Infrared versus convection space heaters
Infrared heaters warm people and objects directly, while convection heaters warm the air and gradually distribute heat around a room. The…
Setup & accessories
Help choosing a space heater by room size, wattage and how you actually use the room.
How They Work
Does a Space Heater Dry the Air?
Electric space heaters generally warm the air without removing water from it. Because warmer air has a lower relative humidity at the same…
Energy-saving mode on a space heater explained
Energy-saving mode usually manages a space heater’s output or thermostat to avoid heating more than needed. It can lower electricity use,…
How a Ceramic Space Heater Works
A ceramic space heater uses an electrically heated ceramic element and usually a fan to move warm air into a room. Here’s what that means…
How an Oil-Filled Radiator Heater Works
An oil-filled radiator uses an electric heating element to warm sealed oil inside its metal body. The oil carries heat to the fins, which…
Oil-filled heater cooldown time after unplugging
An oil-filled heater stops producing heat when unplugged, but its oil and metal casing retain warmth. Cooling can take an hour or longer,…
Safety
Space Heater and a 15 Amp Circuit: What’s Safe?
A typical 1,500-watt space heater draws 12.5 amps on a 120-volt circuit, leaving little capacity on a 15 amp circuit. Here’s how to use one…
Can You Run a Space Heater Overnight?
The safest choice is to turn off a portable space heater before you go to sleep. Safety features can reduce some risks, but they do not…
Child and Pet Safety Around Space Heaters
Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from a space heater, place it on a stable surface, and turn it off whenever you leave the room or go…
Overheat Protection Explained for Space Heaters
Overheat protection is a safety feature that shuts a space heater off if it gets hotter than it should. It is not the same as the…
Tip-over test: what actually happens
A tip-over switch is designed to cut power if a space heater is knocked out of its normal position. Here’s what a safe check can tell…
When not to use a space heater
Do not use a space heater where it can ignite nearby items, get wet, tip over, or operate unattended. Check the heater’s manual and stop…
Setup
Floor versus tabletop space heater placement
Use a space heater on the floor unless its manual specifically allows tabletop use. Placement affects heat distribution, stability, and the…
Where to Place a Space Heater
Place a space heater on a level, stable floor with at least 3 feet of open space around it, unless its manual requires more. Keep it away…