Is it cheaper to run one of these or just turn on the house heater?

#1 - If you are trying to heat your entire house, the house heater is better choice. But if you are in just one room, then this could be a better way to go. You are only heating the area you are in.
If you set your house heater to 62F and then use this in the room you are in, you would likely save a few bucks and be nice and toasty.

Just picked up the Bionaire Mica heater at Costco for $50. Puts out lots of heat, right away, and then has a nice radiant heat that continues for a few minutes and then it turns on again and pumps out the heat.

I like it more than the oil filled one we have, as the heat is nearly instant, but won't know how it does with the $$ until the utility bill comes in.

Also 59.99 shipped at amazon.