When it’s -25°C and your baseboard heaters aren’t cutting it, a good space heater can make the difference between cozy and completely miserable. Whether you’re warming up a chilly bedroom, home office, basement, or garage, choosing the right space heater means balancing heat output, safety, and energy efficiency — all without blowing your Hydro bill.
Here’s a no-nonsense guide to help you pick the best space heater for your home, your climate, and your cold toes.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
What Size Room Am I Heating?
Most space heaters are sized by wattage. A good rule of thumb is 10 watts per square foot of space. So:
- Small room (up to 150 square feet): 1,500 watts will do the trick.
- Medium room (150–300 square feet): Look for something with a fan or higher-efficiency output.
- Large or open-concept areas: You’ll need a powerful unit — or consider heating a smaller zone.
If your room has poor insulation, big windows, or is in the basement, bump up your expectations (and your wattage).
Is It For Occasional Use or Daily Heating?
If you’re using the heater for occasional morning boosts or quick spot heating, a compact unit is fine. If it’s meant for daily, sustained heat, look for one with thermostat controls, multiple heat settings, and auto shut-off.
Are There Kids or Pets Around?
Safety features matter. A lot. Look for tip-over protection, cool-to-touch surfaces, and overheat shutoff — especially for use in bedrooms, playrooms, or anywhere curious paws or feet might wander.
Types of Space Heaters
Ceramic Heaters (Fan-Forced)
These use ceramic plates and a fan to distribute heat quickly and evenly. They’re compact, portable, and warm up fast.
Best for: Small to medium-sized rooms, personal spaces, home offices.
Oil-Filled Radiators
These resemble old-school radiators but plug into the wall. They heat up more slowly but retain heat longer and are usually very quiet.
Best for: Bedrooms, overnight use, sustained heat without fan noise.
Infrared (Radiant) Heaters
These emit infrared radiation that heats objects and people directly — not the air around them. Great if you’re sitting still in front of the heater.
Best for: Personal heat zones, garages, workshops, or drafty rooms.
Micathermic Heaters
A hybrid between convection and radiant heat. Thin, silent, and usually wall-mountable, they’re a good low-profile choice for daily heating.
Best for: Small apartments or minimalist setups.
Features That Matter
Thermostat and Heat Settings
- A built-in thermostat helps regulate temperature without constantly turning the unit on and off.
- Multiple heat levels (e.g. 750W and 1500W) give you more flexibility to control warmth and power usage.
Safety Features
- Tip-over switch: Shuts off if the unit falls.
- Overheat protection: Shuts off if internal temperature gets too high.
- Cool-touch exterior: Essential if you’ve got pets or kids.
- Look for ETL or CSA safety certification — especially in Canada.
Noise Level
Some heaters use fans and make noise. Others (like oil-filled or infrared models) are virtually silent. If you’re a light sleeper or need it for a quiet workspace, this matters.
Portability and Size
- Built-in handles and casters make it easy to move room to room.
- Wall-mount or tower heaters save floor space in tighter areas.
Timer and Remote
- A 24-hour timer lets you set heat cycles.
- Remotes are a nice bonus — especially if you’re using it from bed or the couch.
Energy Efficiency
Look for:
- Eco modes
- Auto shut-off
- Thermostat precision
These features reduce wasted energy and help keep heating costs down. Just remember: electric space heaters can add up on your Hydro bill, so use them strategically.
