Space heaters allow you to add targeted warmth directly where you need it and come in various types and heating technologies. Portable heaters are ideal for rooms without central heating or inadequate heating.
- Finding the Right Size for Your Space
- Space Heater Technology and Types
- Safety Features
- Power Consumption and Cost Analysis
- Other Resources
Finding the Right Size for Your Space
| Calculating Square Footage and Wattage for Heating | |
|---|---|
| Square Footage of Your Space | Wattage |
| 75 sq. ft. (7.5 x 10 feet ) | 750 watts |
| 100 sq. ft. (10 x 10 feet) | 1,000 watts |
| 125 sq. ft. (11 x 11 feet) | 1,250 watts |
| 150 sq. ft. (15 x 10 feet) | 1,500 watts |
| 200 sq. ft. (20 x 10 feet) | 2,000 watts |
| 250 sq. ft. (25 x 10 feet) | 2,500 watts |
| 300 sq. ft. (15 x 20 feet) | 3,000 watts |
| 350 sq. ft. (35 x 10 feet) | 3,500 watts |
| 400 sq. ft. (20 X 20 feet) | 4,000 watts |
The best way to find your ideal heater starts with the space you want to heat.
As a rule of thumb, you will need 10 watts or 50 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heating power for every square foot of floor area in a room.
That means a 1,500-watt (7,500 BTU) heater can be the primary heat source for an area measuring up to 150 square feet. However, it will cover a much larger area if used as a supplemental heating source.
This rule of thumb assumes a space has typical 8-foot ceilings and good insulation, so if your ceilings are higher or your space has poor insulation, you’ll have to overestimate your wattage needs slightly.
Browse space heaters based on the type of room and wattage
- Bathroom Heaters: These come in various sizes and provide supplemental heating with integrated safety and design features specifically for damp environments.
- Heaters for Small Spaces: Ideal for small bedrooms, nurseries, and studies of about 100 square feet.
- Heaters for Medium/Standard Spaces: Perfect for bedrooms, home offices, and breakfast rooms up to 180 square feet.
- Heaters for Large Spaces: These are best suited for basements, family rooms, bonus rooms, and media rooms over 180 square feet.
Space Heater by Technology and Type
There is a space heater style for any room in a home or office. Depending on the heating technology, space heaters can operate silently, making them ideal for bedrooms. Even models that use fans to disperse heat throughout a large space can still operate quietly.
Oil-Filled Radiators
Oil-filled radiators are nearly silent and cost-effective heaters ideal for bedrooms and other “quiet space” rooms. A heated diathermic oil spreads through the radiator’s fins, and air convection moves warmed air throughout the room. These portable heaters are convenient and easily transported to a spare bedroom or basement.
Radiant/Infrared Heating
Infrared heaters use an infrared bulb, coil, or tube to warm objects instead of the air and work well as a supplemental heat source in larger spaces. Some include a blower fan to disperse heat through under-heated small spaces.
Ceramic Heating
Ceramic heaters use an internal ceramic heating element capable of regulating their temperature without wiring and coils. This automated technology automatically adjusts the temperature, making them safe and reliable. Ceramic heaters are also typically more energy efficient than other models.
Fan-Forced Heating
A fan-forced space heater can have any number of heating element types, including a heating coil, infrared bulbs, or various heating elements. All fan-forced heaters use an internal blower fan instead of convection to circulate warmed air throughout a room. While this may add a low sound to their operation, they effectively heat larger areas. Many space heaters are portable; however, some models are wall-mounted and safe for bathroom use.
Convection Heating
Several types of heaters use convection technology, instead of a blower fan, to circulate warm air throughout a space. As hot air rises, cool air falls, is warmed, and then rises, creating a flowing current so the space is heated evenly over time. This technology makes convection heaters almost entirely silent while operating, so they're ideal for bedrooms and nurseries.
Baseboard Heaters
These heaters are mounted along a baseboard and hardwired into the home’s electrical system. Many use on-board thermostats or controls but can be wired to a wall thermostat when needed. These models are great for basements or rooms and hallways without central heat.
Wall Heaters
These space heaters are Installed on interior walls and provide supplemental heat in various large and small rooms. Many are rated for use in bathrooms, while models with greater BTU output can heat larger spaces like basements and family or media rooms. Wall heaters can be operated using an on-board thermostat or hard-wired to a wall thermostat for precise control.
Safety Features
Manufacturers equip heaters with advanced safety features to reduce significantly the risk of fires and overheating.
- Overheat Protection Switch: This switch detects when the heater's internal components reach an unsafe temperature. The unit automatically shuts off after reaching an unsafe temperature.
- Tip-Over Protection Switch: Automatically shuts off the unit if it’s knocked over.
- Cool-to-the-Touch: Heaters with heat-resistant exteriors can eliminate burn injuries caused by touching the unit. These models feature non-flammable, cool-touch cabinets.
- Safety Certifications: Heaters certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NTRL), such as CSA, ETL-Intertek, and UL, have been tested to ensure they don't contain faulty and hazardous electrical components.
See our Portable Space Heaters Safety Tips for more information on space heater safety.
Power Consumption and Cost
Along with multiple heat settings, some electric room heaters offer several power levels, generally measured in BTUs. A BTU (or British Thermal Unit) rating is useful when comparing the energy output because BTUs measure, among other things, the heating capacity of heaters and heating systems. The higher the BTUs, the higher the heat output.
The cost of operating a space heater depends on the kilowatt/hour rate charged by your local electric power provider. See our energy-efficient space heater guide to determine the approximate cost per day.
In Summary
Space heaters come in many styles for various room sizes and wattage requirements. Select the correct heater based on its energy efficiency, safety features, and suitability for different space conditions.
Still Have Questions?
Review our extensive product listings and other Knowledge Center articles for more information on specific heaters and other indoor air treatment solutions.
Not sure what's best for you? Contact our product experts toll-free at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help you make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
