How much space will the DR-968 heat?

It puts out 1,500 watts, or about 5,200 BTU, which is aimed at a single room or a seating area rather than a whole home. Expect it to warm the people and surfaces near it more than the entire floor plan.

Does it need a special outlet?

It runs on standard 120-volt household current but pulls 12.5 amps, so plug it into a circuit that can carry that load. Avoid sharing the circuit with other high-draw appliances.

Can I set it to turn off on its own?

Yes. It has a 12-hour auto shut-off timer and a thermostat adjustable from 50 to 85 degrees, so you can schedule a run and set a target temperature.

The listed noise level is 39 dB, which is roughly quiet-room level. The fan that moves the infrared heat is audible but not loud enough to drown out conversation.

How big and heavy is it?

It measures about 15 inches high, 13 inches wide and 12 inches deep and weighs 24 pounds. That makes it movable between rooms but not something you would carry up stairs daily.