Warming tips for cozy home heating
Guide

Heating hack revealed: space heater vs. furnace – the cheapest way to warm your home

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • If you live in a large home, a furnace is likely to be a more cost-effective option than a space heater.
  • The answer to the question of whether a space heater is cheaper than a furnace depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the type of space heater you use.

With the rising cost of energy, homeowners are looking for ways to save money on their heating bills. One question that often comes up is whether it is cheaper to use a space heater or a furnace. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the type of space heater you use.

How Do Space Heaters Work?

Space heaters work by warming the air in a small area. They are typically used to heat a single room or a small space. Space heaters come in a variety of types, including electric, gas, and kerosene.

How Do Furnaces Work?

Furnaces work by heating the air in your entire home. They are typically located in the basement or attic, and they use a variety of fuels, including natural gas, oil, and electricity.

Pros and Cons of Space Heaters

Pros:

  • Space heaters are relatively inexpensive to purchase.
  • Space heaters are easy to move from room to room.
  • Space heaters can be used to heat a small area quickly.

Cons:

  • Space heaters can be inefficient, as they only heat a small area.
  • Space heaters can be a fire hazard if they are not used properly.
  • Space heaters can be noisy.

Pros and Cons of Furnaces

Pros:

  • Furnaces are more efficient than space heaters, as they heat your entire home.
  • Furnaces are less of a fire hazard than space heaters.
  • Furnaces are quieter than space heaters.

Cons:

  • Furnaces are more expensive to purchase and install than space heaters.
  • Furnaces can take longer to heat your home than space heaters.
  • Furnaces require regular maintenance.

Which Is More Cost-Effective: Space Heater or Furnace?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the type of space heater you use.

If you live in a small home or apartment, a space heater may be a more cost-effective option than a furnace. Space heaters are less expensive to purchase and operate than furnaces, and they can be used to heat a small area quickly.

If you live in a large home, a furnace is likely to be a more cost-effective option than a space heater. Furnaces are more efficient than space heaters, and they can heat your entire home evenly.

How to Choose the Right Space Heater

If you decide to use a space heater, it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Here are a few things to consider:

  • The size of the room you want to heat. Space heaters come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to choose one that is the right size for the room you want to heat.
  • The type of fuel you want to use. Space heaters come in a variety of types, including electric, gas, and kerosene. Choose a space heater that uses a fuel that is available in your area and that you are comfortable using.
  • The safety features of the space heater. Space heaters can be a fire hazard, so it is important to choose one that has safety features such as a tip-over switch and a overheat protection.

How to Use a Space Heater Safely

If you use a space heater, it is important to follow these safety tips:

  • Place the space heater on a stable, level surface.
  • Keep the space heater away from flammable materials.
  • Never leave the space heater unattended.
  • Turn off the space heater when you leave the room.

Takeaways: Is Space Heater Cheaper Than Furnace

The answer to the question of whether a space heater is cheaper than a furnace depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the climate you live in, and the type of space heater you use. If you live in a small home or apartment, a space heater may be a more cost-effective option than a furnace. If you live in a large home, a furnace is likely to be a more cost-effective option than a space heater.

What You Need to Learn

Q: What is the most efficient type of space heater?
A: The most efficient type of space heater is a radiant space heater. Radiant space heaters use infrared radiation to heat objects in a room, rather than heating the air. This makes them more efficient than convection space heaters, which heat the air.

Q: How can I save money on my heating bill?
A: There are a number of ways to save money on your heating bill, including:

  • Using a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature at night and when you are away from home.
  • Sealing air leaks around windows and doors.
  • Adding insulation to your attic and walls.
  • Using a space heater to heat a small area instead of your entire home.

Q: Is it safe to use a space heater in my bedroom?
A: It is generally safe to use a space heater in your bedroom, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Place the space heater on a stable, level surface.
  • Keep the space heater away from flammable materials.
  • Never leave the space heater unattended.
  • Turn off the space heater when you leave the room.
Was this page helpful?

Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
Back to top button