The Best Energy Efficient Space Heaters | Buying Guide

When the weather cools, many people turn to space heaters as a solution to heat homes and offices. In our space heater research guide, we shared how space heaters work, as well as the different types of heaters available to consumers. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll share the most energy efficient heaters on the market now.

Space heaters can be excellent options, especially for buyers who prefer to heat specific indoor spaces and are looking to save money on heating bills. Most space heaters are also highly portable, allowing users to stay warm while moving around a home or office. To cacluclate the right amount of BTUs (British Thermal Units) required to optimally heat your indoor space, so be sure to check out our heating BTU calculator.

Note that some space heaters can be run up your bills if you’re not careful. That’s why we’ve created a list of space heaters with a focus on energy efficiency.

Let’s take a look!

Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater

Dr. Heater’s infrared portable heater is a maneuverable and reliable heating solution that can quickly warm medium and large rooms. This heater features an advanced dual heating system including a high-efficiency blower, which enables it to heat indoor spaces at a faster rate than its competitors, setting the room at a comfortable temperature while also saving energy.

It’s comes with a full set of features, including an easy-to-use digital interface and remote control. There’s also a built-in timer that runs up to 12 hours to make things even easier. To move around the Dr Infrared Heater, it’s equipped with four bottom wheels.

In terms of safety, it also includes a 5-point safety design, including overheat protection and automatic shut-off at tip-over, making it a good fit for families and those with pets.

You’ll also be able to use it for quite a while, since it has a reported lifetime of 80,000 hours and comes with a 3 year warranty. This unit delivers about 5,000 BTUs on its high setting.

Learn more about the Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater

De'Longhi Micathermic Panel Heater

Using both convection heat and radiant heat, micathermic heaters are noticeably thin and wide. They rapidly raise temperatures with a heating element covered in mica, an efficient heating mineral. Using metal coils inside of the mica to reach maximum temperature, micathermic heaters are cool to touch and low-noise, making them great low-profile solution for heating small and medium-sized rooms.

That’s why the De'Longhi micathermic panel heater is an excellent choice for energy efficient heating. It’s highly versatile, easily used as a portable space heater or converted into a wall-mounted heater. And its slim profile and choice of white or black allows it to fit into most areas nicely.

This model packs 1,500 watts of heating power in a compact design that also includes an adjustable thermostat. You’ll be able to use two heat settings so that you can adjust it to your efficiency preference. It’s rated for 5,120 BTUs.

Learn more about the De'Longhi Micathermic Panel Heater

Honeywell HZ-789 EnergySmart Electric Oil Filled Radiator

Oil-filled radiators usually don’t get the love they deserve, especially as energy-efficient heaters. While they take a few minutes to warm up, these kinds of heaters are extremely efficient at warming indoor spaces. They’re also potentially safer alternatives to other types of heaters because of lower surface temperatures.

Honeywell has a long-standing reputation for creating high-quality heaters. So, when shopping for a great all-around oil-filled heater, consider the Honeywell HZ-789. Created with Honeywell’s EnergySmart technology, it’s an excellent value purchase and has a BTU heat output of 5,118.

This heater is relatively slim and can be moved around easily since it comes with wheels and a handle. And its digital controls are great at customizing your heating experience. This model will heat up small and medium rooms quickly, taking a little more time for larger spaces. It also comes with a 1-12 hour time and multiple heat settings.

Learn more about the Honeywell HZ-789 EnergySmart Electric Oil Filled Radiator

Lasko 6435 Designer Series Ceramic Oscillating Heater with Remote Control

Are you hoping for an energy-efficient space heater that also keeps it chic? The Lasko 6435 Designer Series exudes style while performing admirably. This heater is ideal for heating small and medium spaces while providing a little something extra with its exterior. The design is so nice that you might even confuse it for an artistic home furnishing.

Its exterior pairs well with most room decor, and it comes with helpful features like a timer, multiple power levels, thermostat, and oscillating fan to increase efficiency. The rotating fan makes sure that airflow is maximized, and it’s surprisingly quiet.

Learn more about the Lasko 6435 space heater here.

De'Longhi DCH7093ER Ceramic Compact Heater

The DeLonghi DCH7093ER is a full-featured ceramic heater that packs a punch despite its small size. It offers an “ECO” setting to keep your energy bill down as well as an unobtrusive design.

This heater offers multiple heat settings, a touch control panel, an LCD display, a timer, a remote control, an oscillating fan, and more. WIth the right settings, you’ll keep yourself warm while saving energy. Its “Safeheat” technology also mitigates the risk of this heater tipping over and overheating.

Learn more about the De'Longhi DCH7093ER Ceramic Compact Heater

Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988A Space Heater

If you’re looking for something that can deliver a LOT of heat efficiently, especially for garages and workspaces, the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988A is strong choice. The Dr. Infrared Heater brand is well known for its quality products and consistently develops products with outstanding performance.

The DR-988A model features 4,800-5,600 watts in capacity and comes in a compact exterior. The finished design comes in a red color that works well in many working spaces.

It’s built to warm large indoor areas and can be placed in most areas easily, coming with a strong carry handle. As a helpful safety features, the automatic shutoff kicks in when temperatures get too high.

Please note that this heater requires a 240 volt capacity and NEMA receptacle, not your typical indoor outlet!

Learn more about the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-988A Space Heater

Dyson HP01 Fan Heater

Dyson has maintained a strong reputation for over three decades, and this fan heater is another example of their top notch engineering. Built with modern tech (including mobile app functionality), this popular space heater was built with efficiency as a main priority.

It’s a tall and narrow appliance that uses a special “Air Multiplier” method for improved airflow efficiency. It comes with a remote, sleep timer, a HEPA air filter, and multiple modes for different scenarios. It also serves as a cooling fan in the summer.

This Dyson fan heater comes in either an iron or blue color, both of which are rather modern in design. You’ll find the control panel on the top display of the heater with easy-to-read options.

The HP01 is a bit pricey, but if you’re looking for energy efficiency, it’s hard to beat. It’s an investment, but you’ll see savings on your monthly electric bills for years to come.

Learn more about the Dyson HP01 Fan Heater

Find the Right Space Heater for You

Space heaters can be a great heating solution for many situations and even reduce energy bills when used correctly. They come in a variety of models, so be sure to take into account your wants and needs before making a purchase.

This winter, energy costs are estimated to be as high as 50% more than last year, which will be challenging, especially with the effects of inflation. For those trying to afford to heat their homes, energy efficient space heaters might be just what they need to save money on otherwise high heating bills.

Note that space heaters are generally very safe since they can be turned off easily and usually come with features to automatically shut down when a desire temperature is reached or the device is tipped over. Follow safety protocols recommended by the manufacturer, keeping heaters away from flammable items, turning off heaters before you leave a room, and plugging electric heaters directly into wall outlets instead of using extension cords. Read more about space heater safety here.

Good luck on your next purchase, and be sure to check out our other guides for more recommendations.

Still have questions? Ask an HVAC expert directly via chat or phone.

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