Mistakes You're Making When Shopping For A New Space Heater

There are times when you may need to rely on a little extra heat during the winter months. That's where a space heater comes in, particularly if you need to heat a smaller room between 150 to 200 square feet. While there are space heaters you shouldn't buy without knowing certain things first, there are great options that can actually provide benefits beyond keeping you warm in your home office. However, people make a number of mistakes when shopping for a new space heater that don't allow them to take advantage of these perks. 

Before buying a space heater, understand how the space you plan to heat can impact your energy bill and why the placement of your space heater is so important if energy conservation is important to you. For instance, while a small space heater is best for spot heating, and a larger one would be better for heating a room, you may not want something powerful enough to heat an entire floor of your home. Many people in search of the cheapest upfront option may miss out on the benefits of advanced technology that could help them save more money on the back end while also offering a safer alternative. Let's take a closer look at these common mistakes people make when buying space heaters, which should help you make the right choice. 

Keep in mind that electricity costs more than natural gas, and your typical space heater generates 1,500 watts on its highest setting. That's the equivalent of about $50 per month if used on an average eight-hour day for 30 days. However, if you use your space heater sparingly in an enclosed, compact area, you'll still expend less energy than flipping on your boiler to heat your whole house or trying to heat a large portion with your space heater. The latter is just one of several mistakes to avoid when using a space heater, and it is a huge missed opportunity to save on your energy bill.

Space heaters that operate with a form of smart technology can automatically adjust their settings based on room temperature and potentially reduce the energy consumption of the appliance by as much as 50%. While having an EnergyStar rating would make this easier, space heaters aren't yet included in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) certification program. Don't worry. House Digest has you covered if you're looking for a budget-friendly space heater that can help reduce energy costs. 

If you're still unsure of how to source an energy-efficient space heater, look for heat settings with Eco-modes, timer systems, mobility that allows for you to move your heater easily to another room, and a thermostat you can program to adjust heat levels and help regulate your energy usage. 

A 2022 study by the National Fire Protection Association found that the No. 1 cause of home fires among types of heating equipment was space heaters, with loss of life and injuries representing the highest percentages at 88% and 80%, respectively, among all the metrics covered. A space heater that employs smart technology should do more than just adjust your energy usage; it should also come equipped with a timer system that allows you to set it and forget it in most cases.

While common sense should dictate that some basic safety precautions should be taken, like not leaving your heater on overnight while you sleep or not placing it within three feet of flammable items, a heater that automatically shuts itself off when it recognizes it is overheating makes life easier for you. Likewise, a space heater that you can set to shut off in an hour, like this De'Longhi Dragon Oil Filled Radiator Heater — which also boasts an eco function that regulates your temperature and energy usage — provides an extra layer of confidence should you forget to turn off your heater before leaving the house or taking a nap. 

If your space heater lacks the ability to set a timer, try a smart plug-in that allows you to schedule shut-off times with an app.  Plug-ins are typically safe for up to 15 amps or 1,800 watts.