• Kids' Room
  • 5 Most Efficient Electric Heaters of 2024

5 Most Efficient Electric Heaters of 2024

By Eugene WilliamsLast update: 2024-04-26

How can the most efficient electric heaters provide you with warmth and comfort while helping you save money on energy bills? They are designed with energy-saving features and applied cutting-edge technology while emitting heat into your space properly. The products below can offer those benefits:

Here are the most efficient electric heaters you can buy in 2024:

  • Best For Large Rooms (Infrared Heater): LifeSmart LifePro 1500 Watt Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space Heater
  • Best For Screened Porch (Infrared Heater): Costway 1500W Electric Hanging Heater Ceiling Mounted
  • Easy To Adjust (Oil-Filled Heater ): DeLonghi Radiator Heater
  • Best For Medium-Sized Rooms (Oil-Filled Heater): Costway 1500W Oil-Filled Heater Portable Radiator Space Heater
  • Best For Small Rooms (Oil-Filled Heater): Newair Portable Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater
Most Efficient Electric Heaters
Best For Large Rooms
LifeSmart LifePro 1500 Watt Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space Heater
  • Infrared Heater
Best For Screened Porch
Costway 1500W Electric Hanging Heater Ceiling Mounted
  • Infrared Heater
Easy To Adjust
DeLonghi Radiator Heater
  • Oil-Filled Heater
Best For Medium-Sized Rooms
Costway 1500W Oil-Filled Heater Portable Radiator Space Heater
  • Oil-Filled Heater
Best For Small Rooms
Newair Portable Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater
  • Oil-Filled Heater

Best For Large Rooms: LifeSmart LifePro 1500 Watt Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space Heater

Best For Large Rooms
LifeSmart LifePro 1500 Watt Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space Heater
LifeSmart LifePro 1500 Watt Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space Heater
Pros
  • Easy-to-control remote
  • Stylish
  • Easy to move
  • Quick to heat up the room
Cons
  • Little noise from the fan

With 1500-watt capacity, the LifeSmart LifePro space heater is designed to provide efficient and powerful heating for a large room (up to 1500 square feet). It focuses on heating specific objects and people, avoiding unnecessary heating of unoccupied areas. This targeted heating approach allows for effective warmth in larger spaces without wasting energy on areas that don't need to be heated.

Thanks to the wheels, you can move this heater effortlessly from room to room. This helps you easily adapt to changing heating needs, providing warmth precisely where and when it's needed, all without the hassle of heavy lifting.

Apart from its exceptional performance in heating large spaces, this heater will also enhance your home's aesthetic appeal. The stylishly crafted stained oak wood cabinet not only delivers excellent functionality but also adds a touch of natural beauty to your space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Here are a few decorating styles that work well with this heater design:

  • Rustic/ Traditional
  • Scandinavian/ Nordic
  • Transitional
  • Farmhouse
  • Mid-century modern
  • Eclectic
LifeSmart LifePro 1500 Watt Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space Heater Specifications

Dimension

18.5 inches (H) x 15.2 inches (W) x 16.2 inches (D)

Wattage

1500 watts

Temperature Setting

3

Room Size Range

1200-1500 sq. ft.

Maximum Heat Output

5120 BTUs

Highlight Features

Built-in thermostat

Timer

Attractive design

Verdict

The LifeSmart LifePro 1500 Watt Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Space Heater can heat up a large room quickly.

Best For Screened Porch: Costway 1500W Electric Hanging Heater Ceiling Mounted

Best For Screened Porch
Costway 1500W Electric Hanging Heater Ceiling Mounted
Costway 1500W Electric Hanging Heater Ceiling Mounted
Pros
  • Good price
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Easy to install and use
  • Stable even with wind
Cons
  • Not for low ceilings

The Costway heater is designed for screened porches because it has specific features that ensure effective and safe heating in an outdoor and semi-enclosed space.

The incorporation of an IP34 waterproof rating (which standardizes the level of protection against solids and liquids for electrical devices) and the utilization of rustproof aluminum alloy material make this model suitable for prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions in a screened porch.

This ceiling-mounted heater has a 20-inch chain which can be adjusted according to your screened porch ceiling. This design not only optimizes space but also promotes energy efficiency by effectively directing heat downward, reducing the need for excess energy consumption.

Although the Costway is installed in a hard-to-reach location, you can control the heater’s settings from a distance using a remote. It offers three power heating modes (500W/1000W/1500W), allowing you to adjust the temperature to accommodate quick changes in weather conditions.

Costway 1500W Electric Hanging Heater Ceiling Mounted Specifications

Dimension

11 inches (H) x 16 inches (W) x 16 inches (D)

Wattage

1500 watts

Temperature Setting

3

Room Size Range

Range not specified

Maximum Heat Output

5000 BTUs

Highlight Features

360° heat distribution

IP34 waterproof rating

20'' adjustable chain and hook design

ETL certification

Verdict

The Costway 1500W Electric Hanging Heater Ceiling Mounted works well both indoors and outdoors.

Easy To Adjust: DeLonghi Radiator Heater

Easy To Adjust
DeLonghi Radiator Heater
DeLonghi Radiator Heater
Pros
  • Quiet
  • Sturdy
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Hard-to-push buttons

The DeLonghi Radiator heater has a digital control panel with an LED display that is user-friendly and easy to adjust. It is very easy for you to see and understand different functions of this machine through clear icons and recognizable symbols on the digital control panel.

It is not only easy to adjust but also safe to use for families with pets and children because this model comes with safety features. The child lock prevents children from changing your settings or hurting themselves and the thermal cut-off function can automatically turn off the machine when overheating. This unit makes me feel safer because the cord just gets warm on the highest setting, not too hot.

This heater disperses heat through the vents at the top, heating upward to the ceiling before gradually extending to cover the surrounding space. Therefore, it’s not the best idea to use it in large rooms with high ceilings as it takes time to effectively warm up the entire space. For a smaller room, it heats up quicker.

DeLonghi Radiator Heater Specifications

Dimension

25.2 Inches (H) x 14.5 Inches (W) x 6.3 Inches (D)

Wattage

1500 Watts

Temperature Settings

3

Room Size Range

100-300 sq. ft.

Maximum Heat Output

5120 BTUs

Highlight Features

Digital control panel with LED display

24-hour timer

Snap wheels

Child lock

A thermal cut-off function

Anti-freeze setting

Verdict

The DeLonghi Radiator Heater allows you to easily adjust because all icons and symbols are clear and recognizable on the digital panel.

Best For Medium-Sized Rooms: Costway 1500W Oil-Filled Heater Portable Radiator Space Heater

Best For Medium-Sized Rooms
Costway 1500W Oil-Filled Heater Portable Radiator Space Heater
Costway 1500W Oil-Filled Heater Portable Radiator Space Heater
Pros
  • Safe
  • Easy to use and operate
  • Quick to heat
  • Quiet
  • Appropriate price
Cons
  • Hard to turn off

Efficient and ideal for medium-sized rooms, this Costway oil-Filled portable heater provides consistent warmth with its high heat retention capacity. Once the diathermic oil inside is heated, it retains the warmth for an extended period, allowing the heater to continue radiating heat even after it's turned off.

This electric heater suits individuals who may not be tech-savvy or need to adjust quickly and straightforwardly. To adjust it, there is no need for the hassle of complex instructions. Simply rotating 2 power and temperature control knobs allows you to customize the heating experience.

When not in use, you can wrap the cord into the model’s built-in cord storage bracket to keep it organized neatly. Preventing the cord from dangling and getting tangled can enhance the overall aesthetics of your heater and minimize safety hazards.

Setting up this heater is a breeze since it arrives almost fully-assembled. The installation process is quick and easy because you just need to attach the wheels and it’s good to go.

This machine doesn’t require you to maintain regularly since its permanent sealing oil can prevent leakage without requiring you to add extra oil.

Costway 1500W Oil-Filled Heater Portable Radiator Space Heater Specifications

Dimension

25 inches (H) x 6 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (D)

Wattage

1500 watts

Temperature Settings

3

Room Size Range

Range not specified

Maximum Heat Output

40000 BTUs

Highlight Features

Adjustable thermostat

7 oil-filled heat sinks and powerful tubular element heat system

Tip-over and overheat protection

2 control knobs

Built-in cord storage bracket

Verdict

The Costway 1500W Oil-Filled Heater Portable Radiator Space Heater provides enough warmth for a medium-sized room.

Best For Small Rooms: Newair Portable Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater

Best For Small Rooms
Newair Portable Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater
Newair Portable Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater
Pros
  • Easy-to-use remote
  • Quick to warm up the space
  • Overheating and tip-over shut-off
Cons
  • Buttons beep loudly

Using a large heater in a small room can lead to excessive energy consumption, which is inefficient and results in higher energy bills. To avoid this waste, consider the Newair Portable Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater that is designed for small rooms (about 150 sq. ft).

What else will you like from this machine? For me, it’s the 10-hour timer. This function allows you to set the heater to operate for a specific duration,which is up to 10 hours. Once the timer is set and activated, the heater will run for the designated number of hours, and it will automatically turn off once the preset time has elapsed. This feature is not only convenient but also energy-efficient. It prevents unnecessary energy usage to minimize electricity costs.

Besides, I also love its 4 convenient wheels which allow me to move from room to room effortlessly.

Newair Portable Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater Specifications

Dimension

25 inches (H) x 5.75 inches (W) x 13.5 inches (D)

Wattage

1500 watts

Temperature Setting

3

Room Size Range

150 sq. ft.

Maximum Heat Output

5120 BTUs

Highlight Features

7-fin oil-filled radiator

Intuitive controls and remote controlled timer

Easy-glide casters

Overheating protection and tip-over shut-off

Verdict

The Newair Portable Oil Filled Radiator Space Heater heats up small rooms effectively and quickly.

How To Choose The Most Efficient Electric Heater?

Which types of space heaters are the most efficient electric models?

Oil-filled space heaters

Oil-filled space heaters are efficient because they can retain heat well. Even after turning off the heating elements, the oil continues to radiate heat for an extended period. This helps you reduce energy consumption compared to heaters that run constantly.

Infrared heater

The infrared heater emits infrared radiation, allowing it to concentrate heat directly on objects, people, and specific areas instead of warming the air in an entire space. This direct heating method is efficient as it minimizes energy losses. Once the objects in a room are heated, they radiate warmth back into the space, establishing a cycle of efficient heating.

How high the heat output is enough for your room?

The heat output of a heater is the amount of heat the machine can generate, measured in watts or BTUs (British Thermal Units). A higher heat output indicates the machine's capacity to produce more heat. However, the highest or lowest output doesn't necessarily equate to the best performance. To ensure a comfortable room temperature without unnecessary energy consumption, it is crucial to determine the appropriate heat output for your room. As a rule of thumb, every square foot of your room requires 10 watts of heating power. You need a 1500-watt heater for a 150-square feet room, for example.

Which features of a heater help you save more energy?

Temperature control can automatically turn off when reaching the desired temperature and turn it back again when the machine starts to cool down. It just uses the energy when needed, so this feature leads to savings over time.

Do you need safety features?

If your family has children and pets, invest in a heater with safety features. For instance, the automatic shutoff switch can automatically turn off the heater when it overheads or tips over to prevent fire hazards. Or the cool-to-touch exteriors can reduce the risk of burns when accidentally touching the heater. Meanwhile, using timers can prevent overheating the room and leaving the machine on too long.

Who Makes The Most Efficient Electric Heaters?

LifeSmart

LifeSmart brand primarily focuses on home comfort and automation products such as heaters, air purifiers, and smart home devices. Their infrared heaters and other types of space heaters often come with programmable settings, adjustable thermostat controls, and energy-saving modes.

FAQs

What type of space heater is the most energy efficient?

The infrared space heater is the most energy-efficient because it emits infrared radiation which directly heats objects and people in a given space or targets specific areas or zones in a room as opposed to heating the entire room.

What heaters are safe to leave on overnight?

While it is generally recommended to turn off portable heaters when sleeping or not in the room, certain models with safety features are designed to be left on overnight. For instance, infrared heaters equipped with automatic shut-off mechanisms can prevent overheating, thereby minimizing the risk of fires.

Where to place a space heater?

To minimize the risk of fire, maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between the heater and any combustible materials, such as curtains, bedding, furniture, and papers. Avoid placing the heater in high-traffic areas where it can be easily bumped into and knocked over, or on uneven and unstable surfaces that may cause tipping.

For optimal heat distribution, orient the heater so that it directs warmth toward the center of the room. Additionally, ensure that the heater does not obstruct the front or rear grilles, allowing for proper airflow.

How to clean space heater?

Gently remove dust from the heater’s exterior, grilles, and vents by using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment. Additionally, open the heater to access its interior and clean the interior components such as the heating elements and fan using a compressed air can or a soft brush. Ensure to inspect filters, the heating element, cord, and plug regularly to address any potential obstructions promptly.

Conclusion

Although all products here are efficient electric heaters, not all of them suit your needs. You have to consider other aspects like the size (compact heaters for small rooms), insulation, and your personal heating preferences to find the most efficient electric heaters.

Hi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!


Related Articles