As winter is fast approaching and the cold weather rolls in, everyone wants to avoid having a large room without heating. A reliable large room heater during the cold season is an absolute must-have, but finding the right one is the tricky part.
There’s a lot of variety, like size, energy source, safety, and more. To help, we’ve put together this list of the five things you need to consider when selecting how to keep your family warm this winter.
1. Size Really Does Matter
When it comes to heaters, size absolutely counts. A heater that’s too small is inefficient, and one that’s too powerful will have you regretting your choices when the power bill arrives.
Check the BTU (British Thermal Units) rating. It tells you how much heat a heating appliance or system can produce. Match this rating to your room size to select a system that is the most efficient for providing heat without under or overdoing it.
The table below can be used as a quick reference if you know the square footage of your room already:
| Room Size (Square Feet) | Required BTUs |
| Up to 150 sq. ft. | 5,000 – 6,000 BTUs |
| 150 – 250 sq. ft. | 6,000 – 8,000 BTUs |
| 250 – 350 sq. ft. | 8,000 – 10,000 BTUs |
| 350 – 450 sq. ft. | 10,000 – 12,000 BTUs |
| 450 – 550 sq. ft. | 12,000 – 14,000 BTUs |
| 550 – 700 sq. ft. | 14,000 – 18,000 BTUs |
| 700 – 1,000 sq. ft. | 18,000 – 22,000 BTUs |
| 1,000 – 1,200 sq. ft. | 22,000 – 26,000 BTUs |
| 1,200 – 1,500 sq. ft. | 26,000 – 30,000 BTUs |
| Over 1,500 sq. ft. | 30,000+ BTUs |
If you don’t know the square footage, don’t sweat it! You can use this simple online calculator with some basic dimensions to get an estimate.
2. Choosing the Right Energy Source
Once you understand how much energy is needed to heat your room, the question then becomes, what will power the heater? There’s no real standard answer—it depends on what’s available in your area and how you plan to use the heater.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
- Electric Heaters: Also known as “convection radiators,” are a basic plug-and-play portable unit. They’re easy to use and heat small rooms relatively quickly, but are inefficient and consume a lot of power if you try to use them as a large room heater.
- Gas Furnace: These larger-scale and “whole home” heaters are a good choice if you’re looking to heat your entire home. They are very efficient and most suitable for homes with access to natural gas or the ability to install propane tanks.
- Mini-Split Systems: Perfect for targeted heating, mini-splits allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms. They’re efficient, cost-effective, and easy to install but can struggle in extremely cold climates.
- Heat Pumps: These versatile systems can both heat and cool, making them a good all-year-round solution. They work on the same principles as a mini-split but are larger and can control the climate of an entire home.
3. Portable or Permanent?
Think about the way you’ll be using the heater. Do you need flexibility to move it around, or are you looking for something more long-term?
Portable heaters are an ideal choice for boosting the capacity of existing systems or heating different rooms at different times.
If you’re looking for something more permanent, a heat pump or gas furnace is a more suitable solution. Though requiring professional installation, they provide a more stable and reliable method for heating larger rooms.
4. Safety First, Always
Safety should never be an afterthought when picking out a large room heater. Look for models with:
- Auto shut-off to prevent overheating
- Cool-to-touch exteriors to avoid any accidental burns
- Tip-over protection with portable solutions (especially if you have small children and pets)
Regular maintenance is just as important. A dirty and neglected heater performs poorly but is also a fire hazard. Clean systems regularly, check filters, and call in professionals rather than attempting to fix complex systems on your own.
5. Noise, Design, and Installation
Nobody wants a heater that’s so loud it’s like trying to watch TV next to a blender. If you’re looking to heat shared spaces or bedrooms, look for heaters with a low noise rating.
With heat pumps and gas furnaces, the noise-making part of the system is generally hidden away either outside or in a dedicated room, making them a great solution for anyone who wants to be warm and get a good night’s sleep.
Consult The Experts For Your Large Room Heater Choice
Choosing the right large room heater is made much easier if you focus on these five factors. Consider the size, energy source, portability, noise, and safety features of what’s available, and you’ll be living in confident comfort in no time. Need more guidance and expert advice? Reach out today for friendly advice and a quote. Confident Comfort is always here to help you stay warm and comfortable in cold winters and whatever else the Flagstaff weather has in store.