater

Considering that these best energy efficient space use a considerable amount of energy and heat, several safety tips to consider. Here is what you’ll have to do to operate these devices safely:

  1. Carefully read the user manual, following the guidelines of the manufacturer.
  2. Don’t place it in an area with a lot of foot traffic. Tip-over shut-off features may prevent any disasters from happening, but it’s much better to avoid these incidents in the first place.
  3. Don’t keep it near any flammable items, even if it’s advertised as cool to the touch.
  4. Avoid using extension cables, as they may be overloaded.
  5. Don’t leave the unit unattended if it doesn’t have any overheat automatic shut-off or a timer.
  6. Ensure enough space between the heater and any nearby objects and furniture.
  7. Don’t try repairing a malfunctioning unit yourself; take it to a professional instead.

As long as these guidelines are followed, there should not be any issues with using a space heater.

Related Posts:

Is It Safe to Leave Infrared Heaters On Overnight?

How to Turn on Heater in House

Tips to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Before you spend all your money on the most energy efficient space heaters – particularly expensive ones – you need to ensure that your home is energy-efficient as well. If you don’t do that, you might end up wasting more energy than you are using. So here are a few tips.

1. Maintain Your Heaters and Furnaces

To make your home energy efficient, you need to properly maintain your heating sources. Ensure that they don’t have any buildups that would affect your home’s way of being heated.

This doesn’t only include your space heater but your furnace, AC unit, and any other combustion devices that you may have.

2. Use Your Curtains

Indeed, you should not block the sun during the day – quite the opposite, you should let all of the warmth from the sun get in.

However, once night falls, you should pull your curtains. Their thickness will offer the room some extra insulation and will prevent the heat from getting out.

3. Block the Draughts

A lot of the heat from the room gets lost through doors and windows, which is why you should DIY-proof the room for any draughts.

You can find rubber seals or expanding foam pretty much everywhere, and they’re not even difficult to install. This will keep the warm air in and help you save energy.

4. Use Reflective Heat

Make the most of the heat in the room by reflecting heat. One good tip would be to place reflective foil between the wall and the heater. This way, the heat waves would travel in the same way light does: reflected and redirected.

How to Position Energy Efficient Space Heaters

Being aware that electric heaters will ultimately consume a good chunk of your monthly bills should encourage you to take certain steps to make sure that it is positioned in a prime location.

Aside from working efficiently, a space heater that is properly positioned makes your indoor climate more comfortable, and as a result, you feel the warmth more quickly.

Here is how you should know if your low-cost energy efficient portable heater is properly placed

  1. It is advisable to put your portable heater on the ground and not on a table or desk. This is because warm air rises, meaning the lower your heater is, the more cold air it heats.
  2. Find an area where the airflow works with the device, not against it. Make sure that it is facing open space and that there is plenty of heater space. For example, if it is facing a door, ensure the door is not used often. If not, it will have to work twice as hard each time the door is opened.
  3. Consider the power source. Place your unit where there is an outlet. It is crucial to avoid running extension cords to your electric heaters.
  4. Try to place the unit close to the center of the room as much as possible. This will ensure that the heat is evenly distributed across the room. If you place it on one side of the room, you’ll feel warmer on that side than the other. If you have a ceiling fan in your room, it is the best place since the ceiling fan (if it is running anti-clockwise) will help circulate the air in the room, making you feel warmer and comfortable.

You may also like to read our:

Best Portable Garage Heater Reviews.

Best Electric Garage Heater with 120 volts

Final Thoughts

The most energy efficient space heater is a very convenient appliance to have around the house, particularly when you do not want to waste a lot of energy.

Sometimes, you don’t need to heat the entire house – just the room that you’re staying in will do. In that case, you must be careful when you pick which option you should buy.

The most popular and clear winner here is the Dr. Infrared heater – but the other products are just as efficient at the job. So you just need to determine which one suits you the most based on the requirements you have.

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AUTHOR
Jesse Pinkman is a passionate HVAC professional writer who grew up repairing any home appliance on which he could lay his hands. He is responsible for ensuring that every article we publish is SPOT ON. When he's not in the office, he enjoys hiking, watching football, and spending time with his family.