Are Space Heaters Safe In Bedroom?

It is wise to consider all the different types of available heaters and their mode of action to understand how space heaters work. The basic concept behind space heaters is that they convert one form of energy into heat energy.

Electric space heaters convert electric energy into heat energy. The heat energy is then used to warm either the air or objects in a room. This process creates a comfortable environment. Here is a quick run on the different types of heaters and how they work.

Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters generate infrared radiation waves around the room in which they are placed. The radiation, which is invisible, directly heat all the surfaces of objects within the heater’s range.

As the objects become warmer, they start transferring the heat to the air within the room. This process leads to an increase in the ambient temperature within the room.

This mode of heating is like that of the sun. The sun directly warms objects and surfaces on the earth. It is the heat that emanates from the objects and surfaces that later warms the air. Infrared heaters are commonly used to provide rapid heating in small and large indoor spaces.

Oil-Filled Heaters

The defining feature of oil-filled radiator heaters is the use of oil as a heat reservoir. Such space heaters have fins or tubes which are filled with oil. The heaters convert electric current into heat energy. The heat energy is used to warm the oil that is found within the tubes of the heater.

As the oil temperature rises over time, heat energy is transferred to the air within the room. This process slowly increases the ambient temperature within the room.

Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic heaters have a ceramic heating element that is used to convert electric energy into heat energy. As air circulates within the heater, it gets directly warmed by the heating element. The heated air is then distributed throughout the room via the convection process.

As hot air rises, cool air is taken through the heater and warmed by the heating element’s heat. This process continues until the ideal ambient temperature is attained.

Some heaters have inbuilt fans of blowers that are used to move the heated air around the house. Such space heaters can warm relatively larger areas than those which lack an inbuilt blower. Sadly, heaters that have inbuilt blowers are noisier than those which do not have blowers.

Micathermic Heaters

Micathermic heaters are unique heating devices that combine radiant and convective heating methods. However, such heaters do not have blowers.

Blowers are an essential feature of convection or ceramic heaters. Nevertheless, because micathermic heaters are a combination of radiant and convective heating, they can rapidly warm large indoor spaces.

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Heater for bedroom

Energy Efficiency

Because heaters are supposed to be used as sources of supplemental heat, go for brands that are the most energy-efficient. The best space heaters are those that have the eco-smart heating mode in addition to the high and low ones.

Such heaters provide a viable alternative of setting them to utilize low energy without compromising their heating capacity.

Noise Levels

Space heaters produce different levels of noise, which is measured in terms of decibels. Although the fans and blowers are supposed to ensure even and fast distribution of warm air, they are the primary source of noise in space heaters.

Generally, space heaters that have inbuilt fans and blowers are noisier than those which do not. Always compare different brands of heaters in terms of their noise level before settling on one.

Design

Space heaters come in all manner of shapes and sizes. Some have modern or contemporary designs with different kinds of finishes. Others have traditional designs that blend perfectly with matching interior décor styles.

It is crucial to consider the heater’s design that you intend to purchase based on your house’s interior décor. If your heater is large, it will catch everyone’s attention in the room in which it will be placed.

It is also possible to use a wall-mounted space heater as the focal point in your living room. Thus, think about whether the shape, design, size, and color of the heater match your interior decoration.

Portability

Because space heaters are made to warm rooms, you may have to carry them around the house when carrying out zonal heating. Therefore, it is necessary to consider how portable a space heater is before purchasing it.

Some space heaters have four caster wheels that can be used to roll them on the ground. The swivel caster wheels are usually quite durable. Other space heaters have handles that can be used to carry them from one place to another.

Thus, the presence of caster wheel handles, and the heaters’ weight is an essential factor that determines how portable a heater is.

Control Features

Heaters can have either, both, or all the following controls: manual, remote, and smart. Manual controls of space heaters are in the form of buttons or knobs on their surfaces. The manual controls can be used to change every aspect of the operation of the heaters.

Some space heaters come with remote controls for your convenience. You can use the remote control to switch the heaters on and off, change their mode of operation, and select the desired heating temperature.

Advanced space heaters are Wi-Fi-enabled. They can be controlled via a mobile app. It is more convenient to control a Wi-Fi-enabled space heater than one which has conventional manual control buttons.

Timer

You can program a space heater with an inbuilt timer to operate for a specific set of hours. The beauty of using a space heater that has a timer is that you end up saving on energy costs and having a highly comfortable environment.

You can program the heater to run only when you need it. The heater will automatically get on and off according to your specifications. This ensures that you can have personalized heating in your home whenever you need it.

Thermostat

Modern space heaters have inbuilt digital thermostats that you can use to select the right temperature at which they should operate.

Also, modern heaters have wide temperature ranges from which you can choose what suits you best. A digital thermostat is highly accurate; it lets you select the exact temperature you would like your heater to operate.

Using heaters with digital thermostats helps you determine the right temperature for your room and control your energy costs. You will avoid easting energy in the form of letting your heater run at very high temperatures for a long time.

Heating Capacity

The heating capacity of a space heater refers to the area that the heater can sufficiently warm. Heaters with high heating capacities can comfortably warm large areas, while those with low capabilities can only heat small spaces.

Although many factors determine a room’s heating requirements, a general rule is that you need 10 watts to warm every 1 square foot of space. This rule implies that if you have a heater that is rated 1,500W, then you can conveniently use it to heat a room that does not exceed 150 square feet.

Safety Features to Consider when Buying a Space Heater

You should consider safety features as much as you look for performance and design features when buying heaters.

Some heaters may have excellent performance features but lack essential safety characteristics. It is wiser to use heaters that have advanced inbuilt features to keep your home safe.

The following are a few safety features that you should look out for when deciding on a space heater to use, whether at the home or office.

Cool-to-Touch Exterior

Heaters that have cool-to-touch features are made from materials that are poor conductors of heat. Such heaters’ surfaces remain relatively cool even when the heaters operate in the high heating mode for a long time.

Thus, you will not have to worry about your kids and pets getting burns if they accidentally touch the surface of space heaters with the cool-to-touch feature.

Tip-Over Protection

Tip-over protection feature comprises special sensors and fuses that trigger the heater to go off if it falls. This safety feature is vital because many space heaters are lightweight and have a compact design. Such heaters can easily be knocked accidentally by people going about their business in the house.

Go for heaters with this feature to prevent fires in your home or office if the space heater falls accidentally.

Overheat Protection

The overheat protection feature helps prevent fires if the temperature of the heater rises to dangerous levels. It is safe to use heaters with this feature because if the internal temperature rises to abnormal levels, the heater automatically goes off. This process prevents fires as well as damage to the internal components of your heater.

Safety Tips for Using Space Heaters

You must be cautious when using your space heater because these devices are one of the leading causes of household fires. Heaters and other electrical household equipment quickly cause fire accidents at home because of users’ technical faults or mistakes.

The following are essential tips to help you use your space heater safely.

  • Place heaters on sturdy and flat surfaces. Ensure that your heater is placed on sturdy and flat surfaces that can keep it steady. Doing this helps to minimize the chances of the heater getting knocked and falling.
  • Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Combustible materials catch fire and burn if they are exposed to high heat. Materials such as clothes can catch fire if they contact the hot grills of your space heaters. To prevent such accidents from occurring, ensure that highly combustible materials are kept at a distance from your heaters.
  • Do not use extension cables for your heater. Extension cables are not designed to withstand the wattage and amperage load of space heaters and other related devices. Connecting your heater to an extension cable can cause accidents because the cable will blow. Always plug your space heater directly into the wall socket.
  • Avoid using your heater under damp conditions. Most space heaters are designed to be used in dry conditions. Avoid touching such heaters with wet hands or taking them to the bathroom. There are special heaters that have been designed to be used under wet conditions. You can use such heaters in your bathroom.
  • Do not hang or place anything on the heaters. Some space heaters have a wide top because of their cabinet designs. The surfaces of some heaters become quite hot after some time. If what you place on the top of the heater is combustible, then this may cause accidents.
  • Do not leave the heater unattended. Children may either mess up with the heater’s settings or even yank its power cable off the wall when no one is watching. To prevent such things from happening, always switch your heater off and unplug it from the wall socket even when leaving home for a few moments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Space Heaters for Bedrooms

Obtaining, using, and maintaining a space heater may be tricky if you do not have prior experience. The following are short answers to frequently asked questions about the use of space heaters.

Are Space Heaters Energy-Efficient?

Although some space heaters are marketed as very energy-efficient, the extent to which you effectively warm your home depends on how you use the heater. Individual decisions and practices can go a long way in ensuring that your heating energy is optimal.

Notably, choosing the right heater for your home can help to avoid wastage of electric energy. If you need to warm small rooms at a time, then select infrared space heaters.

They directly warm objects and help to maintain the temperature of the room. Oil-filled heaters are ideal for large rooms because most of them have inbuilt fans for moving air around the room.

However, some heaters that have the eco-smart heating mode and the low and high ones may be more energy-efficient than those with only two heating modes. The eco-smart mode helps to minimize energy consumption by optimizing the operations of the heater.

Should I Leave my Space Heater On All Night?

No, you should not leave your space heater on all night.  Modern space heaters have timers and thermostats that you can use to program and regulate them.

In addition to the advanced controls, such space heaters have inbuilt safety features that trigger them to switch off if something goes wrong instantly.

Nevertheless, it is not advisable to leave your heater running the entire night. Some accidents, such as those that may occur because of worn-out cables, cannot be prevented by heaters’ internal safety mechanisms.

Moreover, leaving your heater to run the entire night is a bad decision because of its costs. You do not need additional heat in your bedroom for the whole night. Thus, leaving the heater for the entire night will unnecessarily increase your heating costs and provide excess heat at night.

What is the Best Position for a Space Heater?

Your heater positioning depends on two things: the level of heating needed and general safety guidelines. It is recommended that you place your heater away from places that are frequented by people at home. Doing this reduces the possibility of the heater getting knocked.

Also, always place the heater away from beddings, drapery, seats, and other objects that contain fabric. This is necessary because such materials are flammable and can cause accidents.

For maximum heating, place your heater at a location where the heat will flow throughout the entire room. If you have an oscillating space heater, then position it so that the oscillation angle can cover as much space in the room as possible.

Do Space Heaters Produce Carbon Monoxide?

Electric space heaters do not produce carbon monoxide. This gas is produced when carbon-based fuels are burned to produce heat energy. Electric space heaters utilize electric energy to create heat energy via a heating element directly.

Best Space Heater for Bedroom

1. Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater

If you are looking for a small but significant infrared heater for personalized heating in your bedroom, go for the Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater.

This small heating device has three heat settings: high, low, and fan-only modes. You will enjoy its performance across any of these three modes, depending on your heating needs at any time.

It also has a thermostat that you can use to change its heating temperature across 11 different options. The thermostat is entirely accurate; therefore, you will enjoy personalized heating when using this heater.

There are only two notable drawbacks of using this heater. It would be best to rely on manual controls when using it because it does not have a remote control.

Luckily, it being a personal heater, you will not place it very far from where you are. Two, the heater is unsuitable for heating large indoor spaces such as huge living rooms.

Pros

  • It has an adjustable thermostat with 11 temperature settings
  • Highly portable because of its compact design
  • The heater is ready for use straight from the box: no assembly needed
  • It has three heat settings for your comfort

Cons

  • It does not come with a remote control
  • The heater is unsuitable for use in large areas

2. Vornado MVH Vortex Heater

The Vornado MVH Vortex Heater uses a small-scale version of the forced air heating process to create a cozy and warm indoor environment in small to medium-sized rooms. The vortex heating method ensures rapid and even distribution of heat.

Additionally, the heater has a modern pea-shaped design with a black finish that helps it stand out when placed atop tables or any other flat surface.

The inbuilt thermostat is a great plus to the performance of this heater. It helps the heater to maintain a specific temperature range according to your needs at any given time. You can adjust the thermostat across seven different temperature settings.

The Vornado MVH Vortex Heater has some of the most advanced safety features, including tip-over protection and overheat protection. The tip-over protection feature is particularly crucial because the heater is small and can easily get knocked by people passing nearby.

The overheat safety feature protects the heater’s internal components from damage by shutting down the device if the temperature reaches dangerous levels.

Pros

  • The vortex heating method maximizes the circulation of heat across small to mid-sized rooms
  • The heater has inbuilt safety features
  • The medium heating mode helps to optimize the performance and power consumption levels of the heater

Cons

  • The surface of the heater becomes quite hot after some time

3. Comfort Zone Oscillating Space Heater

The Comfort Zone Oscillating Space Heater provides rapid and even heating in indoor areas thanks to its oscillating heating mode. Its heating element effectively dissipates heat across all areas of a room in which the heater is used as it repeatedly moves from left to right.

It is possible to control your heating costs when using this heater. Its eco-mode provides a convenient way of ensuring that you keep your heating costs down without necessarily undermining your bedroom’s overall comfort. When set on the eco mode, the heater optimizes its performance to keep you warm affordably.

You can program the heater to be either on or off for eight-hour intervals using the timer. Ideally, you can set the heater to start warming your bedroom even before you get home and stop after some time when you fall asleep.

Sadly, this heater is prone to falling when accidentally hit. It has a narrow base that does not provide sufficient stability to its tower-like body.

Pros

  • Quick and even full-room heating because of the effect of the oscillation
  • The eco-mode provides a convenient way of minimizing heating costs
  • It has an 8-hour timer that can be used to program its operation
  • The heater is highly portable because it is lightweight

Cons

  • Prone to falling when accidentally knocked because of its narrow base and tower design

4. Honeywell HCE322V Digital Ceramic Tower Heater

The Honeywell HCE322V is a powerful, efficient, and highly portable space heater for personalized heating. It has some of the most advanced features, including enhanced safety, easy controls, and additional ones for your comfort.

Because of its lightweight, you will easily carry it from one place to another. Moreover, the heater is relatively stable when placed on any flat surface because it has a relatively broad base.

It has all the controls that you need for your convenience and comfort. One can alternate between the high and low heating mode to control the amount of electric energy utilized to provide supplemental heat.

Furthermore, the 8-hour timer and thermostat can make things straightforward for you. You can use the timer to program the operations of the heater in 8-hour intervals. The built-in digital thermostat lets you accurately select the room’s ideal temperature that the heater should maintain.

The enhanced safety features, including auto-shutoff, help keep the heater intact, and everyone at home safe if the device’s internal temperature rises sharply.

Pros

  • The heater is very portable because it is lightweight
  • It has all the controls needed, including a thermostat, timer, and two heat settings
  • Enhanced safety features, including auto-shutoff

Cons

  • The powerful dual motors cause some noise

5. PELONIS Oil Filled Radiator Heater

If you are looking for a sturdy and reliable oil-filled radiator heater, go for the PELONIS oil-filled brand. It is designed to provide continuous and full-room warmth in mid-sized rooms without the distraction of noisy fans.

The heater effectively warms the air and lets it move around the room via convection currents. This mode of heating creates a wonderful indoor environment.

The design and look of this heater can be harnessed for aesthetic value. If you position it at a strategic point, its modern design and black finish can enhance your house’s interior decoration.

Controlling this heater is effortless. It has all the control buttons clustered on its front. Moreover, the digital display helps you see what you are doing if you press any of the buttons. The small LED light lets you know whether the heater is on or off.

But one crucial weakness of this device relates to the surface temperature. You would not want your kids to touch this heater because its surface becomes hot when it operates for a long time.

Pros

  • The heater has a 10-hour timer
  • Great heating capacity suitable for mid-sized rooms
  • Modern design with a black finish can enhance the look and feel of your room

Cons

  • The surface of the heater becomes quite hot

6. Lasko 760000 Cyclonic Ceramic Heater

The Lasko 760000 Cyclonic Ceramic Heater is a unique space because of its innovative features. The most significant feature is the cyclonic heat penetration mode of heating.

The heated air currents move out in shapes like that of the cyclone. The air then spreads across the entire room rapidly to create a comfortable feel instantly.

Also, this heater has a fresh air ionizer for the purification of the air. Heaters that use the forced-air mode of heating may contribute to the accumulation of dirt and other small particles in the air.

The fresh air ionizer found in this heater releases small ions that attract and trap all the dirt particles found in the air. This air purification process prevents the spread of unwanted particulates within the room in which this heater is used.

Sadly, moving your Lasko 760000 Cyclonic Ceramic Heater around the home is a big headache. You must think about carrying it because it does not have caster wheels. Luckily, the device is not very heavy; you can carry it from one room to another.

Pros

  • The fresh air ionizer creates an excellent environment free of contaminants
  • The heater is ETL-listed in addition to having basic safety features
  • Rapid heating because of the cyclonic movement of air

Cons

  • It lacks caster wheels for portability

7. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater is ideal for individuals who are conscious of using the space on the floor. Mainly, if you have a small room and you would not like the floor to appear cluttered, then this is the best heater for you.

It is strictly mounted on the wall. And even after you have had it mounted on the wall, you can hide all the cables behind it for a clean appearance in your bedroom.

The most outstanding feature of this heater is that it is Wi-Fi-enabled. You can control every aspect of its operation, including heating temperature, by using a mobile app. You may as well use the manual controls on its surface.

Mounting this heater on the wall is not a walk in the park. If you are not experienced in handling such kinds of jobs, then it would be a good idea to get a certified technician to do it for you.

Pros

  • It has advanced control features: Wi-Fi-enabled
  • The heater does not take any space on the floor because it is strictly wall-mounted
  • It has cool-to-touch and other safety features

Cons

  • The process of mounting the heater in the wall is quite technical

8. Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater

The Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater is a stylish and powerful space heater for heating small to medium-sized indoor areas. It has a fanciful design and shape that can add aesthetic value to your room.

Apart from the design, this heater has certain features that make it a reliable supplemental heat source. Air multiplier technology enables the heater to warm areas rapidly by accelerating heated air movement across the room.

Furthermore, the Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater can be used all year round. During the cold months, it provides additional warmth indoors. During the hot summer days, the heater fan can be used to create a cool current indoors.

Pros

  • The heater can be used to provide supplemental heat or cool air
  • It has powerful heating capabilities, thanks to the patented air multiplier technology
  • It has a sleek design with a silver finish
  • The heater is portable because of its small size

Cons

  • It is prone to falling if accidentally knocked