When temperatures plummet, many homeowners reach for space heaters to add warmth to specific areas. While convenient, space heaters come with notable risks and inefficiencies. Electric radiant heating offers a compelling alternative, providing safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solutions for both temporary and permanent heating needs.
The Hidden Dangers of Space Heaters
While space heaters offer quick warmth, they pose significant safety risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an annual average of 38,881 home heating equipment fires. Space heaters and heating stoves were involved in nearly one-third (29%) of these fires, accounting for 77% of deaths and 71% of injuries.
Many of these incidents result from placing heaters too close to flammable materials like furniture, bedding, or curtains. Additionally, improper use—such as leaving heaters unattended or plugging them into extension cords—can increase the risk of fires.
Space Heater Safety Stats:
- 29% of all home heating fires involve space heaters or similar portable devices
- 77% of heating-related fire deaths are caused by space heaters
- Most fires start when heaters are placed too close to flammable materials like furniture, bedding, or curtains
Choose the Right Radiant Heating Solution for Your Home
Whether you’re dealing with a drafty room in the middle of winter or planning a full home renovation, finding the right heating solution depends on your goals, budget, and how much work you want to do. WarmlyYours offers radiant heating options for both temporary fixes and long-term upgrades—
so whether you’re remodeling or simply trying to stay warm without the hassle, there’s a smart, efficient solution that fits your lifestyle.
If You’re NOT Remodeling: Try Plug-In Radiant Panels
Best for: Renters, homeowners who don’t want to renovate, or those looking for supplemental heat without construction.
Ember Radiant Panels from WarmlyYours provide safe, stylish warmth without tearing up floors or walls.
Wall-mounted and plug-in — no hardwiring or renovation required
Ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or chilly living areas
Infrared heat = quiet, energy-efficient, and allergy-friendly
Built-in safety features: overheat protection and auto shut-off
Available in multiple sizes and finishes to match your décor
Explore Ember Radiant Panels →
If You ARE Remodeling: Upgrade with In-Floor Radiant Heating
Best for: Homeowners updating their floors, doing a bathroom/kitchen renovation, or building a new home.
WarmlyYours Floor Heating Systems offer whole-room comfort that starts from the ground up.
Installs under tile, stone, LVP, laminate—even carpet
Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and more
Works with smart thermostats for programmable heating
Invisible once installed, with consistent warmth and no noise
Increases home value and resale appeal
Explore Floor Heating Systems →
Comparing Heating Options
Feature |
Space Heaters |
Ember Radiant Panels |
Radiant Floor Heating |
|---|---|---|---|
Installation |
Plug-in, portable |
Wall-mounted, plug-in |
Installed beneath flooring |
Safety |
High fire risk |
Built-in safety features |
Safe when properly installed |
Heating Method |
Convection or fan-forced |
Infrared radiant heat |
Radiant heat from the floor up |
Energy Efficiency |
Low to Moderate |
High |
Very high |
Aesthetic Appeal |
Often bulky and unattractive |
Sleek, modern designs |
Invisible once installed |
Ideal Use Case |
Temporary, spot heating |
Supplemental room heating |
Whole-room, permanent heating |
Operating Cost Comparison
| System | Estimated Hourly Cost | Estimated Daily Cost | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Heaters (1,500W) | $0.18–$0.30 | $1.44–$2.40 (8 hrs/day) | $43–$72 | Costs vary by wattage and electricity rate |
| Ember Radiant Panels (600W–800W) | $0.07–$0.10 | $0.56–$0.80 (8 hrs/day) | $16.80–$24 | Efficient radiant heat with stylish design |
| Electric Floor Heating (36–50 sq. ft.) | ~$0.08 | $0.32 (4 hrs/day) | $9.60 | Varies by size, usage, and insulation |
Need a more precise estimate? Use our Operating Cost Calculator to find out how much radiant heating would cost in your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are radiant heaters more energy-efficient than space heaters?
A: Yes, radiant heaters, including Ember panels and floor systems, directly warm objects and people, reducing energy loss and improving efficiency.
Q: Can I install radiant floor heating in existing homes?
A: Absolutely. While ideal during renovations, radiant floor heating can be retrofitted into existing homes with various flooring types.
Q: Are Ember radiant panels safe for homes with children and pets?
A: Yes, Ember panels have safety features like automatic shut-off and require minimal clearance from objects, making them safe for family environments.
Q: How do radiant heating systems affect indoor air quality?
A: Radiant heating systems do not circulate air, thereby reducing the spread of dust and allergens, which can improve indoor air quality.
The Bottom Line
While space heaters offer quick fixes for cold spots, their safety risks and inefficiencies make them less ideal for long-term use. Electric radiant heating solutions, such as WarmlyYours’ Ember radiant panels and floor heating systems, provide safer, more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing alternatives. Whether you’re looking for a temporary solution or a permanent upgrade, radiant heating enhances comfort and peace of mind.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Explore our range of Ember Radiant Panels and Radiant Floor Heating Systems to find the perfect heating solution for your home.
Note: For personalized advice or assistance with product selection and installation, please contact our customer support team.
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These solutions are ridiculously expensive. Most people who need a space heater won't buy a heater for $500+ or install heat in the floor. Neat but not practical at all.
You make a very good point that just because you need additional heat in a room, that doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to want to pay for radiant panel or for floor heating. But there are some situations in which you wouldn't want to rely on a space heater to provide that warmth, such as when you have young children in the house who might accidentally be injured by the space heater. Additionally, if you're already engaged in the remodeling process and are already replacing your floor, the addition of radiant heating isn't as expensive of a proposition (and in most cases, the cost of the heating elements would be offset by the energy savings). Ultimately, it's going to be a personal choice about how you provide supplemental heating to your room but if you choose radiant heating, we'll always be there to help!
I would love the floor heating system! I have friends in the UK who, when re-doing their large bathroom had a floor heating system installed, they love it and now wish they had done it much sooner. Growing up with unvented natural gas space heaters I'm certainly grateful for modern heating ideas! Thanks for the post!
Thanks for reading and sharing!