Space heaters are a popular choice for staying snug during the colder months, offering a handy way to heat specific rooms without cranking up the whole house. Whether you're looking to banish the chill from your bedroom, add extra warmth to your home office, or save on heating bills, choosing the right space heater is key. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make a cosy and cost-effective choice.
What to Expect from a Space Heater
Space heaters are fantastic for targeted warmth, but here’s what you should keep in mind:
Room Size: Perfect for small to medium-sized spaces. Bigger rooms? You might need more than one or a central heating boost.
Heating Speed: Most space heaters work fast, but their effectiveness depends on type and wattage.
Energy Costs: Great for short-term or room-specific heating, but prolonged use can add up on your energy bill compared to central heating or other heating methods.
Meet the Contenders: Types of Space Heaters
Space heaters come in various styles, each bringing unique perks. Here’s the lowdown:
Convection Heaters:
Best For: Evenly heating an entire room over time.
How They Work: Circulate warm air through convection currents.
Infrared Heater:
Best For: Quickly warming up a small, focused area.
How They Work: Use infrared radiation to heat objects and people directly.
Fan Heaters:
Best For: Instant, focused warmth.
How They Work: Combine a heating element with a fan for speedy heat distribution.
Oil-Filled Radiators:
Best For: Long-lasting, consistent warmth.
How They Work: Heat oil inside the unit to radiate heat.
View our blog Portable warmth: The benefits of oil filled radiators
How Much Heat Do You Need?
Matching the heater’s power to your room size is vital. Power output is measured in watts, below is a general rule of thumb for understanding room size relative to the watts needed for the space:
- Small Rooms (up to 10m²): 500-1,000 watts should do the trick.
- Medium Rooms (10-20m²): Look for 1,000-1,500 watts.
- Large Rooms (20m² and above): You’ll need 2,000 watts or more.
As mentioned, this is only a general guideline for heating requirements. However, the exact wattage needed can vary based on factors such as room insulation, ceiling height, and the number of windows and doors in the room.
The Cost of Staying Toasty
Running costs depend on wattage, usage time, and your energy tariff. For example:
- A 1,500-watt heater used for one hour consumes 1.5 kWh.
- At 34p per kWh (current UK average), that’s about 51p per hour.
While space heaters are great for targeted use, central heating might be more economical for large or long-term heating needs.
However, space heaters excel in flexibility and ease of use – making them perfect for quickly warming up smaller rooms or personal spaces without the cost of heating the whole house.
For example, an oil-filled radiator may cost around 51p per hour to run, making it ideal for maintaining warmth in a bedroom overnight. Compared to traditional radiator heating which heats an entire home, a space heater allows you to focus heat only where it's needed – a far more cost-effective solution for individual rooms.
The advantage of a space heater lies in its ability to localise heat, meaning you’re not paying to warm unused rooms. Over time, this can lead to significant savings, particularly in households that don’t require every room to be heated constantly.
Tips for Safe and Efficient Heating
Here’s how to stay warm and worry-free:
- Pick Smart: Choose a heater that matches your room size and purpose.
- Mind Placement: Keep heaters on flat, stable surfaces and away from flammable items like curtains.
- Use Timers and Thermostats: Save energy and avoid overheating.
- Don’t Overload Sockets: Always plug directly into a wall socket.
- Switch Off When Unattended: Unless it’s designed for safe overnight use, turn it off when you’re not around.
View our blog Optimising the heat output from an oil filled radiator
Space Heaters vs. Other Heating Options
Space heaters shine in their flexibility. Best for heating single rooms without wasting energy on the entire house. Whilst also being the perfect Add-On with a boost for particularly chilly spots.
For heating large areas or long-term use, central heating or fixed electric radiators may be more efficient. Don’t forget, proper insulation and draught-proofing can drastically cut heating costs and keep your home cosy.
The Final Word
Space heaters are your go-to for targeted, flexible warmth. By picking the right type, matching it to your room size, and following best practices, you’ll stay cosy and warm yourself effectively this winter. Here’s to a warm and wonderful season!
View the full range of Space Heaters here