Space heaters offer a convenient way to warm individual rooms without heating an entire property. Whether you need extra warmth for a home office, conservatory, bedroom or workshop, choosing the right heater can improve comfort while helping you manage energy use more effectively.
With several different types available, it's important to understand how each works before making a purchase. This guide explains the main options and the key factors to consider when choosing the right space heater for your home.
Why Choose a Space Heater?
Unlike central heating, space heaters are designed to warm specific areas rather than the whole house.
This makes them ideal for:
- Home offices
- Spare bedrooms
- Conservatories
- Garages and workshops
- Garden rooms
- Living rooms that need additional heat
Heating only the rooms you're using can often be a more economical solution, particularly during milder weather or when only one part of the home is occupied.
Types of Space Heaters
Understanding the different types of heaters available is the first step towards choosing the right model.
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters use an electric heating element with a built-in fan to circulate warm air quickly throughout a room.
Pros
- Heat rooms rapidly
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable to buy
- Suitable for occasional use
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Less suitable for long periods of continuous heating
- Heat disappears quickly once switched off
Fan heaters work well when you need fast warmth for short periods.
Oil-Filled Radiators
Oil-filled radiators use electricity to heat thermal oil sealed inside the unit. Although they take longer to reach full temperature, they retain heat well after being switched off.
Advantages
- Quiet operation
- Consistent heat output
- Suitable for longer use
- Good for bedrooms and living spaces
These heaters provide steady warmth without the noise associated with fan heaters.
Convector Heaters
Convector heaters warm the surrounding air, which naturally rises and circulates around the room.
They are often slim, lightweight and easy to move between rooms.
Convector heaters are best suited to:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Home offices
Many models include adjustable thermostats and timers to improve efficiency.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters work differently from conventional electric heaters.
Instead of warming the air, they heat objects and people directly using radiant heat.
This makes them particularly effective in:
- Conservatories
- Workshops
- Outdoor covered areas
- Rooms with high ceilings
Because they don't rely on circulating warm air, infrared heaters can provide instant warmth where it's needed most.
Storage Heaters
Storage heaters charge overnight using off-peak electricity and release stored heat gradually during the day.
Modern storage heaters are far more advanced than older designs, offering programmable controls, improved insulation and better heat management.
They're particularly useful for homes on Economy 7 or similar electricity tariffs.
Choosing the Right Size Heater
One of the most important factors is choosing a heater with sufficient output for the room you're heating.
A heater that's too small may struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature, while one that's oversized may use more electricity than necessary.
Consider:
- Room size
- Ceiling height
- Insulation levels
- Window size
- How often the room is used
Larger or poorly insulated rooms generally require greater heating output than smaller, well-insulated spaces.
Energy Efficiency Features
Modern electric heaters often include features that help reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Look for models with:
Programmable Timers
Timers allow heaters to switch on and off automatically, ensuring they're only running when needed.
Thermostats
A thermostat maintains your chosen temperature without continuously operating at full power.
Once the room reaches the desired temperature, the heater cycles on and off to maintain comfort while reducing electricity usage.
Smart Controls
Some heaters can be controlled through smartphone apps or integrated with smart home systems.
This allows you to adjust heating schedules remotely and avoid leaving heaters running unnecessarily.
Open Window Detection
Certain premium heaters can detect sudden drops in temperature caused by an open window and temporarily switch off to avoid wasting energy.
Safety Features to Consider
Safety should always be a priority when choosing any electric heater.
Look for features such as:
- Overheat protection
- Tip-over switches on portable models
- Cool-touch surfaces
- Automatic shut-off
- Child lock controls where appropriate
These features provide additional peace of mind, particularly in homes with children or pets.
Fixed vs Portable Heaters
Portable heaters offer flexibility and can be moved between rooms as needed.
Fixed electric heaters are permanently installed and often provide a more integrated heating solution with improved appearance and advanced programming options.
The right choice depends on how frequently the room requires heating and whether you need the flexibility to move the unit.
Running Costs
All electric heaters convert electricity into heat efficiently, but running costs depend largely on:
- Heater wattage
- How long it's used
- Your electricity tariff
- Room insulation
- Thermostat settings
Improving insulation and using programmable controls can often reduce heating costs more effectively than simply choosing a lower-powered heater.
Which Space Heater Is Best?
There's no single heater that's right for every home.
Fan heaters are ideal for quick bursts of warmth, while oil-filled radiators provide comfortable background heat for longer periods. Infrared heaters excel in larger or draughtier spaces, and storage heaters can be highly economical when paired with suitable electricity tariffs.
If you're looking for a premium storage heating solution, the Dimplex Quantum energy-efficient heater range combines advanced insulation, intelligent controls and highly efficient heat retention to help reduce running costs while maintaining comfortable temperatures.
Final Thoughts
The best space heater depends on how you use your home, the size of the room, your budget and your preferred level of control. By considering heating performance, energy-saving features, safety and installation requirements, you can choose a heater that delivers reliable warmth whenever you need it.
With today's wide range of modern electric heaters, it's easier than ever to find a solution that provides both comfort and efficient everyday heating.