How to Find the Best Space Heater

The weather outside is frightful, and a fire would be so delightful. Unfortunately, you need to heat a room or space that is outside the reach of your fireplace, gas stove, or furnace. You need a space heater. What is the best space heater option for you?

Convection heaters are handy in that they can heat an area quickly, and can be directed so that they can provide warmth for a specific portion of a room. Newer models consist of ceramic heating elements, and as the electric current heats the elements, a fan blows the warm air to the portion of the room where it is needed. Advantages of these heaters include the fact that they are portable and lightweight. Unfortunately they don’t hold their heat very well, so in order to get any heat it must be plugged in and running. They also can be a bit noisy because of the fan. Still, when looking for the best space heaters, convection heaters deserve a second look.

Radiant heaters generally don’t require a fan. Instead, the heat “radiates” off a heating element, heating the area closest to the heater first and gradually heating the rest of the room. Radiant heaters generally hold their heat well and may provide warmth even after they have been unplugged. A definite drawback, however, may be portability. Radiant heaters will usually be warm or even hot to the touch, so they may not be the type of heater you would be able to move from room to room, at least not when they are plugged in.

To be most efficient, choose the best space heater that is big enough to heat your area. Space heaters are sized by watts, and will run all the way up to 1500 watts for a larger area. The manufacturer should give you a square footage suggestion. Measure your area and pick a space heater that is rated for your space.

Be safe. Place your space heater in a location that will keep it well away from combustibles, children and pets. Space heaters can and do cause fires every year. Choose one with an automatic tip over shut off so that if your heater is accidentally bumped over, the heater will shut down.

Also, consider the aesthetics of your space heater. It’s your space, and you have worked hard to develop your style. Choose the best space heater that will fit your design and heat your room. With all of the choices out there, it should be easy to pick a space heater that will provide your home with efficient, safe, stylish heat. Leave the frightful weather outside, and pull up a space heater. You’ll be glad you did.