Quick answer: A space heater can save money if you use it to heat one room you are sitting in while turning your main thermostat down. It will not save money if you use it on top of your normal heating. Look for one with tip-over and overheat shut-off, a thermostat, and a safety certification mark such as UL or ETL.
When a space heater saves money (and when it doesn’t)
- Saves money: You lower the whole-house thermostat by several degrees and heat only the room you are using, like a home office or bedroom.
- Costs more: You run it in several rooms at once, or leave the furnace at its normal setting too.
- Rule of thumb: Most plug-in heaters max out at 1,500 watts. At an electricity price of 17 cents per kWh, that is about 25 cents an hour on high. Check your own bill for your rate.
Types of space heaters
| Type | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Quick heat in small rooms | Compact, warms fast, often has a fan |
| Oil-filled radiator | Bedrooms, quiet steady heat | Silent, slow to warm, stays warm after shut-off |
| Infrared | Warming people directly | Heats what it faces, good for drafty spaces |
| Heated blanket | Cheapest option | Uses far less power than a room heater |
Safety checklist
- Plug it directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip.
- Keep it at least 3 feet away from beds, curtains, furniture and paper.
- Choose a model with tip-over and overheat protection.
- Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep, unless it is designed for unattended use.
- Make sure your home has working smoke alarms.
Recommended products
- Ceramic space heater with thermostat – Fast heat for a home office or small bedroom.
- Oil-filled radiator heater – Quiet, steady heat for bedrooms.
- Infrared space heater – Warms you directly in drafty rooms.
- Heated throw blanket – The cheapest way to stay warm.
- Plug-in electricity usage monitor – See exactly what your heater costs to run.
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Want more ways to cut your winter bill? See our guide on how to lower your heating bill and our winterize your home checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to run a space heater or central heat?
Heating one room with a space heater while the thermostat is turned down is usually cheaper. Heating the whole house with space heaters usually is not.
How much does a space heater cost to run?
A 1,500-watt heater on high uses 1.5 kWh per hour. Multiply by your electricity rate. At 17 cents per kWh, that is about 25 cents an hour.
Can I leave a space heater on overnight?
It is safest not to. If you must, use a model with tip-over and overheat shut-off, keep it 3 feet from bedding, and plug it directly into the wall.
