Indoor Electric Heaters

Indoor electric heaters can help take the chill out of a bedroom, home office or living room without turning up the heat throughout the house. Whether you’re settling in after morning chores or keeping your feet warm at the desk, an electric space heater brings extra warmth where you need it. Finding the right room heater starts with the size of your space, the condition of your insulation and how you plan to heat the room. Check the manufacturer’s recommended room size and wattage rather than judging heating power by the heater’s size alone. A drafty room may need a different approach than a small, well-insulated office, and portable electric heaters generally work best as supplemental heat rather than a replacement for a whole-home heating system. As you compare indoor heating options, consider adjustable heat settings, thermostat controls and operating noise to find a setup that fits your daily routine. Choosing an indoor electric heater also means planning for safe placement and everyday operating costs. Look for a model with a recognized safety testing certification, and check for features such as overheat protection and a tip-over shutoff. Place a portable space heater on a firm, level surface, keep it at least three feet from bedding, curtains, furniture and anything else that can burn, and follow any greater clearance requirements in the manufacturer’s instructions. Plug the heater directly into a suitable wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip, and keep cords out of walkways. Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or going to sleep, and keep children and pets clear of hot surfaces. For bathrooms or other damp spaces, only consider electric heaters specifically rated for that location and follow all installation requirements. To estimate electricity costs, multiply the heater’s wattage by the hours it runs, divide by 1,000 and multiply by your electric rate per kilowatt-hour. Thermostat settings and run time affect total energy use, so matching your electric room heater to the space can help you manage comfort and your power bill.