The Budget-Friendly Space Heater That Can Help Keep Your Energy Costs Down

Sometimes the temperature can be unpredictable, especially when the seasons are changing. You've probably experienced those occasional mild autumns and winters (you know, when it's a bit chilly, but not frosty enough to turn up your thermostat).

Wishing there was a way you could cozy up without burning a hole in your energy bill? We took a deep dive into all of the options on the market. After comparing how they heated, their key features, price points, and what real people were saying about them, one space heater stood out from the rest — the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998. Unlike traditional heaters, this uses infrared heating technology to warm objects in the room rather than the air. This heating style is a more efficient choice, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you'll only be in the room for a few hours.

Space heaters, in general, are great alternatives when you need a little extra warmth or a portable heat source. But unlike the others, the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998 is packed with several additional features. It functions as a heater, humidifier, and fan all in one, currently holding a 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon and a 4.2-star rating on The Home Depot. It also only costs $119.99 at the time of this writing on both retailers. Let's dive into why this budget-friendly space heater was named best overall out of House Digest's review of the best infrared heaters for your home.

If you've ever dealt with dry indoor air caused by most heating systems, the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-998 takes care of it. It has a built-in humidifier that adds a mist to the space, helping restore moisture and comfort to the room. With help from its oscillation fan, the space heater also heats up an area fairly quickly and evenly, according to most of its customers' reviews on both Amazon and The Home Depot. 

As for temperature settings, the thermostat ranges from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve the heat comfort you need. With safety in mind, this Dr. Infrared Heater automatically shuts off in case of tipping over and overheating. These protection settings, along with the 12-hour auto timer, are helping to reduce fire hazards, especially with children and pets in the house.

One of the most frequently mentioned features among its customer reviews is its efficiency, with dozens of customers expressing that they've used it throughout the entire winter and are saving on their heating bills. Many more shared that it's very easy to set up and use right away. We chose this product because of its infrared heat, which is super efficient, and its unique fan-humidifier combo features (who knew you could get all that in one?). It is also surprisingly affordable and has tons of great reviews from satisfied customers, so it's really a can't-miss choice if you need a new heater this chilly season.