Winter has arrived and you’re no doubt looking for ways to stay warm without spending a fortune. Space heaters can be an excellent option to save money on heat.
Unfortunately, there are lots of misconceptions about them as well. I’m going to bust some of the biggest space heater myths so you can enjoy your space heater without worry.
Myth: Space Heaters Are Dangerous Fire Hazards
Truth: Space heaters do pose some fire risk if misused but today’s models are actually safer than ever. All new space heaters are required by law to have several safety features. They must include a tip-over switch that automatically shuts the heater off if it’s knocked over. They also need an overheating protection feature that prevents the heater itself from getting too hot.
For these reasons, fires caused by space heaters have actually decreased by almost half over the past few years. Just use some common sense and keep your heater at least 3 feet away from flammable objects like curtains and furniture. Never leave your heater on when you’re not in the room and you should be fine.
Myth: All Space Heaters Cost a Fortune to Run
Truth: Believe it or not, space heaters can actually save you money. If you use them to heat individual rooms instead of your whole house, you’ll use less energy overall. The average space heater costs around 20 cents an hour to run assuming it’s a 1,500 watt unit. That may actually be cheaper than using your primary heating source depending on your situation.
Therefore, it’s not so much about whether you use a space heater. It’s about using your space heater strategically. Heat the rooms you’re using while keeping the rest of your home at a lower temperature. Not only will you spend less on energy, but you’ll also be cozy everywhere you go.
Myth: Bigger Heaters Always Work Better
Truth: Buying the biggest space heater you can find is not necessarily the best idea. In fact, doing so can waste energy and cost you more money. A small bedroom will require much less heat than a large living room. Most space heaters on the market today put out around 1,500 watts of heat. That should be sufficient for rooms that are up to 150 square feet.
If you buy a heater that’s too big for the room you intend to heat, it will cycle on and off too much. Not only will you feel these temperature fluctuations, but your heater will be less efficient as well.
Myth: Leaving Space Heaters On All Night Is Fine
Truth: While space heaters are designed with safety in mind, they can still be dangerous if left on unattended. If your heater develops a fault while you sleep, you won’t realize it until it may be too late. For this reason, heating experts recommend you always turn your heater off before going to bed.
If you need to keep warm while you sleep, use your regular heating system. You can also buy electric blankets that are designed to be left on overnight.
Myth: Portable heaters Don’t Need Maintenance
Truth: Sure, your portable heaters don’t require any special maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything at all. Dust and dirt can build up inside your heater over time. When this happens, your heater has to work harder, which can cause it to overheat.
You should periodically vacuum out your heater or blast it with compressed air. Also, check the heater’s cord for damage before each use. A frayed cord is a fire hazard. Replace it immediately if you notice any problems.
Myth: All Space Heaters Dry Out the Air
Truth: While some space heaters do dry out your indoor air, not all of them do. Oil-filled radiators and infrared heaters don’t decrease humidity like other types of heaters. They work by heating objects and people in the room instead of blowing hot air around. If you don’t like dry air, run a humidifier at the same time as your heater.
Myth: Space Heaters Can Heat Your Whole Home
Truth: Just because you can theoretically hook up dozens of space heaters around your home doesn’t mean you should. While it might seem like it would be cheaper than using your furnace, that’s not how heating works. Running multiple space heaters will end up costing you more money. Plus, you’ll have hot and cold spots all over your home.
It’s better to use space heaters only to heat rooms that you’re actually using. That way, you can keep your thermostat turned down low and save money.
Myth: Ceramic Heaters Are Always Better
Truth: Ceramic heaters aren’t necessarily better than other types of heaters. They’re just better for some people than others.
Ceramic heaters heat up faster than most other types. They’re also safe for kids and pets. However, oil-filled radiators produce heat longer and run more quietly. Infrared heaters are also great at directly heating people and objects instead of air.
Shop around and find the type of heater that’s best for your situation.
Final words
Don’t let myths and misconceptions prevent you from using a space heater. They can be a great way to stay warm while saving money on energy. Just use some common sense and follow a few basic safety tips.
Use a newer model that comes equipped with safety features. Keep your heater away from things that can catch on fire. Always turn it off before leaving the room and you’ll be just fine. I hope you learned something new about space heaters. Stay warm out there!
FAQ’s
1. Are space heaters really as dangerous as people say?
Not really — at least not the modern ones. Most of the horror stories come from older heaters or people using them incorrectly. Today’s space heaters come with built-in safety features like tip-over switches and overheat protection. As long as you keep it a few feet away from curtains and furniture and don’t leave it running unattended, the risk is much lower than people think.
2. Do space heaters always drive up your electricity bill?
Surprisingly, no. Used the right way, they can actually save you money. Heating one room you’re using is usually cheaper than heating your entire house. A typical space heater costs about 20 cents an hour to run, which can be a bargain compared to cranking up your main heating system — especially if you’re only hanging out in one room.
3. Is buying a bigger space heater always better?
Bigger isn’t better when it comes to space heaters. In fact, oversized heaters can be wasteful. If the heater is too powerful for the room, it’ll constantly turn on and off, which feels uncomfortable and wastes energy. Most small rooms do just fine with a standard 1,500-watt heater — anything more is usually overkill.
4. Can I safely leave my space heater on all night?
It’s tempting, but it’s not a great idea. Even with modern safety features, things can still go wrong while you’re asleep and unable to react. Heating experts generally recommend turning space heaters off before bed. If nighttime warmth is the goal, electric blankets or your central heating system are much safer options.
5. Do space heaters need any kind of maintenance?
They’re low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance. Dust can build up inside over time, which makes the heater work harder and can even cause overheating. Giving it a quick vacuum or blast of compressed air every so often goes a long way. Also, always check the power cord — a damaged cord is something you don’t want to ignore.
6. Can a space heater replace my home’s heating system?
Not realistically. Space heaters are great for spot heating, but they’re not meant to warm an entire house. Running multiple heaters can cost more than using your furnace and still leave you with uneven temperatures. Think of space heaters as helpers, not replacements — they’re best used in rooms you actually spend time in.
