Best Energy Saving Space Heater Has Built-In Thermostat - Here's Why
Space heaters are great for extra warmth and adjusting the temperature in your home. Models with adjustable thermostats make it simple to set and keep your preferred temperature warm without effort. Space heaters with thermostats are efficient and easy to use. They have precise temperature control.
How Do Space Heaters with Thermostats Work?
Space heaters with adjustable thermostats allow you to set a target temperature. The heater will turn on and off to keep the room temperature at the desired level.
A built-in thermostat senses the current room temperature. You use the control panel to set your target temperature. This becomes the "set point" that the thermostat will now try to maintain. The thermostat turns on the heater when the room gets too cold, warming it up. Once the room hits the target temperature, the heater automatically shuts off. The cycle continues by itself to maintain the room's desired temperature.
In effect, the thermostat acts like a regulator. The device checks the room temperature and turns the heater on or off based on that. This machine always heats up consistently and makes using a space heater easier.
Benefits of Space Heaters with Adjustable Thermostats
Space heaters that have thermostats are better than ones with manual switches for a few reasons:
You can set the temperature you want, and the heater will keep it steady. There is no need to constantly adjust settings as the room warms up or cools off. Consistent warmth is provided once the target temp is reached.
The heater only runs when it needs to, so it saves energy and works efficiently. It automatically shuts off once the target temp is achieved. No energy is wasted heating the room above the desired temperature, which helps keep energy bills lower.
Customized comfort allows you to set different temperatures for different rooms. Find your personal comfort level and maintain it. Keep a consistent temperature throughout the day/night. The heater won't overheat small spaces.
Safety features like overheat protection if airflow is blocked allow for peace of mind. The unit can be quickly powered off if it gets knocked over. There is comfort in knowing it will automatically shut off once the room is warm.
Convenience comes from the set-it-and-forget-it temperature control. Consistent warmth is maintained automatically without having to frequently adjust settings. You can focus on other tasks once the target temp is set.
Types of Space Heaters with Thermostats
The main types of space heaters that come with adjustable thermostats include:
Ceramic Space Heaters use an electric heating element to warm ceramic plates. They are best for spot heating smaller rooms, quickly heating up but also cooling down fast once turned off. Their compact size makes them lightweight and portable.
Oil-Filled Radiator Heaters have oil warmed by an electric heating element. They can keep temperatures steady, but it takes them longer to warm up at first. The oil retains warmth well after the unit is turned off. These models are best for warming medium to large rooms.
Fan Forced Heaters use electric coils and a fan to push out heat. They can heat rooms quickly with models that have many heat settings. Yet, they can be noisy from the fan blowing. Fan-forced heaters are best for quickly warming larger areas.
Key Features to Look for in a Thermostat Space Heater
When shopping for a space heater with a thermostat, keep an eye out for the following:
- Adjustable thermostat with digital display or dial
- At least a couple of heat settings to choose from
- Safety auto shut-off if tipped over
- Overheat protection & cool touch exterior
- Carry handles for portable models
- Enough power for the room size you want to heat
Using a Space Heater Safely
Space heaters with thermostats offer steady heat and peace of mind, but safety is crucial.
Locate them on a level, non-flammable surface away from high-traffic areas. To avoid accidents, do not place heaters near curtains, furniture, or bedding. Make sure there is enough space for air to circulate around the heater.
Plug directly into a wall outlet to avoid overheating extension cords. Unplug when not in use to save energy.
Use a timer or shut it off before sleeping. Don't leave it unattended overnight. Take advantage of built-in timer functions if available.
Keep children and pets away from running space heaters. Don't leave them alone near the units. Make sure little fingers don't touch hot surfaces.
Avoid overloading circuits, as heaters draw lots of power.
Check for damaged power cords, and don't use them if they are frayed or split. Replace any worn-out cords.
You can stay warm and cozy by using space heaters with thermostatic controls. The automatic on/off function helps maintain the perfect temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How accurate are the thermostats on space heaters?
A: Most space heater thermostats today are accurate to within +/- 1-2°F once a stable temperature is reached. Some models have digital thermostats accurate to +/- 1°F. This allows them to maintain very consistent temps.
Q: Where should I place a space heater with a thermostat in a room?
A: Place it centrally in the room you want to heat. Avoid corners or tight spaces with poor airflow. Leave adequate clearance from drapes and furniture, and never block the heater intake or outlet vents.
Q: What is the ideal thermostat temperature to set for a space heater at night?
A: The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping bedrooms at 65°F or lower for optimal sleep. So, setting the thermostat at 62-65°F is ideal. Just be sure to shut off and unplug the heater before going to bed.
Q: How long does it take a space heater to heat up a room?
A: It depends on the size of the room and the type of space heater. Smaller rooms under 250 sq ft may heat up in under 30 minutes. Larger rooms with high ceilings can take 45 minutes or more to reach the target temp. Oil-filled radiators heat up more slowly but retain heat well.
Q: Can I leave my space heater on all day unattended?
A: It's not recommended. Thermostats can turn on/off automatically, but it's smart to manually turn them off when leaving a room for a long time. Never leave the units on overnight while sleeping.
Q: Why does my thermostat heater keep shutting off even though it doesn't feel warm yet?
A: If the unit is cycling on/off frequently, the thermostat is likely located on the heater itself. This measures the temp directly by the heater vs the overall room temp. Try increasing the thermostat a few degrees higher.
Q: How close should furniture be to a space heater?
A: Leave at least 3 feet of clearance between a heater and any furniture, drapes, or bedding. Don't place items on top of a heater, and keep ample space for airflow around the unit.
Q: Can I control my thermostat heater remotely?
Some higher-end models have WiFi and apps. This lets you control temperature and schedules using your phone. This allows you to preheat a room before arriving home.
Using a space heater with a thermostat offers the convenience of automatic temperature control. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper operation. Place the unit carefully, use it safely, and enjoy consistent warmth right at your preset optimal temperature.