What Size Space Heater Do I Need?

Space heaters are a go-to appliance, especially in the winter season! Today though, there are a lot to choose from, each with numerous features and qualities to consider. To help you avoid confusion and find the space heater that will perform best in your home, we are going to look why sizing a space heater is important. If you've ever wondered, “What size space heater do I need?” – this is the article for you. It mostly comes down to one important measurement: BTUs. Keep reading and we'll explain everything you need to know!

Calculating Room Size (IMPORTANT)

Do you know that heating accounts for around 42% of your home energy costs? This is a big sum of money that can be saved if you are able to use a more efficient energy source to heat up your home.

When shopping for a space heater, it is imperative that you understand the importance of calculating the room size where your space heater will be located. This ensures that your space heater that will optimally heat the room or basement, saving energy without compromising on warmth. Underpowered space heaters won't do the job efficiently, while overpowered space heaters will draw excess power and create higher electricity bills. 

Space Heaters & Room Size

The first thing to do is to measure the size of the room where the space heater is going to be used. You need to measure both length and width of the room then multiply the two measurements to determine the room's size in square feet.  

The next step is to calculate the wattage that your room actually needs. Estimate 10 watts per square foot and multiply the square foot of the room by 10 (for example, a room with 150 square feet will require 1,500 watts).

The third step is converting watts into BTUs (British Thermal Units), which is a way to measure energy. This is the most frequently used term when talking about heating and AC units, which includes space heaters! To get this number, multiply your wattage by 3.41 (1 watt x 3.41 BTUs). A 150-square foot room, which requires an estimated 1,500 watts of energy, will require a space heater that provides around 5,115 BTUs. 

Then, use these numbers to shop for your perfect space heater. You can also work backwards using the measurements advertised on a given appliance. Keep in mind, though, you may still want to consider the additional factors that affect the heating efficiency of your room. You may want to adjust your space heater needs based on the following factors:

• If your room is not well insulated, it may get extra cold
• If your room has either cement or tile floors, it may feel colder
• If your room has low ceiling, it may get warm easily 
• If your room has a lot of windows, it may be drafty so you might need a more powerful heater

Space Heater Size Guide

Now that you understand the importance of room size, let's talk about the importance of sizing a space heater. As you begin to identify which type of space heater is the right one, you also need to take into consideration what size will suit your needs best. Â

As a starting point, you'll need to use the measurements above to determine the size, wattage and BTU qualities of a space heater that will suit your needs.

Below is a table showing square footage relative to wattage and BTU requirements:

Square footage	Wattage	Recommended BTUs
75 square feet	750 watts	2,558 BTUs
100 square feet	1,000 watts	3,410 BTUs
125 square feet	1,250 watts	4,263 BTUs
150 square feet	1,500 watts	5,115 BTUs
200 square feet	2,000 watts	6,820 BTUs
250 square feet	2,500 watts	8,525 BTUs
350 square feet	3,500 watts	11,935 BTUs

Best Space Heater for Large Rooms

One of our objectives is to look for the specific appliances that will provide you with the best space heater experience. When it comes to large rooms, we strongly recommend Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater. This space heater is an auto-energy saving model with both high and low power operation. This means it will adapt to run at the lowest possible cost, helping you save big on electricity bills.

One feature that we really like about Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater is its tip-over protection and overheat protection. This ensures that your home and its inhabitants will be well-protected from accidents! The awesome features of Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater do not end there though. Additional features include:

• Durable, safe, and easy to maintain
• Soothingly quiet – you will hardly notice it is on!
• Dual heating system that optimizes the heat transfer rate. This means it produces more heat than other 1500-watt heaters.
• Conveniently change the temperature, turn it off/on, or program the heater setting using a remote

Best Space Heater for Basement Use

For basements, our pick is still the Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater. Why you ask? Simply because it is a powerhouse! It's energy efficient, suitable for large spaces (which is usually applicable for a basement), it's portable, which is ideal for multi-level homes, and its safety measures are best in its class. Overall, it's the perfect space heater for any basement. 

What makes the Infrared Portable Space Heater different? It works similarly to sunlight, by warming the objects around it rather than the air itself. Its infrared heat feels natural, effectively using 100% of the heat produced, which creates almost no loss in heat transfer. This results in more energy savings and a lower overall cost.

Best Space Heater for Bedrooms and Small Rooms

For bedrooms and small rooms, you may have different considerations. The first thing we looked for in a space heater for these areas is safety! Since it is likely that you or your family members will be sleeping near these appliances, safety cannot be compromised on. And this is why we recommend the Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater.

This space heater offers tip-over protection, which automatically shuts off the heating element if it gets knocked over. It also has built-in overheat protection to prevent any unforeseen accidents. Of course, since it is a portable heater, you can conveniently move it anywhere in the home you'd like, as it's lightweight with a comfortable but discreet carrying handle.

Below are some other notable features of the Amazon Basics Space Heater:

• Sleek wood design to blend naturally into your home
• Low noise – just 39db during operation
• Rated at 1,500 watts, this heater produces ample heat for any space with a user-friendly design

With all of these factors considered, we are confident that you will be able to find the best space heater for you. Our recommendations are also a great place to start, as we've reviewed them carefully and thoroughly to make sure that they will work optimally in the conditions described. 

Hopefully we have answered the question, “What size space heater do I need?”. For more information on these appliances, be sure to check out our space heater buying guide. And for all of your other appliance needs, you can count on Appliance Accreditor and our thorough appliance buying guides to help you find your perfect appliance.