Do you shiver after dark? This is not surprising: autumn is now well established and the cold has accompanied it. Problem, the increase in gas and electricity prices does not push you to increase the temperature, because it will also increase your bill.

However, you cannot sit idly by when it is cold at home. In this kind of situation, it is not necessarily silly to think about buying an auxiliary heater, which would be a good complement to your main heater, useful until spring.

These devices are perfect for providing occasional support for an overall installation or for quickly heating a room and making it more pleasant in the event of low temperatures. Ideal, for example, for the bathroom or even the garage, if it is not heated.

But be careful: as efficient as it is, not all auxiliary heating is necessarily made for you. You will have to take into account the reality of your installation and your needs when choosing it. And choose the right type of device.

Electric auxiliary heaters, for example, are among the most widespread in France. They are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport or store. Above all, they are effective, in that they diffuse heat immediately, and are generally not very expensive, rarely exceeding a hundred euros. Except opting for an electric fireplace, of course… In addition, it is often easy to set the desired temperature.

However, be careful: they are rarely the most efficient or the most economical. In the long term, they will therefore potentially cost more than other models, in the event of heavy use.

Again, there are several types of machine. Some gas heaters are powered by propane or butane and therefore require the purchase of an external resource: fuel. Their calorific power is generally “very high”, notes L’Internaute, which means that the heat diffused is constant. A real plus.

Generally more expensive than an electric heater – it will take between 70 and 250 euros, approximately – these devices are also generally more powerful. Consider if you need to heat large areas. Some are equipped with thermostats to make it easier to adjust the temperature.

Before buying, be careful: there are a few rules that must be respected. If your device does not comply with the EN 449 standard, you should not buy it.

Oil-fired appliances, like gas-fired ones, emit long-lasting heat, which remains longer than that given off by an electric heater. They also emit carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the environment. This is also true for gas-powered heaters, emphasizes L’Internaute in its guide on the matter.

In practice, auxiliary oil heaters are generally the most economical: a full tank potentially offers 48 hours of autonomy. They are perfect for sustainably heating large areas and can be a real decorative asset when the flame is visible.

On some models, the walls are very hot and should not be touched before the appliance has had time to cool down. In addition, they generally give off a slight smell of petroleum when switched on.

Again, remember to respect the standards (here, D35-300) at the time of purchase. It will save you from carbon monoxide poisoning, which could otherwise be fatal.

Have you bought your auxiliary heater? Good ! It remains to be seen how much this device weighs on your bill…

The answer is yes. While electric space heaters generally cost more to run than their gas counterparts, both are generally much more energy intensive than conventional heating systems. Thus, they should only be used in certain cases:

On the other hand, it is not recommended to use a space heater while sleeping. At night, prefer a temperature between 16 and 18°C, and cover up if you are still cold.