Buying a portable heater online: tips for long Alaska winters

September 20, 2026 · 6 min read

Illustration of a snowy log cabin at dusk with smoke rising from the chimney, glowing windows and pine trees

Anchorage winters are long, and even well-heated homes have a chilly room or two. A portable heater lets you add warmth exactly where you need it, whether that's a home office, a bedroom or a basement. Here's how to choose and order one with confidence.

Match the heater to the space

Most plug-in heaters top out at 1,500 watts, enough to warm a room of roughly 150 square feet. For bigger rooms, high ceilings or older, draftier spaces, an infrared heater is often the better choice because it warms people and surfaces directly.

Compare the main types

TypeProsCons
CeramicHeats quickly; compactFan noise
InfraredQuiet; even heat in large roomsLarger and heavier
Oil-filledSilent; retains heatSlow to warm up

Must-have safety features

  • Tip-over switch that turns the heater off if it's knocked
  • Automatic overheat cut-off
  • Cool-touch housing for households with children or pets
  • Certification from UL, ETL or a similar testing lab

Safe-use checklist

  • Plug directly into a wall outlet; never use an extension cord or power strip.
  • Keep the heater at least three feet from furniture, bedding and curtains.
  • Switch it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before the heating season.

Shipping to Alaska

  • Standard shipping: 3 to 5 business days to most addresses, free on orders over $50. Remote areas may take longer.
  • Express shipping: 2 business days to most addresses when you order by 11 am Alaska Time.
  • A tracking link is emailed as soon as your parcel leaves us.

When your heater arrives

Inspect the body, cord and plug before first use, and hold on to the box for a few weeks. If anything is damaged or faulty, tell us within 7 days for a free replacement or refund. Unused heaters can be returned within 30 days; see our returns policy for details.

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