6 Of The Cheapest Ways To Heat 400 Square Feet

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and you’re starting to feel the chill in your bones. You know what that means – it’s time to start thinking about how to keep a tiny home or just a small room warm! After all, winter will be more expensive this year. But just because you want to save money doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort.

There are several cheap ways to heat a tiny home or a small room this winter, including draft-proofing your room, using space heaters wisely, adding extra insulation, and taking advantage of the sun. By following the tips I listed below, you can keep your small room warm all winter long without breaking the bank.

That’s why you might want to find out the cheapest ways to heat 400 square feet?

There are many easy methods available to heat 400 sq. ft. on the cheap. You can use a non-vented heater. Or you can simply buy a wood stove or an energy-efficient space heater. Also, you can insulate your attic, install solar panels or use a smart thermostat to save on electricity bills.

I’ve provided every possible way to keep the heat. On top of that, I’ve included a relative comparison of how much money you might need to spend on each method.

Different Ways to Heat 400 Square Feet!

First, there are a few different types of heating options that can be effective in a tiny home or a small space, and which one you choose will depend on a few different factors. If cost is an important factor, let’s start off with a quick chart that goes over the costs of a few different heating options.

Use a Non-Vented Heater

You can use any non-vented heater that uses natural gas for burning. Unvented heaters work by circulating warm air throughout the space and are typically the most efficient option when it comes to heating a small area. However, they can be noisy, and may not be the best choice if you are trying to heat a space that is used for sleeping.

Or apply a mini-split system containing a heat pump. The only problem is that this ventless gas heater smells sometimes. However, it is cheaper to heat when compared to electric heaters.

How many BTU’s do you need to heat 400 sq. ft.? You will need 9000-10000 BTU to heat up a 400 sq. ft. room. 

And while talking about ventless heaters, you can’t ignore Mr. Heater’s ventless heater options.

• You can get yourself a radiant heater from Mr. Heater which is comparatively less pricey.
• Also, if you don’t like a radiant heater, you can get yourself a Mr. Heater Vent-Free 10,000 BTU Blue Flame Heater.

Install a Wood Stove

Wood stoves can produce heat without causing you any substantial expenses. It can very well heat a 400-square foot space.

On top of that wood, stoves would make a wonderful atmosphere as well. With that comes the gentle crackling sound of the fire. Here’s a work-in-progress living room with a wood stove placed in it.

You can find some good wood stoves at a reasonable price that is within $100-150. They have the same functions as well! The C-Hopetree 2Portable Electric Wood Stove is a must-have at this price range.

But if you have a spare 150 bucks, I recommend getting yourself a PMNY Wood Tent Stove.

Also, you can even make your own DIY wood stove that won’t cost you more than $20! Here’s a tutorial about how you can do that-

Use an Energy Efficient Space Heater

Energy-efficient electric heaters work by heating up coils that are contained within the heater.

Pros: Electric heaters are very inexpensive to purchase, and they are also very safe to use because they don’t produce any flames or sparks. Additionally, electric heaters are very efficient at heating a room, because the coils heat up quickly.

Cons: One downside of electric heaters is that they can be less durable than other types of heaters. Additionally, electric heaters can make a room feel overly warm if they are not used carefully.

With an electric space heater, you can heat a room of 400sq feet perfectly. Wielding an energy-efficient space heater can be one of the cheapest ways to heat a small room.

You can find space heaters starting from as low as $30 to $100! And they are of good quality, as well.

Here are the top picks on space heaters that I’ve used over the years with good results.

Just ensure the heater you purchase comes with several safety features. Such as overheat protection as well as the automatic shut-off timer. Normally, the more safety features it possesses, the better. 

Use Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters emit a type of light that is absorbed by objects in the room, causing them to heat up. The intention is that the infrared heaters can focus the heat in a specific direction rather than disseminating it everywhere.

Pros: Infrared heaters are very efficient because they heat objects directly instead of heating the air around them. This means that they can often heat a room more quickly than other types of heaters. Additionally, infrared heaters are very safe to use because they don’t produce any flames or sparks.

Cons: One downside of infrared heaters is that they can be more expensive than other types of heaters. Additionally, they heat objects directly, they can make a room feel overly warm if they are not used carefully.

Popular Infrared Heaters include:

Infrared Heater 600W Radiant Quartz Space Heater for Indoor Use Small Portable Heater for Home Office Bedroom, Super Quiet and Light, Overheat & Tip-Over Protection, Warm Up Immediately

Click For Best Price

Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater for Restaurant, Patio, Backyard, Garage, and Decks, Standard, Black

• INDOOR and OUTDOOR HEATER – Heater is IP55 approved for both indoor and outdoor use – perfect for home, backyard, garages, open-air restaurant, outdoor patio or deck. Create a comfortable environment for both your indoor activities and outdoor recreation.
• CLEAN and INSTANT HEAT – Clean, instant and odorless Infrared heat with 3 power settings, 900W, 1200W, 1500W. 120V, 60Hz.

Click For Best Price

Oil Heaters

Oil heaters work by heating up oil that is contained within the heater.

Pros: Oil heaters are very efficient at heating a room because the oil retains heat well. Additionally, oil heaters are very safe to use, because they don’t produce any flames or sparks.

Cons: One downside of oil heaters is that they can be more expensive than other types of heaters. Additionally, because the oil retains heat well, oil heaters can make a room feel overly warm if they are not used carefully.

Here are a few popular oil heaters I have used in the past.

Sale

Kismile Portable Electric Radiator Heater, Oil Filled with 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Overheat & Tip-Over Protection For Indoor Use, 1500W (Black)

• 【SUITABLE FOR PERSONAL SPACE】Our Oil Filled Radiator with size of 13.78″ X 9.45″ x 24.61″. On a cold winter’s day, the family watches TV in the living room and enjoys the warmth of Kismile Oil Filled Radiator. This radiator will defend coldness and bring warmth no matter you are staying at home, working or dinning with friends. Please note that it will take about 10 minutes for the heater to heat up after the power is switched on.

Click For Best Price

JASUN Oil Filled Radiator Heater with Adjustable Thermostat, Mini Portable Space Heater 700W for Indoor Use, Overheat Safety, Quiet Work, White

• ☼【EASY OPERATION AND PERFECT PERFORMANCE】: Use the only knob included to adjust the heat temperature. Totally silent operation with no worry of unwanted noise.

Click For Best Price

Things that will Help You to Lower your Heating Expense

Below are tools you can install before starting your heating procedure to get even better heat in a small room.

Buy a Smart Thermostat

A smart programmable thermostat regulates the temperature of your house in an extremely energy-efficient way. It diminishes the temperature when you are not at home. Then again starts heating by the time you come back. Thus it heats your home only when it is necessary.

A smart thermostat will cost you less than $200! 

You may program your smart thermostat freely. For instance, you can reduce the temperature automatically at night. Plus, turn the thermostat off when leaving for work in the morning. Here are some of the best smart thermostats that you can get your hands on.

You can also preheat your home for a comfortable movie night before you return. Just remember to use the right gauge wire for the thermostat. A smart thermostat surely saves you cash in the long run. 

Wondering how much does a smart thermostat save?

Well, there is a report published by Ecobee, which is a thermostat company. It says their smart thermostat can save up to about 23% on utility bills. And Nest claims their smart thermostat can save 10-15% of the utility bills.

In a typical American household, a smart thermostat is supposed to save about $150 per year. What a great investment!

Insulate Your Attic

Your attic might be your house’s greatest heat sink. Particularly when it’s not insulated properly, it becomes a substantial money pit. 

As the warm air surges while the cool air remains on the ground. The heat is going to leak through the uninsulated attics.

The good news is you can perform the insulation yourself. Despite the fact that you have to install some money on the insulation equipment. You are going to bring the money back within a very short time.

Source: Kapella Roofing

The process is pretty simple. All you require is fiberglass insulation and some tools that are already available at home.

Identical to some other investments mentioned, you’ve to pay one time yet benefit for a lifetime. Insulation is surely one of the cheapest routes to maintain heat in your room.

Install Solar Panels

Install solar panels can benefit you by heating 400 square feet of space cheaply. Installing them on your roof is useful in many aspects. Let us not glance at the environmental benefits. But see how you may save your heating costs using them.

• Firstly, you will save a lot of cash when you tax deduct the solar panels. 
• Moreover, there are other available options that are government-supported. Particularly for the solar panels. With the ITC, you are able to save up to 30% on solar installation.

• Seems like the government also subsidizes your service bill expenditures. Which unlocks another spectrum of prospects for you. 
• I am sure making even more tax deductions is possible. For instance, when you are trading the electricity that you generate.

So long as you utilize the energy for your own. Then employing solar panels lessens your dependence on the electric grid.

Source: Renewable Energy Corporation

It decreases the quantity you might require to pull out from the electric grid. Moreover, you may store extra energy in solar batteries. Then use that to power your house at night.

Nevertheless, solar panels usually are simply effective if you reside in a place with ample sunshine. So in case you do, certainly consider installing them.

However, make sure you take help from some firms that install solar panels. 

Ways to Conserve Heat in Small Rooms

Did you know that there are many inexpensive ways to conserve heat in your home?

By making a few simple changes, you can keep your 400 sq. ft space warm and comfortable without spending a fortune on your energy bill. One of the easiest ways to conserve heat is simply by wearing warmer clothing.

Another way to conserve heat is by ensuring your space is well insulated. Start by checking for any drafts around doors and windows. If you find any, seal them up with weatherstripping or caulk. You can also add insulation to your attic and walls to improve your small space’s energy efficiency.

Bring in Some Plants

While plants won’t actually make a room warmer, they can make it feel warmer. That’s because plants help to humidify the air, and humid air feels warmer than dry air.

Finally, you can also conserve heat by using alternative heating sources. During the day, open the curtains to let in the sun’s natural warmth.

At night, use a space heater in the room. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your 400-square-foot area warm and toasty all winter long without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

We hope we’ve cleared all your queries about the cheapest way to heat 400 square feet.

Now you know how to do it! With all the alternative options provided, choose wisely. Select the one that goes with your preference. And your budget.

Tim David

HVAC tech with over 30 years of experience. Retired and doing repair work on the side around Madison County, AL.