The Top Rated Space Heaters and Wall Furnaces Review | Should You Buy or Not?

  • Key Takeaways
  • Differences Between Space Heaters and Wall Furnaces
  • Choosing the Right Heating Solution for Your Space
  • Safety Tips and Best Practices
    • Reviews
  • Energy Efficiency and Performance
  • Heating Capacity and Coverage
    • [Reviews]
  • Design and Installation Options
    • Reviews
  • Safety Features and Certifications
    • Reviews
  • Buying Guide
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What is the main difference between a space heater and a wall furnace?
    • Which is more energy-efficient: a space heater or a wall furnace?
    • Are space heaters safe for overnight use?
    • Can a wall furnace heat multiple rooms?
    • How do I choose the right size space heater?
    • Are wall furnaces expensive to install?
    • What safety certifications should I look for in a heater?

Key Takeaways

  • Cost-effective and portable, space heaters are perfect for smaller spaces like bedrooms or home offices. Unlike space heater wall furnaces provide safe, effective permanent heating solutions for larger spaces.
  • Select a heater that matches your room size and desired heating capacity along with energy efficiency to help maximize comfort while minimizing costs.
  • Models such as the WH517S and VH200 come highly recommended for their steady operation, fast heating, and energy-efficient functions.
  • Safety is the top priority. Look for heaters with automatic shut-off, tip-over protection features, and safety certifications.
  • Take design and installation preferences into account, from elegant, easy-to-move space heaters, to wall furnaces that are installed by professionals.
  • User reviews highlight the importance of dependability and safety features. They further emphasize the importance of energy efficiency when deciding on a heater.

An electric space heater wall furnace provides an economical solution for providing warmth to your home while conserving valuable floor space. This heater flush mounts directly to the wall, providing convenient heating without taking up valuable floor space.

It’s ideal for heating small spaces and cramped quarters. Most models heat up quickly and keep a steady temperature, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere during the colder months.

With features including adjustable thermostats and ultra-quiet operation, these heaters put an emphasis on convenience and comfort. They save space, are convenient to operate, blend into home decor, and help their users save on energy bills.

If you need something powerful but small, this could be just the secret weapon your home needs.

Rinnai EX22CTWP Space Heater Wall Furnace, Direct Vent, Propane Gas (20.7K BTU)
  • Indoor Heater: Direct vent wall furnace has stainless steel bunsen burners, a warm air outlet with forced combustion and convection through bottom front louvers, and an enameled tray humidifier
  • Smart Features: Energy efficient furnace includes an electronic spark ignition, a seven-stage modulating gas valve, timer settings, a variable speed inducer motor with pressure switch, and an electronic thermostat with a range of 60°F to 80°F
  • Safe Settings: Electric heater features a child lock and self-diagnostic electronics that continually monitor functions, provide auto shutdown codes, and restart automatically when ignition or combustion fails
  • Gas furnace: For homes, apartments, condominiums, and commercial settings; the heater is modular/mobile home approved

Differences Between Space Heaters and Wall Furnaces

Space heaters and wall furnaces serve different heating purposes. By knowing how they differ, you can pick the right one for your living space. Overall, space heaters are most notable for their portability. They’re lightweight and easy to move, which makes these space heaters perfect for heating one room today and a different room tomorrow.

For instance, if you spend evenings in the living room but work from a home office during the day, a space heater can follow you without hassle. Space heaters, in contrast, are moveable installations. They offer an efficient, permanent heating solution flexible enough to meet your unique requirements. This choice is ideal if you need reliable heat in targeted areas, like your family room or main bedroom.

Upfront costs vary as well. Space heaters tend to be less expensive to buy, making them a cost-effective option for temporary or supplemental heating. Wall furnaces typically come with much greater expense, both for the unit itself and for pro installation. Venting requirements can add to this cost.

For the right home, the value of long-term peace of mind offered by a wall furnace makes it a worthwhile investment. When it comes to heating small areas quickly, space heaters can’t be beat. They’re ideal for a warm bedroom or intimate home office, where focused warmth will get the job done.

Wall furnaces are much more appropriate for use in larger spaces. They’re able to share heat more evenly, making a big difference in open-concept areas or larger homes. For short-term or spot heating, nothing beats the flexibility of space heaters. They are simple and straightforward to operate and require no installation or setup.

For the kind of steady, dependable warmth that bigger areas need, I’d go with wall furnaces any day. They just seem better able to keep an even temperature, and it seems more reliable, particularly in the winter months.

Choosing the Right Heating Solution for Your Space

Finding the right heater begins with understanding the space you are trying to heat. A small space heater is ideal for setting the mood in your bedroom. A big living room or open-concept space requires a stronger heating option. Be sure to always take measurements of your room’s square footage. This will help you align it against the heater’s specs.

A mid-sized room around 200 square feet is ideal for a heater designed for medium-size areas. For bigger spaces such as a family room or basement you’ll require a more robust heater. Heating capacity directly impacts comfort, since it affects how well and quickly the heater will warm your space. Look for BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating or wattage to determine whether the heater has the capacity to get the job done.

Here’s how to tell if it’s working for you. A design such as the WH517S serves excellently in intermediate-sized areas, supplying precisely the right amount of heat without excessive in more compact spaces. The VH200 efficiently warms even bigger spaces in no time. This makes it ideal for events where even heat is a necessity.

The kind of heating you have in place also plays a role. Radiant heaters provide direct warmth, perfect for when you’re sitting still, like working at a desk or relaxing on the couch. To keep a whole room warm all around, go with convection heaters. They both provide great air circulation and maintain an even temperature so much better.

This important distinction allows you to make the decision that’s right for you, depending on how you plan to use your heater, for ultimate comfort. Energy efficiency plays a crucial role, particularly in the long run. Electric resistance heaters with higher efficiency ratings will reduce electricity bills and your environmental impact. Eco modes and adjustable thermostats let you decide how much heat you want the heater to produce.

This prevents you from wasting energy, while still providing you with oh-so-cozy warmth. User-friendly features improve convenience and make everyday use more fun. With their programmable capabilities, you can configure precise heating schedules and temperatures. That way, your space will be warm exactly when you want it!

Remote controls are a great added convenience. They allow you to change temperature settings from your seat without having to stand up, which is nice on cold winter nights. I’ve found about the WH517S to be just the ideal fit for medium-sized rooms. Its even heating means no matter the size of your space, each corner can stay cozy without the system being too heavy-handed.

For more substantial spaces, the VH200 is a clear winner. It heats up the room pretty quickly and I used it during the holidays with family over and we needed steady heat for hours, nothing was an issue.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

To use a space heater safely, make sure you always put it on a firm, level surface. This greatly minimizes the chance of them tipping over, particularly in high traffic areas. Preventing overheating by keeping it away from flammable materials such as curtains or upholstered furniture helps to prevent accidental fires.

I’ve found that the rule of thumb is to place the heater at least three feet from anything that could catch fire. Selecting a model that includes an automatic shut-off feature is another way to ensure safety. This safety feature automatically shuts off the heater when it becomes overheated or accidentally tipped over.

It’s an especially comforting safety feature for homes with small children or pets. I’m a huge fan of models like this one, because it’s like having a second pair of eyes. Though the practice is very easy, regularly inspecting your power cord is extremely important.

Any cuts or damage can pose a serious hazard, and extension cords should never be used outdoors either, as they are prone to overheating. It’s important to keep your heater cord plugged directly into the wall. Kids and pets are inquisitive by nature, so it’s best to keep them as far away from the heater as possible.

A clearly marked no-go zone around the heater avoids mishaps. Furthermore, maintaining a cool-to-the-touch exterior is an additional benefit. Regularly replacing parts, cleaning, and following the manufacturer’s guidelines for use can help heaters function better and for longer.

I’ve found that cleaning the filter after every use and storing it upside down during off-season to dry completely greatly improves performance.

Reviews

Features like automatic shut-off make portable heaters safer to use. I have faith in models in this, assurance they’re going to take care of small accidents like tipping over or overheating. It seems like a minor thing, but it provides reassurance, particularly as you put it to extensive use.

Energy Efficiency and Performance

Selecting an electric heater with a high energy efficiency rating will help reduce your electric bills dramatically. This is most true in the colder months when you use heating on a regular basis. Models such as the WH517S are exceptional because they focus on energy efficiency and performance while maintaining necessary functions.

Energy-efficient space heaters can save you money and energy. They’re the perfect fit for the environmentally-minded user looking to do more good.

The WH517S runs whisper quiet, contributing to a more pleasant environment without the noise pollution. Whether utilized in a bedroom or a place of business, its quiet performance means it won’t disrupt sleep or productivity.

The VH200 is highly regarded for its performance. It heats up spaces very fast, so you feel relief right away from those chilly temperatures. This provides it the be the best choice for spaces requiring quick, even heat.

Flexibility is a key consideration. With different modes, you can set the temperature in a way that suits your comfort level. Select a more modest heat output for mild winter days and turn it up on bone-chilling nights.

These customizable options allow you to tailor your heating experience to your preferences and needs.

In my experience, the WH517S reduced my heating costs by more than 50% in the winter. I was impressed by its downright ninja-like hushness, which was a pretty sweet cherry on top!

The VH200 did an excellent job warming up my living space. It’s great for someone who wants the comfort and efficiency of hydronic heating, but doesn’t want to wait around.

Heating Capacity and Coverage

To determine the heater’s coverage area, looking at the BTU (British Thermal Unit) output is an intelligent first step. A heater’s BTU rating shows how much heat it can generate. It shows how large of an area (in square feet) it can heat efficiently.

If you, for instance, need to heat a medium-sized room, you’d want to look at a model such as the WH517S. It works wonderfully in spaces of that scale. It maintains an even, comfortable heat, particularly when winter comes knocking.

For larger rooms or family rooms, the VH200 is a great choice. It quickly and evenly warms medium to large rooms, so it’s perfect for family get-togethers or dormitories.

What really impresses us is its even heat distribution that makes sure no corner, no person gets chilly. It’s a smart decision when you require reliable comfort for a large number of guests.

Room size, especially height and arrangement, strongly affect how well heat is able to circulate. Natural heat flow is upward with high ceilings, but a well-placed heater can help the heat where it’s needed most.

Consult manufacturer guidelines for important information regarding the best room sizes for each heater model. This helps ensure you’re getting the most out of your heater’s efficiency potential.

[Reviews]

If my experience with the WH517S in my living room is any indication, you’ll see great results. It does a great job of keeping the area warm without any drafty areas, which was my goal.

I’ve heard really great things about the VH200 from friends. It’s one of their favorite features in their open-plan living room-dining room-kitchen!

They appreciate how quickly their entire room stays cozy, even on cold winter nights.

Design and Installation Options

Modern space heaters are now designed with aesthetics in mind to compliment home styles and personal taste. You’ll discover everything from space-saving tower models like the Lasko FH500 to ceramic and radiant styles.

Tower heaters feature a tall, narrow construction that easily tucks into corners and next to furniture. This is what makes them perfect for streamlined, modern interiors. Ceramic heaters are portable and stationary, with a simple, functional design.

By contrast, radiant heaters have a decidedly retro and industrial aesthetic. If you are concerned about aesthetics, there is probably an option that will seamlessly blend with your home’s style.

Wall furnaces tend to have more classic styles, usually designed to fit in with interior home aesthetics. These options are becoming more common and can be a good design and installation option for those who want something fixed in place rather than freestanding.

They largely keep out of the way, preserving valuable floor space. This design would impress anyone looking for a lighter, more open, streamlined design.

Portability is another area where the right choice can have a big impact on your overall experience. If you plan to use your heater in different rooms, choose a lightweight model that’s easy to carry.

The Lasko 754200 is a great option! This cute little heater is portable, making it a great option for small apartments or dorm rooms. Larger units that are only meant for permanent locations can be inflexible.

Nonetheless, they tend to provide better heating performance. Installation requirements can differ widely between different heaters.

In fact, some models are as simple as plugging them into a regular outlet and you’ll have them up and running in just a matter of minutes. Always perform due diligence to determine any other unique design or installation needs, such as ensuring a wall-mounted unit is correctly and safely secured.

If you’re in a rental situation or looking for a shorter-term option, focus on a plug-and-play model. Choosing this option can help you save time and minimize additional expenses.

Size and weight are other important factors to consider when selecting a heater. A more lightweight, compact design is ideal for more compact spaces or users who require more mobility.

Larger units can be more appropriate for larger spaces or fixed installation. Be sure to carefully measure your space ahead of time to ensure that the wall heater will fit comfortably without creating an obstruction.

Reviews

I appreciate how aesthetic and sleek the design of the Lasko FH500 allows it to fit seamlessly in a modern room. Yet it still appears classy without being ostentatious.

The Lasko 754200, on the other hand, is a little lifesaver in my small home office. Its slim design makes it ideal for tight spaces.

It’s lightweight enough that I can take it into other rooms with me as needed.

Safety Features and Certifications

Safety in heaters begins with third-party certifications from organizations such as UL or ETL. These stamps of approval mean that the products have undergone extensive testing for electrical and fire safety. When you are shopping, look for these labels to ensure that the product you are buying has met widely recognized safety standards.

It’s comforting to understand that certified heaters have been thoroughly tested and manufactured to minimize hazards. These automatic shut-off features provide an extra level of safety. When a heater overheats or senses a problem, it powers down completely. This minimizes the potential for fire hazards, particularly in extended periods of operation.

It’s a simple feature, but one that can be tremendously effective at preventing deadly accidents. Tip-over protection comes in handy in busy households or when every inch of space counts. If the heater is ever tipped over by accident, it shuts down instantly.

Especially in homes with children or pets running about, this feature provides added peace of mind. Cool-touch exteriors are another safety-minded touch. These designs prevent the internal heater’s surface from reaching dangerously high temperatures.

It’s a pretty basic feature to prevent scald burns, which it does, making it safer for all occupants of a home. Staying informed about safety features and recalls is equally vital. To make sure your heater is always up to date with the latest safety standards, regularly check for updates.

It’s a simple habit that dividends into many years of trouble-free reliability.

Reviews

I love the safety features and certifications of the WH517S. Just knowing that it’s been tested from every angle gives me the confidence to use it consistently. On the VH200, I’ve always been comfortable with its safety features.

The tip-over protection and cool-touch exterior are particularly reassuring in a home with children.

Buying Guide

Pricing for space heaters ranges from about $30 to $200, though they vary widely in price and features. How much do infrared heaters cost? Cost varies based on heating capacity, energy efficiency, and extra features like timers or remote controls.

Determining a realistic budget will go a long way in helping you find the right option. A basic, portable heater that gets the job done is excellent in a small space. On the other hand, for wider areas, a larger or more complex unit makes the added cost worth it.

Buying from reputable manufacturers and distributors is essential. Local home improvement stores, online retailers, or even manufacturer direct websites are trusted resources. Online platforms usually provide the most user-friendly way to compare various models and read customer reviews, as well as detailed specs.

A little bit of research and watching out for discounts or seasonal deals can save you hundreds. Energy efficiency, heating capacity, and safety are some of the most important aspects to consider. A model with programmable settings and an energy-saving mode will help maximize savings.

Check for safety certifications, tip-over switches, or overheat protection. Choose models that do not have ambiguous specifications or models that lack any reviews. Checking warranty and return policies provides additional assurance.

Most space heaters come with at least a one-year warranty, usually against manufacturing defects. The WH517S, as an example, provides just that, which gives potential buyers peace of mind about its quality. Looking at warranty terms across different brands can give you a helpful perspective.

Conclusion

Heating your home shouldn’t be that hard. Choose the space heater or wall furnace that works best for you! Think about the size of your space, and what you plan on using your heater for. Space heaters are best for heating smaller spaces or providing supplemental heat, while wall furnaces provide reliable, even heat for larger spaces.

Pay close attention to safety features, energy efficiency, and heating capacity to inform your decision. Look for certifications for extra reassurance. Eco certifications. Making an informed decision is the best way to save energy, stay comfortable in your home, and stay within your budget.

With a little time spent weighing your options, you can select the heating solution that best fits your lifestyle. So whether you require the ultimate in flexibility or the ultimate in long-term comfort, the right choice is right there. Peace of mind is only a click away!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a space heater and a wall furnace?

A space heater is portable and designed for heating small areas, while a wall furnace is permanently installed and can heat larger spaces. Wall furnaces are a more energy-efficient solution for whole-room heating, while space heaters are best as a spot heating source.

Which is more energy-efficient: a space heater or a wall furnace?

Wall furnaces are generally more energy-efficient for heating larger spaces, as they are designed for long-term use. Although they are more convenient, space heaters will use more energy if used for long periods in larger areas.

Are space heaters safe for overnight use?

Not all space heaters are safe to use overnight. Check for models with built-in safety features such as tip-over protection, overheat sensors, and automatic shutoff. Read and heed manufacturer guidelines to protect yourself and operate your equipment safely.

Can a wall furnace heat multiple rooms?

Yes, wall furnaces can heat multiple rooms, if they are large enough and properly located. Models with higher BTU ratings are ideal for larger areas or several rooms.

How do I choose the right size space heater?

Choose a space heater appropriate for the size of the room. As an example, a 1,500-watt heater would be suitable for supplemental heating in a room of up to 150 square feet. Please refer to individual product specifications for recommended coverage.

Are wall furnaces expensive to install?

Installation costs for wall furnaces can range widely depending on how complex the installation must be and local labor rates. Installation costs vary greatly, but on average you can plan to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500, including the unit and labor.

What safety certifications should I look for in a heater?

Choose space heaters or wall furnaces certified by a nationally recognized laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek). These certifications make sure the product you are buying complies with safety standards in the U.S.

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