Quiet infrared heaters offer a gentle, efficient way to warm spaces without the disruptive noise of traditional forced-air systems. They're particularly useful in bedrooms, offices, and other areas where a peaceful environment is essential. Choosing the right quiet infrared heater can significantly improve comfort and reduce distractions.
Best Quiet Infrared Heaters
These infrared heaters provide warmth while minimizing noise, offering a blend of comfort and discretion. Here's a look at some top options, highlighting their quiet operation and overall performance.
Air Choice Infrared Space Heater
- [2s Rapid Heating & Wide Coverage] The upgraded Infrared space heater features 6 infrared quartz tubes and powerful 1500W PTC heating technology, delivering over 60% more heat than traditional systems and quickly reaching the desired temperature. The 3000 rpm fan ensures rapid and even heat distribution, warming up the entire room in just 2 seconds. Heating coverage extends up to 200 sq. ft
- [3 Heating Modes & Adjustable Thermostat] This electric heater is equipped with a precise temperature sensor, the ECO mode automatically adjusts heat output to maintain your desired room temperature while saving on energy costs. It also offers low (1000W) and high (1500W) heating settings, and with the digital thermostat, you can customize your comfort level within a range of 59~86℉, adjusting in 1℉ increments to reach the right temperature
- [Convenient Operation & Comfortable Use] This Infrared heater comes with a remote control, allowing you to adjust heat output, timer, and modes from up to 26 feet away without leaving your seat. The large LED display is easy to monitor, and the compact tower design saves space. A hidden handle makes it convenient to move the heater from your office to the bedroom, garage, living room, or basement, providing warmth wherever needed
- [Quiet Operation & 12-Hour Timer] The heater features a well-designed quiet fan that eliminates air turbulence, making it 12% quieter than traditional small electric heaters with a noise level of just 35dB (as quiet as a whisper). The 12-hour timer, adjustable in 1-hour increments, lets you set personalized heating schedules, ensuring a warm environment when you go to bed or return home after a long day
- [ETL Certified & Safety Protection] The tower heater is ETL certified and equipped with multiple safety features, including child lock, built-in tip-over and overheat protection, which automatically shuts off the heater. The cool wood-touch exterior remains safe to touch even after long periods of operation. The reinforced plug design prevents short circuits, allowing you to stay warm all day without worries
- Specified Noise Level: 35dB
The Air Choice infrared space heater is designed for rapid heating with a focus on quiet operation. Many users report it operates more quietly than older heaters. Its design incorporates a fan to distribute heat evenly, but it's engineered to minimize air turbulence, contributing to a lower noise level of 35dB. While some users find its functionality and value satisfactory, others have reported issues. The Air Choice offers a good balance of features and performance, but potential buyers should be aware of mixed reports about long-term reliability.
SUNKOS Space Heater with Thermostat
- TOP-RATED SAFE: Compared to the metal mesh, this heater adopts safer aramid mesh and space-class flame retardance, which have characteristics like steadiness, anti-corrosion, and fire protection. It's not hot for accidental touch, which is friendly for kids and pets. Moreover, it has several safety features to offer you worry-free usage day and night, such as tip-over shut-off, overheat protection, V0 flame-retardance triangle plug, and a 6.5ft long power cord. Each heater is tested at a laboratory level.
- SPACE HEATER & FOCUSED HEATER: Suitable for large rooms under 300 sq ft, create a thermostatic space of 1.5 square meters in 3 seconds in the meanwhile to let the warmth equably spread. You can regulate a comfortable temp (Heat level adjustment: 60 to 90°F) according to the thermostat screen. It’s super suitable to use when working, doing yoga, night sleeping, and is perfect to use in the bedroom, bathroom, garage, offices, store, classroom, and other indoor rooms
- FAR-INFRARED HEATER: Born for human health. After 3 long years of research and experiments efforts, we have developed the world's first flexible carbon nano heating film, which can release the far-Infrared Light in the range of 3-15 micrometers which is known as The Light of Life, which likes the comfortable warm sunshine. [Please know more about the far-infrared knowledge before purchase.]
- PORTABLE & WALL MOUNTED: Only 7lb. You can easily move it from this room to another room. Super thin with only 2.2inches thickness, which can support the wall-mounted. The back of the heater adopts V0 thermal insulation material. It’s a very safe plug-in electric space heater for you
- ENERGY EFFICIENT & QUIET: High precision temperature sensor in ECO mode will independently invert and regulate(10W-1500W) according to the environment temperature, Smart constant temperature system saves energy bill. We apply the heat convection technology with no fan to reduce room’s dust and allergies. Compared to the traditional space heater, we can efficiently keep the room non-drying. No noise and no light help you to sleep a good night
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The SUNKOS Space Heater distinguishes itself with its completely fanless design, making it exceptionally quiet. This heater relies on heat convection, eliminating the noise associated with traditional fans. It's designed to be both safe and efficient, with features like tip-over shut-off and overheat protection. Users consistently praise its quiet operation and aesthetic design. The SUNKOS heater is an excellent choice for those prioritizing silent operation and a sleek design, though it comes at a higher price point than some alternatives.
ESSUNTIAL Portable Space Heater
- Personal Space Heater: The foldable stand up warming mat is small and compact, and silent, so it is easy to use anywhere! It’s flat, slim, and lightweight with a handle so you can use it at work, in your dorm or studio, your house, or even a tent.
- Electric Foot Warmer: Our foot warmer (under desk) is child and pet friendly and electric, using flameless, radiant heating. It’s great for indoor use, and will keep you always wrapped and cozy in a warm climate , with 8 levels of heat up to 160°F.
- Heater With Timer and Auto Shut Off: The foldable, heated standing foot warmer comes with an easy-to-use controller with a thermostat to control the temperature at 8 levels. Stay warm inside your home with the programmable, electrical heater.
- Safe Energy Efficient Heater: The thermostatically controlled heater is fanless, and is low power. It has an automatic shutoff after up to 9 hours and has a tip over auto turn off. It’s safe to use around children and animals, or in a nursery.
- Universal Use: The heater is great to use in winter for livestock and pets. Use it in the barn to keep your chickens, rabbit, and other animals warm, or inside for your dog, cat, or birds. The high efficiency products won’t overheat or harm pets.
- Specified Noise Level: 45db
The ESSUNTIAL portable space heater is designed as a personal foot warmer with an emphasis on quiet operation. Many customers say this heater is completely silent when operating under a desk. Its foldable design makes it ideal for use in offices, and it includes a timer with auto-shutoff for added convenience. While most users praise its quiet operation and effectiveness at warming feet, some have reported an unpleasant smell. For those seeking a focused heating solution for under-desk use, the ESSUNTIAL offers a compelling option, but the potential for odor should be considered.
Comfort Zone Oscillating Portable Space Heater
- EFFICIENT RADIANT HEAT: Designed for small rooms, this space heater utilizes radiant heating technology to deliver instant warmth to objects and individuals directly in its path. With its focused heat output, it is an excellent option for keeping cozy in offices and bedrooms, ensuring quick and efficient heating where you need it most.
- SLEEK AND SPACE-SAVING: With its slimline flat panel design, this heater effortlessly fits into smaller spaces, making it an ideal choice for rooms with limited floor space. Its sleek black finish adds a touch of elegance and seamlessly complements various décor styles, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any room.
- WIDE COVERAGE WITH OSCILLATION: The radiant heater is equipped with an oscillating function, allowing it to distribute warmth across a wider area. With a 70-degree oscillation range, it effectively spreads heat throughout the room, ensuring comfortable temperatures even in larger spaces. This feature is available in both high and low speed settings, providing versatile heating options based on your needs.
- USER-FRIENDLY CONTROL OPTIONS: With a convenient top-mounted control knob, operating the halogen heater is a breeze. You can effortlessly switch between the two heat settings and toggle the oscillation function on and off with ease. The intuitive controls make it simple to customize your heating experience according to your preferences and comfort level.
- ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES: This radiant heater is equipped with a range of smart safety features to ensure your peace of mind. The stay-cool molded handle allows for safe and easy transportation, while the durable plastic housing adds an extra layer of protection. The tip-over switch automatically shuts off the heater if it gets knocked over, preventing accidents. Additionally, the overheat protection system ensures that the heater automatically turns off if it reaches unsafe temperature levels.
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The Comfort Zone oscillating space heater offers a balance of affordability and functionality. Many users report that this heater operates very quietly, especially the oscillating feature. It features two heat settings and an oscillation function to distribute heat across a wider area. However, some users have noted concerns about its sturdiness. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a quiet and versatile heating solution, the Comfort Zone heater presents a viable option, but its build quality should be carefully considered.
Broan-NuTone 162 Type IC Infrared Single-Bulb Ceiling Heater with Fan
- HIGH-QUALITY HEATER AND FAN COMBO: Heater and fan combo provides instant comfort to your bathroom without turning up the central thermostat for money-saving warmth
- ENERGY-EFFICIENT: Heats using a 250-Watt R40 or BR40 Infrared bulb (not included)
- EFFICIENT: Ventilation fan operates at 70 CFM and 4.0 Sones for a high-quality, quiet performance
- DISCREET: Type IC (Insulation Contact) unit is installed into your ceiling so all but the bulbs and white grille shows in your room for a clean and cohesive appearance
- EASY INSTALLATION: Sturdy steel housing, adjustable mounting brackets with keyhole slots, plug-in permanently lubricated motor, and 4" round duct connector with tapered sleeves make installation logical and simple
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The Broan-NuTone 162 ceiling heater is designed for bathroom use, combining heating and ventilation. Some users find this product to be very quiet. It operates with a fan for ventilation, which inevitably produces some noise, but some users find the noise levels acceptable for a bathroom environment. The Broan-NuTone 162 is a practical choice for those seeking an all-in-one bathroom heating and ventilation solution, but its noise level may not be as low as dedicated quiet heaters.
How to Choose Quiet Infrared Heaters: Your Ultimate Guide
Infrared heaters offer an efficient heating solution for homes and offices, but noise can be a concern. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what makes these heaters noisy, how to interpret noise levels, and which features to prioritize when seeking a quieter option.
What Makes Infrared Heaters Noisy?
Most noise in infrared heaters comes from moving parts, primarily fans that distribute heat. The quality of these components significantly impacts noise levels.
Fan quality and design play crucial roles – cheaper motors and bearings often create more vibration and noise. Poorly balanced fans can cause rattling sounds during operation.
Some infrared heaters use mechanical thermostats that produce audible clicks when cycling on and off. These small noises can be particularly noticeable in quiet settings like bedrooms.
How Manufacturers Reduce Heater Noise
Quality manufacturers implement several techniques to minimize noise:
Fanless designs eliminate the primary noise source altogether, relying on natural convection to distribute heat. These are typically the quietest options available.
Premium fan components with precision engineering and quality bearings reduce vibration and operational noise. Brands investing in higher-quality parts typically produce quieter heaters.
Sound-dampening materials inside the heater's housing absorb vibrations before they become audible noise. This design consideration makes a significant difference in perceived noise levels.
Understanding Infrared Heater Noise Levels
Noise is measured in decibels (dB), with each 10dB increase representing roughly a doubling of perceived loudness. This logarithmic scale means small numerical differences can be quite noticeable.
The quietest infrared heaters operate at around 35-45dB, comparable to a whispered conversation or a quiet library. This level is unlikely to disturb most activities or sleep.
Average infrared heaters with fans typically produce 45-55dB of noise, similar to moderate rainfall or background conversation. At this level, noise becomes more noticeable in quiet environments.
Louder models can exceed 60dB, approaching the volume of normal conversation. These may become distracting in quiet settings like bedrooms or offices.
Essential Features for Quiet Infrared Heaters
Heating Technology
Fanless infrared models offer the quietest operation as they eliminate the primary noise source. These heaters rely on radiation and natural convection to distribute warmth.
Carbon fiber elements tend to operate more quietly than quartz elements while providing efficient, gentle heat. They also typically have longer lifespans.
Noise-Reducing Design Elements
Look for models advertising "whisper-quiet" operation with decibel ratings under 45dB. Manufacturers who specify noise levels are typically more focused on this aspect of performance.
Heaters with larger, slower fans generally produce less noise than those with smaller, faster fans. This design choice sacrifices compactness for quieter operation.
Quality housing materials and construction reduce vibration and rattling. Solid construction with secure component mounting prevents unwanted noise during operation.
Useful Control Features
Digital thermostats eliminate the clicking sounds associated with mechanical thermostats. They provide more precise temperature control while operating silently.
Multiple heat settings allow you to balance heating needs with noise levels. Lower settings typically generate less fan noise when applicable.
Programmable timers let you schedule operation during times when noise is less disruptive. This feature also improves energy efficiency.
Choosing the Right Quiet Infrared Heater for Your Space
Size and Space Considerations
Match the heater's capacity (measured in watts or BTUs) to your room size. Underpowered heaters running at maximum output are often noisier than appropriately sized models.
For bedrooms and offices where quiet is paramount, prioritize noise levels over raw heating power. A slightly less powerful but quieter model often provides a better overall experience.
Consider the available space for placement, as proper positioning away from walls and furniture improves both heating efficiency and reduces resonant noise.
Safety Features
Look for overheat protection and automatic shut-off features that prevent dangerous situations. These are essential safety features for any heater.
Tip-over switches immediately cut power if the unit falls over, an important safety feature for homes with children or pets. This prevents potential fire hazards.
Cool-touch exteriors are particularly important for households with young children or pets. They prevent accidental burns even when the heater is operating at full capacity.
Additional Useful Features
Remote controls allow adjustment without getting up, particularly useful for bedroom use or for those with mobility limitations.
Oscillation features help distribute heat more evenly throughout the room, though they may add slight mechanical noise. The benefit of improved heating coverage often outweighs this minimal noise increase.
Air purification functions in some models provide additional value, though they may increase the overall noise level slightly. Consider whether this trade-off makes sense for your needs.
Installation and Placement Tips to Minimize Noise
Optimal Positioning
Place the heater on solid, level surfaces to reduce vibration. Carpeting and uneven floors can cause rattling or amplify existing vibrations.
Keep adequate clearance around the unit according to manufacturer specifications. This improves both safety and efficiency while potentially reducing noise from restricted airflow.
Position heaters away from walls and corners where possible, as hard surfaces can reflect and amplify sound. Central placement usually provides the best heat distribution as well.
Maintenance for Noise Reduction
Regularly clean dust from all vents and fan housings, as dust buildup can cause increased noise and reduced efficiency. A simple cleaning can often resolve developing noise issues.
Check for loose parts or rattling components that may develop over time. Tightening accessible screws can eliminate many rattling sounds.
Some models benefit from occasional lubrication of fan bearings according to manufacturer instructions. This maintenance step can significantly extend the quiet operation of your heater.
Price Considerations and Value Assessment
Understanding the Price Range
Budget infrared heaters ($30-80) often make compromises in component quality that affect noise levels. They may use smaller, faster fans and lower-quality bearings that produce more noise.
Mid-range options ($80-150) typically offer better noise performance with improved components and design features specifically targeting noise reduction.
Premium models ($150-300+) often feature the quietest operation with high-quality components, fanless designs, or advanced noise-dampening technology. The investment typically provides noticeably quieter operation.
Evaluating Long-Term Value
Energy efficiency ratings help determine operating costs over time. More efficient models may cost more initially but save money through lower electricity usage.
Warranty length often correlates with quality and expected lifespan. Longer warranties typically indicate manufacturer confidence in their product's durability.
Consider replacement part availability and cost, especially for more expensive models. Some premium heaters offer replaceable elements that extend the product's useful life.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Quiet Infrared Heater
Prioritize noise considerations based on your specific environment. Bedrooms and offices typically benefit most from investing in quieter models.
Balance heating performance with noise levels to find the right compromise for your situation. The quietest heater may not always provide sufficient warmth for larger spaces.
Remember that manufacturer specifications for noise levels represent ideal conditions. Real-world performance may vary based on placement, maintenance, and individual sensitivity to different types of noise.