Ask the Energy Expert

A customer recently asked, "During Florida's winter cold snaps, my friend says I should use space heaters in the bedrooms rather than heating the entire house. Does that actually use less energy?"

The short answer: It depends.

Why your heating choices matter

If you’re spending most of your time in just the bedroom or living room, running a space heater in those spaces for a few hours at a time can be a more efficient choice than heating the entire home.

A typical electric space heater uses about 1,500 watts—roughly the same as running a toaster oven. Electric blankets offer another energy-saving way to stay warm at a fraction of the cost—using about as much energy as a 100-watt light bulb. In comparison, heating your entire house may use 3,000-5,000 watts.

Smart strategies for Florida’s winter weather

• Target your heating: Use space heaters only in occupied rooms during short cold spells. Turn them off when not in use.
• Layer up: Wear warm clothes and use regular or electric blankets before increasing the heat.
• Seal the cold out: Check and repair door and window seals. Good insulation helps keep the heat inside.
• Use your ceiling fans: Run fans clockwise at low speed to circulate warm air downward.

Tips for using space heaters safely and efficiently

• Place space heaters away from furniture and drapes.
• Turn them off when you leave the room.
• Choose models with thermostats and timers for better control.
• Use space heaters in well-insulated rooms for maximum efficiency.

The bottom line

For short-term warmth in a single room, space heaters can be effective. Electric blankets also offer an energy-efficient way to stay cozy. But when you have cold weather for several days and multiple rooms to keep warm, a modern central heating system delivers better efficiency and consistent comfort. Explore more ways to save energy with our free Energy Manager tool.