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Heating a large room can be difficult and expensive, especially if you choose the wrong heater. Finding the most efficient solution for your heating needs will ensure that you gain that cozy homely feel without breaking the bank. Here is a little insight into how to choose the right heater for you, along with a few of the best models on the market.
at a glance: our top picks for heaters for large rooms
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Types Large Room Heaters
There are three main types of heaters when it comes to heating a large room: radiant, convection, and combination heaters. Radiant heaters, powered by electricity or fuel, gas, kerosene, etc., work in the same way as the sun, by radiating heat outwards. Some of these are infrared models. These heaters work by being pointed in the direction to heat, and some have reflectors to conduct heat to specific directions. These types of heaters work best to warm objects rather than whole spaces.
Convection heaters work by creating air circulation, relying on the natural flow of hot air rising. As air rises out of the heater, it creates a vacuum for cold air to be sucked in. This makes air circulate naturally as warm air flows into the vacuum of cold air. These type of heaters are designed to heat the entire room because they heat the air rather than specific objects.
Some heaters, such as ceramic radiant heaters, are a combination of both as they use a fan to circulate the heat that gets produced.
You will also find four main designs of heaters: wall, baseboard, freestanding, and electric fireplace heaters. Each is aesthetically different and circulates heat differently. The major consideration is the space that you have for it and the way you would like the heat to rise.
Factors to Consider When Buying Heaters for Large Rooms
The first and most important consideration is power. If you want to heat a whole room, you need to measure its size. In general, 10 watts will heat 1 square foot of space, so you will need to find a heater that has the capacity to heat the size of space you are considering.
Secondly, see what you have available and the utility of the heater, so you consider your fuel options. Those with small children may find a propane tank heater a little dangerous. Equally, if you do not have gas lines installed in your house, a gas heater may be out of the question due to the high installation costs and disturbance. Electric heaters tend to be cheaper upfront. That said, gas heaters tend to be cheaper to run than electricity and could be a better option if they fit your criteria.
Think about the space you have to put a heater. Are you looking to recess something into the wall or to have an aesthetically pleasing fireplace?
Alternatively, you may be looking to have a surface wall heater that you can tilt for workshops and garages. Perhaps a free-standing heater is more suitable for portability so you can move it from room to room. Understanding the design will help you narrow down your choices.
You can also consider some of the other added features such as a built-in thermostat, adjustable fan, cool-touch exterior, automatic tip-over, overheat switch-off, remote control, timer, and wheels. All these features help with portability, safety, or convenience.
Safety Features to Look For
When installing a heater, safety is important, therefore, identifying the features of a large room heater is integral. First, you want to ensure it has been tested for safety. Look for a label from a recognized testing lab such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association).will verify the safety of the model.
Next, consider the safety features that come with the heater. The Cool-touch exterior will stop the outside of the heater from getting hot and posing a fire risk. Some heaters feature an automatic switch-off function when the heater starts to overheat. Moreover, you will find that some heaters will automatically turn off if the heater tips over.
You can find another great and often forgotten safety feature on gas heaters. It is a carbon monoxide-related feature that switches the heater off when there is not enough oxygen for combustion. It prevents carbon monoxide from being formed. When using a gas heater in your home, always make sure to have a vented combustion heater; unvented heaters can be very dangerous.
In Hurry? Here is Our Top Pick:
Heats up to 1000 square feet and has an energy saving mode
Heat Ranges from 50 - 86 degrees using its electric thermostat
Auto shot off timer, tip over protection and overheat protection.
The best overall heater for large rooms. You will not be disappointed with this efficient and effective heater.
Reviews of the Best Heaters for Large Rooms
Remember what to consider before selecting a heater for a large room. Here are some of the best models available on the market today.
1. Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater 1500-Watt
With both tip-over and overheat protection, this model features a dual heating system using infrared and PTC. It has 1500 watts of power and ranges from temperatures of 122-250F. It has a high-efficiency blower but operates at only 39 decibels.
Pros
Cons
This heater operates quickly and has the capacity to warm large spaces. However, it is a little costly to run, and despite the plethora of safety features, the grate has a flaw, making it hazardous for children and pets.
2. Hurricane 736609 Series Heatwave 24 Inch Radiant Heater
It is a whole-room oil-filled radiant heater. It has 1500 watts of power and three heat settings. It has a remote control for convenience and a digital display and features wheels for portability.
Pros
Cons
This radiant heater is a good option for those looking for a portable model with convenient timer settings and quiet operation.
3. Cadet Com-Pak Twin 4000W Large Room Electric Wall Heater
This wall-mounted 4000-watt heater can heat up to 600 square feet. It comes with a wall can, grill, and thermostat for easy installation. It has an automatic overheat function and a fan to dissipate the heat.
Pros
Cons
It is a very powerful wall mounted heater that’s easy to install and that heats a room quickly. If you’re looking to have your own thermostat, this model might not be the most appropriate.
4. LifeSmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace
Aesthetically designed to mimic a log fireplace, this electric heater has 2 levels of fire glow and produces heat using infrared. It heats 1000 square meters and has a beautiful oak framing and mantlepiece. It has three heat settings, including an eco mode, and a 12-hour timer. You can use the flames whether the heater is on or not.
Pros
Cons
It is a very beautiful supplement to the home, with a realistic fireplace touch. Aside from the loud fan, this model fits into any room nicely, and you can move it around.
5. Lasko 5160 Ceramic Tower Heater
With an adjustable, programmable thermostat, and an oscillating design, this model is made to create even heat distribution throughout a room. It has a cool-touch exterior and 1500 watts of power.
Pros
Cons
It is a great model for people with children or pets as it is cool-to-touch and can take a knock. It heats rooms quickly but isn’t always the most accurate.
Conclusion
Finding a heater to warm large rooms, such as basements, can be a chore. The best way to go about it is to understand your needs in terms of shape, size, style, and power. That way you’ll understand which model you want. Just remember that your lifestyle will dictate the heater you choose, so consider everything before.
People Also Ask
If you’re looking for answers to a few questions related to space heaters, then this portion might be helpful to you. Here are a few questions people ask that are quite common, with answers listed below:
How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?
The cost of electricity taken up by a space heater is billed for each kilowatt per hour of electricity used. Most of the time, a space heater consumes about 1500 kilowatts of energy per day, considering that it is on 24 hours a day.
How Big of a Room Can a Space Heater Heat?
Making an approximation, you would require 10 watts of heat for every square foot of surface area on the floor in each room. So, in that case, a 1500-watt heater can warm an area of a total of 150 square feet.
How Large a Room Will a 1500-Watt Heater Heat?
A 1500-watt heater can easily warm up a small space or room. It can produce up to 5100 BTUs of heat an hour and 34 BTUs of heat per square foot. So, 34 BTUs is equal to 10 watts, and an overall 150 square feet of coverage. For room dimensions, that is equal to a 10-by-15-foot room with an 8-foot ceiling.
Can You Leave a Space Heater on All Night?
No, you should most definitely not. Even though technological advancements have been made, it is never recommended to leave the heater on (gas or electric) all night, as the extreme heat is enough to start a fire in the home. You can also be poisoned by carbon monoxide while sleeping if you own a gas heater, and it is on all night.
