Do Space Heaters Save Money or Cost More During Michigan Winters?

The short answer: Yes, space heaters can save you money during winter—in certain situations.

Michigan winters are no joke. With temperatures regularly dipping below freezing—and often staying there for weeks at a time—keeping your home warm and comfortable is a top priority.

When it comes to heating solutions, many homeowners wonder whether space heaters are a smart way to cut energy costs or if they end up costing more in the long run.

Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning will cover how space heaters work, their advantages and limitations, and whether they truly save money during a deep Michigan winter. Whether you’re trying to stay cozy in your bedroom, heat a drafty basement, or find supplemental warmth without cranking up your furnace, this breakdown will help you make an informed decision.

What Are Space Heaters and How Do They Work?

Space heaters are portable devices that heat a small area rather than the entire home. They come in different types—ceramic, oil-filled, infrared, and fan-forced models—each with its own way of producing heat:

• Ceramic Heaters: Use ceramic plates and a fan to distribute warm air.
• Oil-Filled Radiators: Heat oil inside the unit, radiating warmth even after being turned off.
• Infrared Heaters: Emit infrared waves that heat objects and people directly rather than heating the air.
• Fan-Forced Heaters: Use heating elements and a fan to push warm air into the space.

Most residential space heaters run on electricity, making them easy to plug in and use. But while they provide convenience, the real question Michigan homeowners ask is: Are they cost-effective?

Do Space Heaters Save You Money?

Yes, Space Heaters Save Money—In Certain Situations

Space heaters can save money when used strategically.

If you spend most of your time in one or two rooms, heating only those spaces with a small heater instead of running your furnace can reduce overall energy usage—especially if your furnace is older or less efficient.

For example, targeted heating in the following areas with your space heater can be beneficial:

• A home office where you work all day.
• A primary bedroom where you sleep each night.
• An enclosed den or living room where your furnace doesn’t circulate heat well.

How This Saves Energy

When you take advantage of target heating, you can lower your furnace thermostat for the rest of your house, reducing how much it needs to run to warm unused spaces. Each degree you lower your thermostat can save on furnace fuel costs.

Space Heaters Can Cost More if Used Incorrectly

While space heaters offer flexibility and instant warmth, they can cost more overall if you rely on them as your primary heat source during a long Michigan winter.

Here’s why:

• Electricity Is Expensive: Space heaters operate on electricity, which is typically more expensive per unit of heat than natural gas, propane, or oil. Furnaces and boilers designed to heat entire homes often use less expensive fuel and operate more efficiently across large spaces.
• High Wattage = High Costs: Most portable space heaters use around 1,000 to 1,500 watts of electricity. Run several of them all day alongside your furnace, and your electric bill can climb quickly—at over 21 cents per kilowatt hour that can end up being little over $50–$75 a month per space heater for 8 hours of run time each day.
• Not Designed for Whole-Home Heating: Space heaters are best for spot heating. They’re not optimized to maintain consistent temperatures throughout a whole house, unlike a central heating system calibrated for even distribution.

Space Heater Scenario Breakdown: Costs in Real Life

Let’s look at these common scenarios to understand where space heaters make sense:

Scenario 1: You Want to Heat One Room Only

• You work from home and only use your office space.
• It makes sense to turn down the furnace by several degrees and run a space heater in the office.
• Outcome: You may save on overall heating costs if the rest of your home stays cooler.

Scenario 2: You Use Multiple Heaters All Over the House

• You’re unhappy with your furnace and strategically place space heaters into different rooms.
• You run multiple 1,500-watt units every day.
• Outcome: Electricity usage adds up, potentially costing more than running a furnace—even an older, inefficient one.

Tips to Save Money During Michigan Winters

So you want warmth and savings—here’s how to get the best of both worlds:

• Use Space Heaters Strategically: Reserve them for the rooms you occupy most often instead of the whole house.
• Lower Your Thermostat: Set your furnace to a base level and supplement only where needed, as needed.
• Improve Home Insulation: Upgrading insulation, weather-stripping windows, and sealing drafts can drastically reduce heat loss and lower energy bills.
• Upgrade Your HVAC System: If your furnace is older than 15 years, consider a high-efficiency replacement. A modern system heats more evenly and efficiently than multiple space heaters.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Keeping your HVAC system in top shape improves performance and can reduce energy costs.

Final Verdict: Save Money—With Caution

So, do space heaters save money or cost more during Michigan winters? The honest answer: It depends on how you use them.

• They can save money when used for targeted heating, thermostat setbacks, or in well-insulated spaces.
• They can cost more when used as primary heating sources across multiple areas or in poorly insulated homes.

Remember: Space heaters are a tool—not a replacement for a well-designed home heating strategy.

If you’re unsure how to balance space heating with your HVAC system for optimal comfort and savings, our experts are here to help. Contact Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning for a winter energy assessment, furnace tune-up, or personalized heating plan! Call today at 734-271-6200 or request service online.