Best High Efficiency Unit Heaters for Home Heating

Find efficient, reliable unit heaters for supplemental or primary home heating. Below is a quick comparison of five efficient heater types covering wall-mounted, ductless split, and portable options to help match your space and efficiency goals.

Product	Type	Key Efficiency Feature
Broan-NuTone 9815WH	Low-Profile Wall Heater	Adjustable Thermostat, 1500W
Broan-NuTone 198	High-Capacity Wall Heater	4000W High Output With Convertible Voltage
COSTWAY 12000BTU Mini Split	Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump	Inverter Technology, High SEER2 Efficiency
ENVI Plug-In Electric Panel	Low-Wattage Wall Panel	Fanless Convection, Continuous Low-Power Operation
Lasko Oscillating Hybrid FHV820	Portable Ceramic Heater + Fan	AutoEco Thermostat, Multi-Mode for Year-Round Use

Broan-NuTone 9815WH Wall Heater

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The Broan-NuTone 9815WH is a compact wall heater designed to provide supplemental heating with an adjustable front-mounted thermostat. Its 1500W output can operate on 120V or be converted to 240V, offering flexible installation options for different electrical setups.

• Design: White grille with radius edges and straight louvers for even heat distribution.
• Operation: Permanently lubricated motor requires no maintenance and the front thermostat allows precise setpoint control.
• Application: Suitable for targeted room heating where central heat may be insufficient, useful in bedrooms, bathrooms, or small living areas.

Broan-NuTone 198 High Capacity Heater

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The Broan-NuTone 198 is a high-capacity wall heater that delivers robust output with convertible wattage options. It offers a heavy-duty steel grille and downflow louvers to direct warm air toward the floor for improved comfort distribution.

• Power Options: Configurable for 4000W at 240VAC or convertible to 2000W at 120V, enabling high heat delivery for larger or draft-prone spaces.
• Controls: Includes an adjustable front-mounted thermostat for direct temperature control.
• Durability: Baked enamel finish and 18-gauge steel grille designed for long-term, heavy use in areas that need fast warm-up.

COSTWAY 12000BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater

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The COSTWAY 12000BTU Mini Split uses inverter technology and a heat pump to provide both cooling and efficient heating. As a ductless system, it can heat rooms up to the stated square footage while delivering improved seasonal efficiency compared with resistive electric heaters.

• Energy Efficiency: Inverter-driven compressor reduces cycling and power spikes, improving part-load efficiency and lowering energy consumption.
• Modes & Controls: Auto, cool, dry, heat, fan plus multiple fan speeds, ECO and sleep modes, and a remote for convenient adjustment.
• Noise & Comfort: Designed for quiet operation with features like iFEEL for localized sensing to maintain set temperatures accurately.

ENVI Plug-In Electric Panel Wall Heater

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The ENVI Plug-In Electric Panel is a low-wattage wall-mounted heater intended for continuous, targeted warmth. Its fan-less convection design relies on passive heat transfer, which reduces noise and avoids blowing dust while allowing safe 24/7 operation at modest power levels.

• Efficiency Approach: Continuous low-power operation can be more efficient for maintaining setpoint temperatures in occupied rooms compared to frequent cycling high-wattage units.
• Safety & Comfort: Wall-sense safety sensor cuts power if removed, and the unit runs at a cool surface temperature to reduce burn risk.
• Application: Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or spaces needing gentle background heat without forced air.

Lasko Oscillating Hybrid Fan And Space Heater

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The Lasko FHV820 combines a ceramic space heater and high-velocity fan, offering year-round functionality. Its AutoEco thermostat aims to hold set temperature while reducing energy use through adaptive output control.

• Versatility: Three heat settings and four fan speeds with oscillation distribute heat or cooling air across a room.
• Energy Features: AutoEco mode adjusts heat output automatically to maintain temperature with lower energy use.
• Safety & Controls: Tip-over switch, remote control, timer and thermostat allow flexible operation in living spaces and offices.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A High Efficiency Unit Heater

Choosing a high efficiency unit heater depends on space size, installation constraints, desired runtime behavior, and fuel or electricity availability. This guide covers key considerations to compare wall heaters, ductless heat pumps, and portable heaters.

1. Define The Space And Heating Load

Measure the room square footage and assess insulation, ceiling height, windows, and air leakage. For small, well-insulated rooms a low-wattage panel or 1500W wall heater may suffice. For larger or poorly insulated rooms, consider high-capacity wall heaters or a ductless mini split heat pump for greater output and efficiency.

2. Efficiency Metrics And Operating Costs

Compare technologies, not just wattage. Resistive electric heaters convert nearly 100% of electricity to heat but can be costly if used continuously. Inverter-driven mini splits or heat pumps provide more heat per kWh in many climates by moving heat instead of creating it, often delivering better seasonal efficiency.

3. Installation Constraints

Wall-mounted heaters like Broan models require electrical access and wall clearance. High-capacity units may need 240V circuits. Mini split systems require professional mounting and a wall penetration for the refrigerant lines. Plug-in panel heaters and portable units minimize installation but may provide limited output.

4. Control And Zoning Capabilities

Look for adjustable thermostats, programmable timers, and remote controls. Zoning with multiple efficient units often reduces overall energy use by heating only occupied rooms. Features like AutoEco or ECO modes help minimize runtime while maintaining comfort.

5. Noise And Air Movement

Fan-forced heaters deliver faster warm-up but introduce noise and air movement. Fan-less panel heaters provide silent convection warmth, beneficial for bedrooms and quiet spaces. Mini splits balance quiet indoor units with variable-speed compressors to reduce noise during low-demand operation.

6. Safety And Indoor Air Quality

Consider built-in safety features such as tip-over switches, overheat protection, and wall-sense cutoffs. Fan-less convection units reduce dust circulation, which can help allergy sufferers. Ensure proper clearances and follow manufacturer installation guidelines for fixed units.

7. Power Supply And Electrical Capacity

Confirm that the existing electrical panel can support additional loads. High-capacity wall heaters and some split systems may require dedicated circuits or 240V service. Portable heaters should be placed on circuits that are not overloaded by other appliances.

8. Climate And Seasonal Performance

Heat pumps and mini splits provide strong efficiency advantages in moderate climates and have decreasing performance below certain outdoor temperatures. For consistently cold regions, pair heat pumps with supplemental resistance heat or select high-capacity electric or gas wall units designed for cold climates.

9. Long-Term Maintenance And Serviceability

Evaluate filter access, recommended service intervals, and component replacement availability. Ductless mini splits may need periodic filter cleaning and occasional refrigerant checks, while resistive wall heaters typically require minimal maintenance but offer fewer efficiency gains over time.

10. Multiple Comparison Perspectives

• Upfront Cost vs Lifetime Energy: Wall panels and small electric units have lower purchase and install costs but higher operating costs in high-use scenarios. Mini splits cost more upfront but often yield lower energy bills over time.
• Installation Complexity vs Flexibility: Plug-and-play portable or plug-in panels offer mobility and ease, while hardwired wall heaters and mini splits require professional installation but deliver more polished integration.
• Output Range: Choose a unit with appropriate wattage/BTU for the space. High-capacity wall heaters are better for rapid warm-up or larger rooms; low-watt continuous panels suit background heating needs.

Use the considerations above to prioritize what matters most for your situation: efficiency and long-term cost savings, installation simplicity, noise levels, or targeted safety features. Matching heater type to room size, climate, and electrical capacity will lead to the most efficient outcome.