How Long Do Space Heaters Last? Definitive Results

New space heaters work like a charm, but they slowly lose their effectiveness. If it seems like your portable heater isn’t getting the job done, it might be time for a replacement. Space heaters don’t last forever, so make sure you look out for signs that yours is degrading.

Space heaters last between five to ten years, depending on the maintenance routine, usage frequency, and model. Clean your space heater every few weeks to prevent it from overheating the motor. Listen for loud noises or a reduced heating capacity to know when it’s time to replace the heater.

If you want your portable space heater to last longer than a couple of years, you’ll need to remove excess debris from the ports, clean the heating coils, and replace the thermostat when it breaks. Read on for more suggestions and explanations for a malfunctioning space heater.

How Many Years Will a Portable Heater Last?

Portable heaters often last at least five years. Many of them include multiyear warranties, so the space heater should last a minimum of the warranty’s length. You can make your space heater work better and last longer by cleaning it and performing seasonal maintenance.

There are many things that can affect a space heater will last.

Portable Heater Usage Frequency

How often do you use your space heater? If you only use it every few days during winter, you’ll get several years (or up to a decade) out of it. Those using their space heater every day throughout the year will likely only get a couple of years out of their portable electric heater.

Electric Heater Usage

It’s important to use your electric heater safely and effectively. If you run it around the clock, it’ll overheat the motor. Furthermore, keeping your heater too close to curtains, sheets, blankets, and other items will cause blockages and buildup. You’ll end up making your space heater only last a year or so.

Heater Quality

If you have a high-quality heater, it’ll last a lot longer than a low-end generic brand heater. I have the GiveBest Portable Electric Heater. It has two knobs that adjust the temperature and fan speed. Run it at a lower speed with a higher temperature to reduce wear and tear on the heater’s motor.

How Often Should You Replace a Space Heater?

You should replace a space heater once every decade or whenever it stops working. You can replace the thermostat, fuse, and a few other small parts to make the portable heater last longer. Once the motor blows, you’ll have to get a new space heater.

My Energy Monster suggests replacing a heater after ten years. Some companies give shorter lifespans for their space heaters. Check your space heater’s manual to know how often you need to replace it. You can tighten the screws, wires, and terminals to keep it lasting a long time.

Why Do Space Heaters Stop Working?

Space heaters stop working because they have faulty thermostats, blown in-line fuses, or damaged heating coils. Loose or damaged internal wires can also prevent a space heater from working, as can a damaged electrical cable. Make sure the circuit breaker isn’t tripped, either.

Let’s find out why your space heater doesn’t work!

• The portable heater’s thermostat might be broken, which prevents it from sensing the current temperature. Electric heater thermostats usually last as long as the heater, but they can wear down. If the sensor isn’t working, replace it immediately to help the heater work as it should.
• If one or more of the fuses (or circuit breakers) blow, you have to replace or reset them. Turn off the breaker, then turn it back on. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to open the heater, remove the old fuse, and replace it with a new one with the same voltage rating.
• Worn or dirty heating coils will stop your electric heater from working correctly. There’s a fan inside every space heater that forces air over the heating coils. If the fan or heating coils pull too much debris from the room, they won’t heat the air enough.
• Loose wires will disconnect from the terminals and stop electricity from powering the heater. Open the space heater by removing the retaining screws, then tighten each of the terminals and wires. You might have to crimp the wires or remove the plastic casing to expose the copper.

Make sure you unplug your space heater when you’re not using it. This will prevent it from turning on when the internal thermostat or timer deems it necessary. Furthermore, it’ll reduce wear and tear from running the heater’s internal fan too often.

How Do You Know if Your Portable Heater is Bad?

To know if your portable heater is bad, look for these signs:

1. It won’t turn on, even when the electrical outlet has power. Space heaters don’t turn on when they have broken wires, corroded terminals, or broken motors. It might not turn on if the thermostat is broken and doesn’t sense when the room needs to be heated.
2. The fuse or circuit breaking keeps tripping. When a circuit breaker or fuse is overloaded, it trips. Many portable electric heaters have in-line fuses that only work once. They have to be replaced if they blow. This happens due to an overheated motor.
3. The tip-over switch trips when the portable heater falls over. Almost all modern space heaters have tip-over protection for safety ratings. If your heater falls over and the switch trips, you might have to open the unit and reset it.
4. If your space heater makes weird sounds, it could be caused by electrical arcing. This happens when electricity jumps between two metal surfaces (such as a loose wire and a terminal). After a long time of arcing, the electricity fries the wires and ruins the space heater.

In Summary

Space heaters can last plenty of years. Failure to take proper care of any appliance will hinder its performance and shave several years off its predicted lifespan. Always store your space heater in a cool, dry place away from excessive humidity, dust, and critters that might turn it into their new home.

Does it seem like your space heater is drying you out? Well, you’d be surprised to learn that they can cause all sorts of irritation when used incorrectly. Proper maintenance includes using the portable heater at the right time (and not for too many hours in a row).