Are you looking for a contractor?
Submit our quick form and get quotes now!
Space Heaters - How to Choose the Right One for You
By Editorial Team
Updated on March 7, 2025

Are you looking for a space heater but not sure which one is right for you? Between gas-fueled, electric, or wood-burning models, options aren’t what's lacking, and each has device-specific advantages and drawbacks.
What heating option is most cost-effective? Which can heat a room most efficiently? What criteria should you consider before making a purchase?
This article will compare different space heaters to help you choose the best option for your comfort and budget.
What Are the Key Features of a Space or Portable Heater?

Power Output
Choosing a portable or space heater hinges on a single and fundamental factor: the square footage to be heated. The device’s necessary power output depends on three key variables:
Square footage
Ceiling height
Insulation quality
A space heater's power output should be measured based on the room’s size, using units such as square feet or cubic meters.
As such, the general guideline states that 70–100 W are needed to heat roughly 11 square feet in a room with 2.5 m high ceilings. However, the power output can drop to 30 watts in a well-insulated room.
The space heaters retailed in stores never exceed 1,500 W, as this is the maximum power a standard wall outlet can handle without becoming a fire hazard. Note that electric utility heaters can’t be used to heat an entire room unless the area in question is relatively small. However, you can position the space heater near your person, whether you’re on the couch, sitting at a desk or dining table, lying in bed, etc.
Compact Design/Portability
All space heaters are portable, but some models have a more compact design compared to others. A device’s level of portability depends on its weight. Moreover, some space heaters are fitted with caster wheels for increased mobility.
So, if you’re hoping to move your space heater from one room to another, choose a lightweight device or prioritize those with caster wheels.
Temperature Control Options
There are three ways to manage heat output:
Thermostat
Remote control
Timer
A programmable or smart thermostat ensures the room maintains a consistent temperature, helping save energy by preventing unnecessary heating.
Some models are sold with remote controls, enabling users to adjust the temperature remotely.
The timer adds to the overall system, allowing the device to power off after a certain amount of time. It makes for a very useful feature on a bedroom space heater, perfect for when you’re snug under the duvet and don’t want the heat running all night.
Safety
To use the purchased space heater properly, refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual or user’s guide. Inside, you’ll find information as to whether it can be used:
Inside
Outside
In either environment
No matter what, avoid setting up a space heater within 3 feet (1 m) of flammable materials, such as curtains, wallpaper, furniture, etc.
To ensure maximum safety from the outset, prioritize space heaters labelled with the following:
Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) seal
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) seal
CGA label (for gas-fueled fireplaces or stoves)
Radiator vs. Space Heater: Which Is Best?

Radiators are fixed heaters, grouped with other residential central heating systems, meaning they’re wall-mounted, in a room corner, and powered by electricity or warm water, courtesy of an electric or fuel-powered water heater (gas, wood, oil).
On the other hand, traditional space heaters are fan heaters that can be moved from one room to another and plugged into a wall outlet. However, homeowners should never use only space heaters to heat their entire homes. Space heaters are meant to be used over short periods of time to provide additional heat in a given room. They work as a backup to a central heating system.
For Indoor or Outdoor Use?
Electric space heaters are suited to both indoor and outdoor use. However, when it comes to heating an outdoor space—a deck, patio, or terrace—a lot more options are available:
Electric heater
Propane gas heater
Natural gas heater
The advantage of using gas is its mobility and power output. No need for a wall outlet nearby as it’s powered by a gas cylinder hooked up to the dwelling’s gas line.
Another advantage of gas fireplaces is that just one pound of propane can power an outdoor heater with 21,600 BTU for 9 to 13 hours.
With or Without Electricity?
Outdoors, electric space heaters are rather advantageous given that they:
Produce seven times less carbon dioxide than gas fireplaces
Use little energy
Efficiently heat enclosed spaces
Use radiant heat (infrared heating)
Designed for year-round outside use
However, some drawbacks can be perceived as deal-breakers, given that electric space heaters:
Are powered by 240 V
Require a designated breaker in the main electrical panel
Have a 1,500 W power output
As a result, for an outdoor space heater, it’s best to stick with a gas-powered device.
What Are the Different Types of Space Heaters?
Portable Electric Radiators

Characteristics
Electric space heaters come in a slew of unique models:
Portable
Fan
Radiant
Oil
The above-listed models are available on caster wheels and for wall-mounted installations.
Advantages
Electric space heaters are extremely safe compared to gas-powered units and are the only models that can be used safely indoors. As long as there’s a nearby power outlet, said devices can be used just about anywhere inside, even a bathroom.
Despite a significant power use, newer models are increasingly energy efficient.
The broad range of design and size options makes for an easy integration, no matter your home decor or aesthetic.
Drawbacks
With the same power output, an electric space heater consumes twice as much electricity as a fixed heater, making it anything but cost-effective.
Natural Gas or Propane Space Heaters
Characteristics
The key difference between a natural gas space heater and a propane-powered one is that the former connects directly to a gas line, while the latter relies on a refillable gas cylinder for fuel.
Furthermore, natural gas heaters are fixed, meaning that once installed, they’re designed for year-round outdoor use.
Advantages
Different gas-powered space heaters are retailed, designed to suit different heatable surfaces:
Infrared heating for air quality
Catalytic heating for large surface areas
Blue flame heating for rapid heating
Firepit for outdoor heating
Also, a gas heater has power output on its side since it’s not limited by 5,000 BTU (1,500 W).
Drawbacks
Maintaining a space heater is a huge drawback since the following features must be regularly cleaned and checked:
Air filters
Burners
Thermocouple
Neglecting maintenance and checks risks releasing carbon dioxide, which can have fatal consequences. Hence, these devices aren’t recommended for indoor use.
Blue-flame gas heaters are large devices and, therefore, are rarely used by homeowners. They’re most often found in commercial or institutional buildings.
Lastly, no matter the model, gas-powered space heaters use roughly ½ a pound of gas per hour (between 250 and 280 grams) and generate yearly as much carbon dioxide as a truck operating at full speed—7,500 lb (3,400 kg).
Wood-Burning Fireplaces and Stoves
Characteristics
Wood-burning heaters come in the following models:
Chimney insert
Log-burning stove
Pellet stove
Advantages
High efficiency
Green fuel—wood is renewable
Cheaper than gas and oil
Log, pellet, or wood chips
Drawbacks
Retail prices fluctuate substantially from one model to another, especially on account of:
Features
Brand
Design
Additionally, to ensure the safe use of a wood-burning stove, it’s essential that the chimney flue be properly maintained and regularly cleaned. Otherwise, the device’s efficiency will be significantly reduced, making it a fire hazard and releasing carbon monoxide, which could be fatal for the home occupants.
Lastly, storing logs takes up a lot of space. As such, having a big enough dedicated storage spot is a must. It should be suited for wood storage and be moisture-proof.
Oil Space Heaters
Characteristics
This type of space heater uses an electrically heated resistor to raise the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. The heated mineral oil, known for its high efficiency, then warms the surrounding room.
Advantages
The gentle heat generated by the oil is released relatively slowly, making for an interesting heating option, cost-wise. Inertia allows the room to be heated, even when powered off. It also doesn’t require any sort of upkeep, nor does it run on electricity.
Drawbacks
While it does generate thermal inertia, oil space heaters are less efficient than other types of electric heaters. Note that leaks aren’t uncommon after a few years of use.
Moreover, when turned on, it’s likely to emit a similar sound to a fryer, so it's not a quiet operation. And, as with a fryer, skin burns aren’t unlikely; you risk burning yourself from a single touch.
Additionally, it’s just as aesthetically unpleasing as a kitchen fryer and as cumbersome as a space heater can be.
Also, steer clear of this sort of space heater if you’re looking for a rapid-heating solution. While it does keep heating after it’s powered off, it still takes a significant amount of time to reach a comfortable temperature.
However, there are turbo models, which, once powered on, take little time to heat the desired surface area.
Ending on its biggest drawback: its weight. While it’s mounted on caster wheels, moving it around can be a challenging feat, and forget about bringing it upstairs or downstairs.
Infrared Space Heaters

Characteristics
Infrared space heaters fall into two categories:
Electric
Gas
With either, it’s a radiation-based heating method.
Advantages
Both systems heat quickly and efficiently and diffuse a comfortable heat.
Drawbacks
As mentioned, gas is still the root cause of carbon monoxide emissions. Furthermore, infrared heating consumes the most gas when powered on: more than ½ pound per hour (280 grams).
Choosing the Right Space Heater Equals Comfort and Savings
Choosing the right space heater for your home hinges on several key factors to optimize both thermal comfort and energy costs. The type of heating, its power output, and safety options are all important factors to consider to make an informed decision. Investing in a suitable device makes for a cozy and cost-effective environment, one that meets your heating needs during the colder months while also reducing your carbon footprint.
FAQ About Space Heaters
What is the safest space heater to use overnight?
Aside from oil heaters, electric space heaters are the safest option. While they don’t emit carbon dioxide, nor will they set your chimney on fire, the casing reaches burning temperatures when functioning.
As a result, there’s a real risk of skin burns in young children, and if placed near flammable furniture, it could trigger a house fire.
The safest types of heating are therefore the following electric space heating options:
Portable
Fan
Radiant
What is the most effective type of space heater?
Oil-fueled radiators and electric convectors are both portable heating options that release a gentle and even heat while also being energy efficient. They’re designed for prolonged usage and low fuel use. Pellet stoves also diffuse a consistent heat and are highly energy efficient.
What is the most cost-effective heating method?
Wood-burning or pellet heaters are typically cost-effective in the long run due to the low cost of fuel. Among electric options, inertia radiators provide decent energy efficiency by accumulating heat and gradually releasing it, reducing consumption.
How to clean a gas-powered space heater?
Cleaning a gas space heater is key to ensuring safety and efficiency. Here’s how to clean a gas-powered space heater:
Make sure the device is powered down by cutting off the gas supply.
Wait until the device has completely cooled off before cleaning. It can take a while.
Remove and clean all removable parts (protective grille, burners, heat diffusers, etc.). Make sure all parts are completely dry before refitting them.
Wipe off dirt and dust inside the unit with a soft-bristle brush or vacuum. Proceed carefully so as not to damage internal components.
Inspect the burners: Make sure all burner holes are unobstructed to ensure proper combustion.
Check all pipes and fittings to spot potential gas leaks.
It's recommended to hire a qualified professional to deep clean your gas-powered space heater once yearly to ensure its proper functioning and the overall safety of your home.
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

Christine Simard
•07 Nov 2023
A veritable Alibaba cave for all the foodies and apprentice cooks of this world, the pantry should be as practical as it is aesthetic. Between simplicity and modernity, its layout deserves thought and organization to make your kitchen experience as pleasant as possible.

Editorial Team
•09 May 2024
Windows are the link between the inside and outside, the home’s access to fresh air and natural light. Not only do our windows allow air to enter and circulate around the home, but they also keep rooms insulated, cosy and warm. Windows are a very important feature of the house, so every now and again they’ll need to be updated to suit modern needs. But, how much does a window installation cost exactly?

Editorial Team
•07 Feb 2025
Are you drawn to the minimalist movement and dreaming of a cozy and sleek sanctuary in the shape of a tiny house? A tiny prefabricated house is much more than a small house, it guarantees reduced monthly mortgage payments and electricity bills. However, getting as much information regarding purchase-related costs and tiny house financing options is paramount. So, how much does a tiny house actually cost?

Editorial Team
•08 Mar 2024
Aside from the shower, the toilet consumes the most water out of all household appliances. Households with multiple toilets consume gallons of water every day, watching it literally wash down the drain.

Editorial Team
•13 Dec 2024
Planning a home add-on is a serious project requiring technical expertise and design experience. With such a big project to undertake, you might be left with some equally big questions. Why is an architect essential? What are the costs involved? How do you find the right professional? Luckily, you'll find the answers to all of those questions and more in this article. So, here's everything you need to know to ensure your project’s success.