Short answer: a 1500W plug-in space heater is the “standard max” for a 120V outlet and is typically right for a single, closed room in the ~130–170 sq ft range under average conditions. Below is a clear, practical guide you can skim or dive into, with room-size context, buying tips, safety notes, and real Vanub picks.
Is 1500W high power or low power?
For plug-in household heaters on a standard 120V circuit, 1,500W is the typical top end—so in this category, it’s high power. Compared with whole-home systems (furnaces, heat pumps), 1,500W is modest, but those aren’t apples to apples.
- 500–900W: personal/desk warmth
- 1000–1200W: small rooms or supplemental heat
- 1500W: the go-to “whole small room” size for plug-in heaters
Is a 1500W heater enough for me?
Usually yes for a single enclosed room (bedroom/home office/den) with average ceilings (8–9 ft) and decent insulation. It’s less ideal for large open layouts, stairwells, very tall ceilings, or drafty rooms. If your space is borderline, closing doors and plugging drafts helps as much as buying a second heater.
What size room does 1500W actually suit?
As a simple starting point, many homeowners use about 10 watts per square foot in average conditions. That places a 1,500W unit near 150 sq ft (roughly a 12×12 bedroom). You’ll get more mileage in a well-sealed room, less in a drafty or tall room. Think in ranges, not exact numbers.
- Tight & well-sealed: can stretch into the 170–200 sq ft neighborhood
- Average room, average climate: 130–170 sq ft is realistic
- Drafty or tall (10–12 ft): plan on 90–130 sq ft of true comfort
How much does 1500W cost to run? (quick math)
Use: Cost = (Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours × Local rate
- 1,500W for 24 hours → 1.5 × 24 = 36 kWh/day
- Multiply by your local ¢/kWh (check your utility bill).
- Example: at $0.17/kWh, that’s 36 × 0.17 ≈ $6.12/day if it runs nonstop.
Save without sacrifice: use thermostat or eco mode, timers, and zoning (heat the room you’re actually in). Draft fixes (door sweeps, window film, rugs) are cheap wins.
What type of 1500W heater should I buy?
- Infrared/radiant (quartz/halogen): warms people/objects fast—great for spot comfort, semi-open or on-off use.
- Ceramic/forced-air (PTC + fan): warms air quickly; better when you want the whole room’s air warmer.
- Oil-filled radiator: slower start, very quiet, steady warmth, and the body holds heat after shutoff.
Must-have safety features: tip-over switch, overheat shut-off, sturdy base, and a recognized safety listing (e.g., ETL/UL). Keep a 3 ft clearance from anything that can burn, plug directly into a wall outlet, and don’t leave heaters running unattended.
Vanub recommendations (1500W class)
Curated picks from Vanub—choose based on how you use the space:
1.1500W Electric Infrared Quartz Space Thermostat Heater (LED & Remote)
Best for: bedrooms/home offices that want cozy, instant-feel radiant warmth with a thermostat.
Why: high/low/eco modes, digital thermostat, timer, tip-over/overheat protection—easy daily use.
2.32" Portable Vertical Infrared Heater, 1500W (Remote, Tip-Over, 24h Timer)
Best for: living rooms/media rooms where you want radiant comfort without a bulky box.
Why: sleek tall form, multi-step power (500/1000/1500W), remote, strong safety feature set.
3.1500-Watt Electric Patio Heater (Infrared, Indoor/Outdoor, Remote, 24h Timer)
Best for: covered patios, garages, or workshops (and as a focused warm-zone in big rooms).
Why: radiant “sun-like” feel, multiple power levels, designed for tougher environments.
Tip: marketing claims can be optimistic. Use the room-size ranges above to set expectations, then choose the heater type that fits how you spend time in the space.
Placement & airflow tips (bigger impact than you think)
- Aim at people, not empty corners. Radiant heaters feel best when they “see” you.
- Avoid soft obstructions. Don’t blow into a sofa back; leave a clear path for warm air.
- Pull it off exterior walls. A foot or two inward reduces heat loss to cold surfaces.
- Close doors. You’re creating a warm “zone.” Open plans dilute results.
- Use a gentle ceiling fan (winter mode). Low reverse flow pushes stratified warm air down.
Noise, comfort, and sleep
- Ceramic fan heaters: fastest warm-air boost, but you’ll hear the fan.
- Oil-filled radiators: near-silent once heated—great for sleep and phone calls.
- Infrared: quiet; comfort feels immediate on skin, even if air temp hasn’t caught up.
If you’re heat-sensitive at night, pre-warm the room, then let an oil-filled coast quietly.
Thermostats, eco modes & timers (save without thinking)
- Digital thermostat: automatically cycles to hold a target temperature—big for comfort and bills.
- Eco mode: smarter cycling or reduced wattage for steady, efficient comfort.
- Timers: pre-warm before you enter; shut off after you leave or go to bed.
- Zoned routine: warm only the room you’re using during work hours or evenings.
Electrical & safety checklist (read once, use forever)
- Dedicated wall outlet. Skip extension cords and power strips.
- 15A circuit awareness. A 1,500W heater draws ~12.5A—don’t run a hair dryer/microwave on the same circuit.
- 3 ft rule. Keep distance from curtains, bedding, papers, and furniture.
- Stable base. Flat floor, out of busy walkways; never on furniture.
- Unattended use. Best practice is don’t. If you must, use robust safeties and timers.
Durability & maintenance
- Dust the intake/grilles every few weeks for better airflow and quieter running.
- Check the cord for warmth or damage; a warm plug can mean a weak receptacle.
- Oil-filled radiators need little care—just keep fins clean so they can radiate.
Heater types at 1,500W: quick comparison
| Type | Warm-up Feel | Noise | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared/Radiant | Instant on skin | Very low | Spot comfort, semi-open areas | “Line-of-sight” matters |
| Ceramic + Fan | Fast air warm-up | Audible fan | Closed rooms, quick heat | Good for even room air temp |
| Oil-Filled Radiator | Slow to start | Near-silent | Bedrooms, long sessions | Holds heat after shut-off |
Troubleshooting common “it’s not warm enough” issues
- Open plan or tall ceilings? You’re heating too much air volume. Close doors; add a second source; use a fan on low reverse.
- Drafts near windows/doors? Add door sweeps and window film; move the heater away from cold glass.
- Feels hot nearby, cold across the room? Re-aim or switch to a fan-assisted ceramic model for better circulation.
- Breaker trips? Heater + other big loads (vacuum, toaster) on the same 15A circuit will pop it. Split to another circuit.
FAQ
Q1: Can a 1500W heater heat my whole apartment?
Not realistically. Use it to zone a bedroom, office, or seating area. Doors closed = better results.
Q2: Infrared vs. ceramic—what should I choose?
Infrared for immediate personal warmth, ceramic for warming air in a closed room. Many homes use both in different rooms.
Q3: Can I run it all night?
Best practice is no unattended use. If you do, rely on thermostat/timer and full safety features—and keep that 3 ft clearance.
Q4: What about garages or patios?
For spot warmth in those spaces, an infrared/patio-rated unit aimed toward you works far better than trying to heat all the air.
