Lifesmart IR Heater - Max of 1500 Watts Remote Control (LS-3ECO) $49 shipped

I own a larger version of this one, and the cost savings comes down to the ability to do zone heating.
I owned mine for over a year, and for last winter, I saved about 50% of my heating bill (around $400 last year, it was also a short winter last year). Now, I left my house at around 55 degrees for the entire winter, and only heated the rooms I was in with this (being single, I didn't heat more than one room at a time). This would be less effective if you had a family and need to heat more/larger rooms.

The heater broke 2 months ago (Nov). The temp regulator doesn't work anymore, and from the reviews, this is a common issue. The fix is cheap, but it requires disassembling the entire heater, which is too complex for me to take on.
For the $100 I spent on this heater, it was a good investment, but just not a long term one.

This is more expensive, but you'll save money on the electricity side. I've been eying this up myself. MUCH lower energy usage: http://www.amazon.com/Eco-heater-..._hg_text_z

Quote from shaggymatt : This is more expensive, but you'll save money on the electricity side. I've been eying this up myself. MUCH lower energy usage: http://www.amazon.com/Eco-heater-..._hg_text_z

Much lower energy usage = much lower heat output. These are all 100% efficient, and you're not saving anything by purchasing something more expensive. If you buy a unit that has a lower wattage, you'll just have to leave it on for a greater duration.

Quote from Metric : What kind of cost are these to run

Depends on where you live. You can figure it out for your state: http://www.neo.ne.gov/statshtml/204.htm

Assuming this unit uses 1500 W, and having it on for 10 hours per day, using a cost of 10 cents per kWh, would result in a cost of $1.50 per day.

Quote from shaggymatt : This is more expensive, but you'll save money on the electricity side. I've been eying this up myself. MUCH lower energy usage: http://www.amazon.com/Eco-heater-..._hg_text_z

Already kinda mentioned, but putting OP's model(or any other electric heater) on a lower setting would have the same savings.

Electric heat is electric heat. Any other claims are scams.

Quote from froggy365 : Much lower energy usage = much lower heat output. These are all 100% efficient, and you're not saving anything by purchasing something more expensive. If you buy a unit that has a lower wattage, you'll just have to leave it on for a greater duration.

Depends on how you're using it really. Most people buy these with a programmable thermostat, another $30. If I set it to kick on at 5pm-8pm to take the edge off in a bedroom, at 400 watts = 1200 watts total. The OP's at the lowest setting of 750 watts for three hours = 2250 watts.

If you want to space heat a room to a temperature, I'd honestly go for the older oil filled, they're also 750/1500 watts but the heating style is different.

Quote from shaggymatt : Depends on how you're using it really. Most people buy these with a programmable thermostat, another $30. If I set it to kick on at 5pm-8pm to take the edge off in a bedroom, at 400 watts = 1200 watts total. The OP's at the lowest setting of 750 watts for three hours = 2250 watts. If you want to space heat a room to a temperature, I'd honestly go for the older oil filled, they're also 750/1500 watts but the heating style is different.

Except it has temperature control. So it will only turn on when needed in that three hour period. It should all balance out in the end and cost the same.

Doesn't allow Free Shipping? Is there some code for it?

Order Summary
Order Total: $59.46
Items: $49.99
Shipping & Handling: $9.47
Sales Tax: $0.00

Quote from shaggymatt : Depends on how you're using it really. Most people buy these with a programmable thermostat, another $30. If I set it to kick on at 5pm-8pm to take the edge off in a bedroom, at 400 watts = 1200 watts total. The OP's at the lowest setting of 750 watts for three hours = 2250 watts. If you want to space heat a room to a temperature, I'd honestly go for the older oil filled, they're also 750/1500 watts but the heating style is different.

The OP's heater actually has an Eco setting. This setting uses 500 watt

Can someone explain to me what's so great about this heater? I have one of these [amazon.com] I'm looking to replace. How is this better, if at all?

Quote from hpdsf : Doesn't allow Free Shipping? Is there some code for it? Order Summary Order Total: $59.46 Items: $49.99 Shipping & Handling: $9.47 Sales Tax: $0.00

Should give you free econo shipping if you're sending it to a residential address. Put your address on one line (don't use 2nd second line for apt or suite number).

Quote from Godson : I own a larger version of this one, and the cost savings comes down to the ability to do zone heating. I owned mine for over a year, and for last winter, I saved about 50% of my heating bill (around $400 last year, it was also a short winter last year). Now, I left my house at around 55 degrees for the entire winter, and only heated the rooms I was in with this (being single, I didn't heat more than one room at a time). This would be less effective if you had a family and need to heat more/larger rooms. The heater broke 2 months ago (Nov). The temp regulator doesn't work anymore, and from the reviews, this is a common issue. The fix is cheap, but it requires disassembling the entire heater, which is too complex for me to take on. For the $100 I spent on this heater, it was a good investment, but just not a long term one.

Broke after 1 year? My savings won't be that dramatic so I'd need longer mileage out of mine.

wow good time for a heater

I just bought a Vornado VH110 [amazon.com] for about the same price from Bed, Bath and Beyond ($59.99 + 20% off coupon). The remote control on the Lifesmart model is enticing and I'm considering making the switch. Any thoughts on Vornado vs. Lifesmart? With young kids at home, Lifesmart's lack of an advertised tip-over switch has me a little worried.

Edit: Went ahead and bought it. Hope I made the right call!