

If you’ve ever worked in an office or lived in a building that stays drafty all year long, you’re likely familiar with the search for a great space heater. Along with keeping you warm and cozy, these small devices are a great way to cut down your heating costs, and save energy while you’re at it. Rather than adjusting your entire building’s heat system, the best energy-efficient space heaters will add warmth just to the rooms you use the most.
Not sure what to look for in an energy-efficient space heater? We spoke with home health and safety experts and we’re sharing their advice below, plus their most helpful tips on how to warm up your space, and our top picks for the best energy efficient space heaters.
The best energy efficient space heaters:
Best electricAtomi Smart Space Tower HeaterGo to reviewBest with thermostatDreo Solaris MaxGo to reviewBest for large roomsDr. Infrared Heater DR968 Portable Space HeaterGo to reviewBest for outdoorsBriza Infrared Patio HeaterGo to reviewBest for indoorsDe’Longhi Slim Style Dual Fan Space HeaterGo to reviewCheapest to runEconoHome Wall Mount Space Heater PanelGo to reviewBest radiantDe’Longhi Radia S Radiator Space HeaterGo to reviewBest budgetComfort Zone Energy Save Ceramic Tower HeaterGo to reviewThe best energy efficient space heaters:
Best electric







What to look for in an energy-efficient space heater.
In general, space heaters can be divided into two main types: convection and radiant. Convection heaters warm the ambient air by passing it over a heating element, whereas radiant heaters emit infrared radiation to warm people and objects nearby, not the surrounding air. In general, radiant space heaters, commonly referred to as infrared heaters, are among the most energy-efficient options, because it takes less energy to emit radiation than heat the air.
There are certainly energy-efficient convection heaters, too, but the EPA doesn't currently label space heaters as an ENERGY STAR-qualified product—which can make choosing an energy-efficient space heater a bit difficult.
Experts recommend taking a few key features into consideration. First, it’s important to pay attention to the heater’s wattage rating. The higher the wattage, the more electricity or energy it will consume. As a rule of thumb, space heaters with a fan tend to consume more energy than those without.
"Look for a space heater with multiple heat settings, and ideally an energy saving or ECO-mode. That way, you can use less energy by only heating the room to the temperature you need," says Cate Walter, Director at Rhino Safety, experts in health, safety, and fire risk management.
Home fire safety expert and director of the Fire Risk Assessment Network, John Smith, adds that features such as overheat protection and an adjustable thermostat can help you safely heat your space, while ultimately saving energy by maintaining your desired room temperature.
Lastly, you’ll want to find a space heater designed specifically for the room size you plan to use it in. This will help ensure that you get the most efficient heating for your needs.
Our picks for the best energy efficient space heaters:
Best electric: Atomi Smart Space Tower Heater

Pros:
- Wireless control through an app & compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Ability to set an ON/OFF schedule based on your needs
- Compliant with Electrical Testing Laboratory North American safety standards
Cons:
- Limited scheduling capabilities
- Some find thermostat to be inconsistent
If you're in the market for a quality and durable space heater this is a great option, as ceramic heaters are generally a more efficient type of convection heaters. Choose from low or high settings, or opt for ECO mode to maintain your ideal temperature with the least amount of energy. The tower design helps this machine heat large spaces, and it’s also WiFi-enabled—a unique feature that allows you to control it from anywhere.
Even better, the brand offers a 3-year limited warranty, so you can be sure you're making a sound investment for years to come. Reviewers love the design and effectiveness of this heater, the app-controlled capabilities, and the fact that it significantly reduces their electricity bills. A few people wish that there were even more scheduling options, as you can only set one temperature at a time.
Best with thermostat: Dreo Solaris Max

Pros:
- Adjustable digital thermostat allows control in 1°F increments
- Wide-angle oscillation to spread heat
- Flame retardant materials for improved safety
Cons:
- Not suited for large rooms
- Some reviewers experience difficulties with programmable temperature control
The Dreo Solaris Max is a great space heater if you prefer a digital thermostat. It allows you to program and control the temperature of the room from 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, in 1 degree increments. With overheat protection and the ability to heat up to 270 square feet., this heater is perfect for a variety of smaller spaces. Choose from high (1,500 watt), medium (900 watt), or low (700 watt) heat settings, or save on your energy bills by selecting ECO mode.
The brand offers a 5-year warranty and free round-the-clock technical support to help you with any questions or issues you may have. Although it’s not meant for very large rooms, customers say this heater is quick to warm up a smaller space and is “great for saving on your electricity bill.” The device also gets a lot of love for being extremely quiet, even from self-proclaimed light sleepers.
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This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.Best for large rooms: Dr. Infrared Heater DR968 Portable Space Heater

Pros:
- Large room coverage
- Efficient dual-heating technology
- Quiet
Cons:
- Not the most aesthetically pleasing
- Large
This space heater combines the energy-efficiency of infrared technology with the comfort and warmth of convection devices, to heat spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Choose between the energy-saving auto mode, high (1,500 watt), or low (1,000 watt) settings to warm your space to your desired temperature, and rest easy knowing that the dual-heating system produces more heat than other heaters of the same wattage.
While yes, it is larger than other options, over 14,000 perfect 5-star ratings on Amazon speak to how well-loved this heater is. Reviewers say, “if you
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