Are Ceramic or Infrared Space Heaters Good for Crawl Spaces?

Are ceramic or infrared space heaters good for crawl spaces

Zone space heaters are growing increasingly popular among homeowners. And it’s not just because they are efficient in their operation, but also because they save homeowners money from energy costs as they only heat specific zones where they are needed.

As a homeowner, deciding whether to go for a portable zone heater for your crawl space should be a no-brainer. The real difficulty lies in deciding whether to use ceramic space heaters or infrared space heaters for your crawlspace.

In this post, we hope to solve that confusion. We will review several important aspects of using both zone heaters for crawl spaces, and then review several top picks to enable you to make an easy decision. Let’s get started.

Which Space Heaters Are Good for Crawl Spaces? [Ceramic Or Infrared?]

The general answer is Yes. However, there are several aspects to consider before deciding between ceramic or infrared space heaters, and which is better for your crawlspace.

Before we begin, it is important to point out that both of these space heaters will serve you well in your crawlspace, and your personal preference has a part to play in deciding which to use.

However, each of these units tends to have certain advantages that make them outclass their counterparts when it comes to features that are needed by space heaters in a crawlspace.

1. Portability

Portability is a very important aspect of crawl space heaters that you should consider. Crawl spaces generally have limited space and as such appliances and devices should be mobile and compact enough to be easily moved to another room if the need arises.

Ceramic space heaters are more portable and compact than infrared heaters. It is much easier to move ceramic space heaters as a result of their reduced size and compactness.

Infrared heaters are usually installed in these crawlspaces and so cannot be easily moved.

2. Energy efficient heating

For your home, you want an appliance that is not only capable of efficiently heating crawl spaces but is also efficient in other rooms in the house.

To be able to properly heat your crawl space, you will need an appliance that utilizes radiant heat rather than convection. This is where infrared space heaters are above the rest.

They are also more energy-efficient as they utilize only 40% of the total energy needed by convection heaters in order for them to produce the same level of warmth.

3. Direct heating

While both ceramic and infrared space heaters provide adequate heat for crawl spaces, ceramic heaters are more direct and precise in their approach.

This precision makes ceramic space heaters a very efficient appliance for heating as it heats by convection and utilize a fan. You can direct ceramic space heaters to any part of the crawlspace.

4. Noiselessness

Our modern-day society requires its machines and appliances to be as noiseless as possible so as not to constitute a nuisance. Infrared heaters are popular as a result of their silent operation feature.

They do not make use of fans which generally cause noise while other types of space heaters are running.

This makes infrared space heaters the perfect option for crawl spaces (if noise is a major concern for you) as you do not want noise from your crawlspace affecting the rest of the house.

5. Safety

We can all agree that this is the most important aspect that will determine which appliance to use for your crawlspace. Infrared heaters are a much safer option than ceramic heaters for your crawlspace.

This is because infrared heaters do not give off too much heat like other space heaters which could help prevent fire hazards.

The heating element in infrared heaters is also covered with a metal sheath so as to prevent burns when touched and other fire-related accidents.

6. Maintenance

When compared to ceramic space heaters, infrared heaters are considered very low maintenance.

As a result of infrared heaters lacking moving or easily detachable parts, it is much easier to maintain as there are fewer things you may need to change or repair. Unlike the ceramic space heaters, there are no fans, filters, or motor parts that you need to worry about.

Top 5 Recommended Infrared Space Heaters For Crawl Space

1. AmazonBasics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater

Best for Portability

This modern masterpiece is the solution to your crawl space heating problems. The infrared heating elements come with two power settings; 750W and 1500W.

These, coupled with the ECO Smart setting ensure you only use up the required heat at every point in time and save a lot of energy. It is enabled with a remote control that makes it easy to use.

From turning on the heater to controlling its temperature, there is a wide spectrum of things you can do with this heater’s remote.

It is family-friendly, and safe for homes with little children. This eco-friendly appliance can be easily moved whenever you want, and so it won’t be an encumbrance to you at any time.

This means it is perfect for crawl spaces with limited space. The black-box design gives it a sturdy appearance, and at just 14.7 inches in height, it can fit perfectly in most crawlspaces.

This appliance is capable of heating wide crawlspaces up to 1000 sq ft. It also self regulates its temperature leaving no room for accidents resulting from overheating.

Benefits

  • Remote control enabled.
  • Equipped with up to 1500 wattage.
  • Energy efficient.
  • Warranty up to 12 months.
  • Quite durable.

Drawbacks

  • Might not effectively heat in eco mode.

2. Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, 1500-Watt

Best Price

Without a doubt, this infrared space heater is a powerful, efficient, reliable and safe heater for your crawlspace It is capable of heating your crawl space effectively in no time.

Its exterior design is one that not only blends well with decor, but also adds aesthetic value to your crawlspace. As for its firepower, it is equipped with a dual system of heating.

It possesses a 12 hour heating timer that regulates the heating process. In which case the heater goes off automatically after the timer period.

Although this self-regulating device is fueled on 1500 watts and power of about 12.5 amp, it still operates quietly. It runs on a decibel level of about 39 db.

It also includes an easy-to-maintain filter, giving you a new and refreshing feel every time you clean it. All things considered, this is one of the most affordable and quality crawlspace infrared heaters you can buy.

Benefits

  • Affordable.
  • Quiet.
  • Modern design.
  • Delivers up to 250°F at 3.5m/s.

Drawbacks

  • Metal grates in front of the unit can often be hot to the touch.

3. Air Choice Electric Space Heater, 1500W Infrared Heater

Best for Safety

This modern device is all you need to ensure constant warmth in your crawlspace. This device is guaranteed to heat your crawl space in record time with its improved heating speed.

It comes with three distinct modes that will ensure it eradicates cold within the shortest period possible. The modes include the 1500 W, 750 W of warm air and eco-friendly mode with 300 W.

It is just about 11 inches tall, which makes it the right fit for crawl spaces which often measure 1 to 3 feet in height (That’s between 12 and 36 inches).

The appliance is also well protected and durable to withstand the rigors of your crawlspace. With this device, you can also enjoy several smart options like its 12 hour timer that can help you power on or off your heater within a 12 hour period.

It also includes a thermostat function that helps you enjoy a quieter and more serene environment. Some of its other smart room functions include remote control and touch screen feature.

You can now put the device on/off and adjust its settings seamlessly from a distance. Also, it’s safe for young children as it is equipped with a child lock feature that not only protects your child from the device but protects the device from your child.

Benefits

  • Child lock feature.
  • Noiseless.
  • 12 hour timer to regulate function.
  • Protection against overheating.
  • Equipped with memory and free adjustment mode.

Drawbacks

  • No major drawback noticed.

4. Sunday Living Infrared Space Heater

Best for Compactness

As we have established, crawlspaces have both limited floor space and limited room, and so you will need an appliance that is easy to move in and out from time to time without any hassles.

However, it measures slightly over 14 inches in height and may only fit into select crawlspaces. This is what makes this device so unique. It balances perfectly on four wheels and can be easily moved whenever you please.

This device is very easy to use. It comes with a thermostat function, and so you can adjust and set the temperature anywhere from 59 to 86°F.

The device is equipped with features that guarantee your safety. It is designed with overheating and tip-over protection, you don’t stand the risk of fire in a space where you hardly spend time.

Unlike many infrared heaters, this device is convenient and easy to use. It possesses an LED display which makes it much easier to read, especially in dark crawlspaces.

It also does not take up much space and has a very compact build. Despite its exterior design, it still packs about 1500 W and 120V.

Benefits

  • Safe for pets and children.
  • LED display.
  • Does not take up much space.
  • 12 hour timer for easy operation.

Drawbacks

  • Many users complain of the uneven distribution of heat.

5. Dr. Infrared Heater DR-975 7500-Watt 240-Volt Hardwired Shop Garage Electric Heater

Value for Money

As we have established, crawlspaces have very limited floor space, and so you will need an appliance that can be hung on the wall. This way you have more room on the floor for other objects. This is what makes this device so unique.

It balances perfectly well on the wall or ceiling with the help of an anchor and so helps you manage space. This device is very easy to use.

It comes with a thermostat function, and so you can adjust and set the temperature to suit your needs. The device is also equipped with features that guarantee your safety, such as overheating and tip over protection.

But nothing is as impressive as this unit’s power, rising to as much as 7500W at 240V. The heavy-duty motor is fully enclosed, protecting it from the elements or rodents.

What’s more, this unit is UL and CUL listed, which is an assurance of its safety standards. Unlike many infrared heaters, this device is convenient and easy to use. It comes with a remote controller that helps you easily control the device from a distance.

Benefits

  • 5 separate louvers you can adjust to direct the flow of air.
  • Remote control enabled.
  • Does not take up floor space.
  • Thermostat function, ranging from 50 to 90 degrees.

Drawbacks

  • Not easily moved.

Comparison Of Above Listed Infrared Space Heaters for Crawl Space

 Amazon BasicsDr InfraredAir ChoiceSunday LivingDr Infrared DR-975
Dimensions11.42 x 14.53 x 14.72″13 x 12.5 x 17″11.97 x 10.79 x 15.51″10.2 x 11 x 13.7″16.5 x 13 x 16.75 inches
Wattage1500W1500W1500W1500W7500W
Safety FeaturesYesYesYesYesYes
Heating MethodRadiantRadiantRadiantRadiantRadiant
PortabilityYesNoYesYesYes
Controllable ThermostatYesYesYesYesYes
Weight14.55 lbs24 lbs17.82 pounds9 lbs26 pounds

Final Words:

Both types of heating devices are highly rated and are very efficient means of ensuring heat is distributed to every nook and cranny of your crawlspace, especially in cold seasons.

While ceramic space heaters heavily rely on an element with strong heat-conducting abilities and then use convection to distribute the heat around the crawlspace, infrared heaters rely greatly on radiation to distribute heat evenly around the room.

As a result of its method of distribution, infrared heaters do not generally require any fan to aid in its distribution. The bottom line however is that both systems of heating crawl spaces depend on your immediate need as they both work effectively.

Infrared heaters may in some cases be hotter to touch but overall, they are better for your health. They also are quieter, and would not distract you from any of your other activities while they run. 

Lastly, for larger crawlspaces, ceramic heaters have the upper hand. While infrared heaters are excellent for smaller and more confined crawlspaces.

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