How To Keep Your Space Heater Operating at Max Efficiency

Space heaters aren’t efficient.

You should always use your furnace, if possible.

But sometimes, you have no other choice but to use your space heater.

If you find yourself in such a situation, keep safety first.

Space heaters can tip over (especially the taller ones), which can pose a fire hazard.

They can also burn and shock you, your children, or your pets.

They’re actually a lot safer than they used to be. So, you don’t need to panic.

But, you do need to exercise wise judgment.

Make sure to always keep yours on the floor. Never sit yours on a shelf or other elevated surface.

Keep yours out of wet and damp locations like your bathroom or kitchen.

And always place your space heater at least three feet away from anything flammable.

With those simple safety precautions in mind, here’s what you can do to keep yours operating at max efficiency:

1. Keep It As Close to Your Wall Socket as Possible

With this tip, we mean to keep the length of the extension cord you use as short as you can.

Avoid using one entirely, if possible.

The longer the extension cord, the more power you waste.

2. Only Heat When You’re Home and Awake

Not only will you save energy because you’re only running your space heater when you benefit from it, but you’re also practicing smart safety a little with this tip too.

You’re wise to always be home when your space heater is on.

If you use your space heater to heat a room that needs the heat so something mechanical doesn’t break or so pipes don’t burst, make sure you get a space heater suited for just that purpose.

You can get space heaters with automatic shutoff, tip over protection, a shut off timer, and an adjustable thermostat, for example.

3. Choose the Right Power for the Area You Need to Heat

This is the biggest of all these tips.

For max efficiency, first measure your room and calculate the square footage.

A solid rule of thumb to follow suggested by Sylvane is to have 10 watts of power per square foot of space you need to heat.

So, if you need to heat a 125 square foot room, you should purchase a 1,250-watt space heater.

4. Follow the Manufacturer’s Usage Instructions

Yes. They’re boring and hard to read. And reading instructions takes your time.

But manufacturers make these for a reason: they know how to help you get the most out of your space heater.

If you don’t want to take the time to read the instructions, just call their customer service line and ask how to use your space heater so it runs with optimum efficiency.

The manufacturer may also have brief YouTube videos on usage and efficiency guidelines.

Don’t Let Your Space Heater Become a Hazard or Energy Waster

Your space heater should be present to keep you comfortable and to help you heat a room so nothing breaks down in cold weather.

Make sure you follow these tips and your manufacturer’s guidelines so you get the comfort and energy efficiency you want from yours!