“Infrared heaters are a type of space heater that uses infrared radiation to heat an area,” explains HVAC expert David Sheppard. Unlike traditional heaters that warm the air, this safe form of radiation heats objects (or your body) directly through infrared light waves. “Infrared heaters are often used as an alternative to traditional space heaters, as they are more energy efficient and can heat an area more evenly,” he adds. And according to home expert and host of My Southern Home, Kimberly Greenwell, there are more advantages than disadvantages to infrared heaters, including a safer, less obtrusive design. The pros of infrared heaters include: Greenwell also notes that infrared heaters may be more expensive upfront than electric or convection heaters, but says those traditional methods can lead to higher energy bills in the long run. “Electric and convection heaters take more energy to run,” she says. “If the room has windows or doorways that are not sealed properly, the air escapes from the room quickly causing the unit to run longer, using more energy.” On Greenwell’s last point, it’s important to remember the limitations of infrared heaters. As previously mentioned, they’re intended to heat objects and people rather than the air. For that reason, we mainly avoided referencing square footage in this article and instead leaned on anecdotal reports from customers to learn how effective they are at keeping folks warm. What users say: We named this option our top pick for outdoor use due to the waterproof aluminum exterior, which protects the internal heating component. It’s also designed to maximize the reach of the infrared heating rays thanks to a mirrored aluminum interior that’s super reflective. What’s more, the product is ETL-listed for safety, so you won’t have to fret about hanging it outdoor once the temperature drops. What users say: Like the Dr. Infrared heater above, it has optional casters to roll it around your space (although some reviews suggest it’s quieter without the wheels). However, it’s on the smaller side than the brand’s other offerings, yet slightly more design-forward with three different wood grain colors available. What users say: This option doesn’t have as many ratings or reviews as other heaters on this list, but it still gets mostly great feedback wherever it’s available. Several customers comment on the nice look of this heater and how much reach it has for its small size—although other reviews contradict this. One person who is pleased with the efficiency of this heater writes, “Just received this in time, especially since the temperature has been dropping. With the price of fuel being up this helps keep our living room comfortable during the day without having to use the furnace.” You’ll love the super quiet operation—about the same level as a refrigerator hum—and extra long 6-foot extension cord. (Remember: You never want to plug a heater into an extension cord). Best of all, it’s a super safe pick: The ETL-certified pick has built-in overheat and tip-over protection, as well as a 12-hour automatic shut-off timer. What users say: What customers say: Power through several temperature modes using the included remote or opt for eco-mode, which dials the wattage down to 750 W for energy efficiency. Plus, there are optional caster wheels to move this heater around your space. And if you really aren’t feeling this design, there’s an upgraded model that’s a little more aesthetically pleasing (for a price, of course). What users say: What users say: Most reviewers say this heater does a good job of adding heat to their garage, although most note that it’s a tough space to feel a significant improvement. One person says, “Works great to heat my 400-square-foot garage. At 40 degrees outside, I can run it for 20 minutes to bring the garage up to a comfortable (not warm per se) temperature.” On the con side, some people say this option can get pretty loud, with a few people saying it developed a rattling sound over time. Control the device using the discreet control panel along the top of the heater, or use the include remote to change the settings. During the warmer months, you can even turn off the heat for a cool fan. Like our other picks, theGEN40 is ETL-certified for safety with an auto-shutoff feature for added peace of mind. What customers say: This little heater gets mostly great feedback from more than 900 people. Several say it covers a large space well, including one reviewer who writes, “It warms my living room and three season porch quickly and efficiently.” Almost every negative review complains that this unit doesn’t have a thermostat to guide an auto-shutoff feature, which means you’ll have to. Know the warranty: Sheppard notes it’s important to focus on durability, and to know the company will help you with necessary repairs. “You want to make sure it comes with a warranty in case of any problems,” he explains. Note the power consumption: “Infrared units are powered by electricity, propane, or natural gas, so homeowners should also consider the energy source they would like to use,” says Greenwell. “When purchasing an infrared heater, look for one that has a high radiant efficiency and a low power consumption,” adds Sheppard. Safety first: While most infrared heaters have protective grates, Greenwell warns that some systems can still become very hot. “If there are small children and animals in the home, you should consider a wall-mounted unit away from the floor,” she suggests. “Consumers should also consider purchasing a system with an emergency off switch in case the unit is knocked over or dislodged from the wall.” Our experts have a few additional tips to share for keeping your space warm: If you’re interested in learning more about how you can use infrared light in your home, check out our roundup of the best infrared sauna blankets.
