Do the infrared space heaters (1500 watts) really save any money in heating costs?

Amy G
by Amy G
  3 answers
  • Shane Tallant Shane Tallant on Sep 19, 2011
    Infrared heaters do require less energy to run than a heating unit, but they tend to put off heat in small areas, which causes the homeowner to run them for quite some time to heat the entire room/area, etc. In my experience its 6 of one-half a dozen of another. However, they are great for small spaces over a short amount of time.
  • Amy, Good input from Shane. Just to reiterate, there is nothing efficient about electric infrared space heaters. The only possible way to save money using them is to turn the whole-house system down far enough that it significantly reduces that monthly utility bill more than it costs to run the space heater to heat a small area...i.e.: wherever you are sitting. Tim
  • Space heaters are also very bad for the electrical system in your home as homeowners often overload their circuits causing breakers to trip and damage outlets misusing or over using them. Not to mention their obvious fire hazards.