Space heaters can be the ideal solution to heating less-toasty areas of a home like basements and enclosed porches. The assumption in using them is that they are more energy efficient than using the central heat to try to heat the same area. Unfortunately, if they are used as “comfort” heat on top of a central heating system they may actually use more energy, not less.

When to Use Space Heaters

The Department of Energy advised that space heaters are less expensive if you only heat one room or use them to supplement a room’s inadequate central heating. Central heating systems are still the most cost-effective method when used for a whole house or business.

Models of Space Heaters

Space heaters may be powered by electricity, natural gas and propane gas. They vary in size, BTU rating and function. They emit heat differently and the differences are in the way the heat is transferred to the surrounding room. Models of space heaters include:

radiant space heaters (infrared space heaters): heat objects in order to heat the surrounding air
circulating type space heaters (“blue flame” space heaters): have a visible blue flame and warm the air with it then circulate it to surrounding people and objects.
Wall mounted space heaters: those that can be attached to a wall.
Vented/unvented space heaters: The former draw air from the outside for combustion while returning flue gases back to the outside and the latter operate within a single room using its indoor air for combustion.