Find the Best Way to Warm Up with our Helpful Heating Guide

With so many options to choose from, it can be daunting to find the right portable heater at the right price. Find out which heater is perfect for keeping you warm this winter.

Heaters with ceramic cores use convection heat to distribute warm air from the core to the rest of the room, so they are often best for warming up a large room with several people in it. Fans help distribute the air properly, so high heat settings may be noisy. Ceramic heating elements are typically durable and long-lasting. Many models contain energy-efficient internal thermostats and auto-shut off features for added safety, and some have oscillating options to help circulate warm air throughout larger spaces. 

Infrared heaters emit heat through invisible infrared light waves, making them efficient in fast, targeted heating. They do not require fans to circulate warm air, so they are often quieter than traditional ceramic models. Infrared heaters are energy efficient and easy to maintain. Objects that absorb infrared heat (such as sofas) will retain their warmth for some time after the heater is turned off. 

Another benefit of infrared heat is the warm, moist air produced does not affect a room’s humidity. Some models include humidifiers and air purifiers for maximum comfort. Our pureHeat 3-in-1 and the pureHeat 2-in-1 models use high-powered germicidal bulbs to keep air clean during cold and flu season.

Quartz space heaters aim infrared radiant heat toward solid objects (including people and pets) for a span of about 10-15 feet. Heat is concentrated directly in front of the heater, so plants can wilt, fabric can melt, and paper can catch fire if placed closer than 3 feet from the heater. They don’t circulate warm air throughout a room, so place it where you want to feel the heat the most. 

Quartz bulbs may be pricier than other infrared options, but the heaters convert 100% of the energy they use into heat, making them extremely energy efficient at warming small spaces.

Beauty & the BTUs

Heat capacity is measured in British Thermal Units, BTUs. A single BTU is equal to the amount of energy used to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. That means higher BTUs are more effective at producing more heat. So, a 1500-watt portable heater typically warms up to 1000 feet with a 5000 BTU output. Be sure to check the label rating on any model (usually attached on or near the power cord) to estimate how much the unit costs to run. For example, a 1500-watt heater used during an energy-billing cycle of 20 cents per kilowatt hour will cost about thirty-five cents each hour.

Try a portable heater that targets warm air in common living areas.

Faux Fireplaces

Couple extra heat and instant ambiance with a portable fireplace. The Classic Flame Rolling Fireplace Mantel provides  the warmth of an oak fireplace without the worries of soot scraping or venting. It rolls into place on hidden casters, plugs in any outlet, and produces soft, moist infrared heat. With the realistic look of resin logs and embers, it’s a great way to warm up the temperature and feel of a living room or bedroom. And when you’re not using it, you can roll it right into storage.

Space Heater Safety

We want everyone to feel safe and warm this winter. Here are a few reminders from our safety experts, the ESFI and the U.S. Department of Energy:

• Place heaters at least 3 feet away from all flammable surfaces, including delicate materials, paperwork, and hanging towels.
• Safely warm up small spaces, such as guest bathrooms with a cordless wall heater. The pureHeat SNUG plugs into any outlet to warm areas up to 650 square feet and has a cool-to-the-touch exterior that won’t burn tiny hands or tender paws.
• If you heat your home with gas, install and test carbon monoxide detectors, and if necessary, install fresh batteries.
• Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire damage with a unit like the Nest Protect Alarm. Battery and hardwired options are available.
• Locate heaters on flat, level surfaces away from foot traffic, children, and pets.
• Make sure your heater has a tip-over safety switch that automatically turns the device off if it is knocked over.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Plug heaters directly into wall plugs, rather than extension cords, and don’t overload the same outlet with other appliances.
• Turn off or unplug heaters before going to bed.
• Inspect heaters for any cracks or damage, including the wire and plug. If you see signs of loose connections or broken wires, or if the heater or cords are frayed, worn, or damaged, do not use the appliance.

See our entire heater collection here, and sign up for emails from smartneighbor.com in 2018 for more smart home recommendations!