When fall and winter arrive, you may suddenly discover that your whole-house heating system is not adequate. Portable space heaters, which are inexpensive and require no permanent installation, are a popular way to heat small areas quickly.

 

Learn the basics of this popular supplementary heating source, along with safety recommendations and tips for optimizing performance.

7 Basic Types of Space Heaters

1.Convection Heaters (Radiant or Quartz)

Convection heaters electrify metal coils or a halogen bulb, with a reflector to point the heat at specific areas within the room.

 

Because there is no fan, heat range is limited to just a few feet. On the plus side, the lack of a fan means that these units are nearly silent.

 

2.Convection Fan-Style Heaters

The second most basic type of indoor space heater pushes air heated by electric coils with a small electric fan.

 

As soon the coils stop radiating heat, the heater quickly cools down. These are considered one of the least effective types of space heaters.

 

3.Ceramic Box Heaters (Convection)

Similar to the convection-only heaters, these also have fans that push air over heating elements.

 

The difference is that ceramic box heaters have ceramic plates that retain heat after the electric coils are no longer hot.

 

4.Ceramic Tower (Convection)

Similar to the ceramic box heater, except in size and shape.

 

Tower convection heaters stretch the coils and housing higher and thinner to more effectively disperse heat throughout the room.

 

5.Micathermic Convection Heaters

These heaters’ electric coils make contact with large, thin sheets of mica, heating them so that they can retain warmth for a long time. No fans are involved.6

 

One great advantage of micathermic heaters is that they can be installed flat against a wall, much like a flat-screen television, saving space and better dispersing heat within the room.

 

Also, micathermic heaters are better at keeping down dust than fan-driven heaters because they do not move air as vigorously. This means that micathermic heaters work well for allergy sufferers and others affected by dust or moving air.

6.Oil-Filled Radiator-Style Heaters

While permanently installed boiler-driven steam and water radiators are slowly being phased out of buildings, wheeled oil-filled electric radiators have stepped in to take their place.

 

The oil in this type of radiator is heated by electric elements. The oil is sealed within the radiator and never needs to be refilled.

 

While energy efficient, these heaters are heavy and at risk for tipping over.

 

7.Propane-Powered Indoor Heaters

Indoor-safe propane heaters are highly effective, pushing out up to 9,000 BTU per hour for less money than electric heaters. Disposable propane canisters can run the heater at full blast for up to four to five hours.

 

These heaters emit no smell of gas. They are great for heating large areas, such as living rooms, basements, and garages.

Which space heater is best? The answer depends on the quirks of your home as well as your individual needs.

Size

The first step to choosing a space heater is determining which size will meet your needs without wasting energy. Compact space heaters are ideal for quick spot heating when just one or two people need the warmth. Larger models are made to heat a full room and can accommodate more people.

 

Safety features

You have to be sure to keep in mind that space heaters can be dangerous (as they can overheat) and you have to use them properly. Consumer Reports advises looking for labels that verify the heater's safety, such as UL for Underwriters Laboratory, ETL for Intertek or CSA for Canadian Standards Association. Additionally, try to choose a space heater with a sensor that automatically turns off the unit if it overheats. Other safety features include anti-tipping devices and heat guards.

Additional features

Some heaters come with customizable thermostats, which allow you to save your own settings. Others have timers so you can fall asleep or leave the room and know that the unit will eventually turn off. Remote controls, of course, make it easy to operate the heater without needing to get up from your comfy position. Longer power cords are another great feature, as they afford you more flexibility when finding a home for the heater. Consumer Reports suggests aiming for a minimum cord length of 70 inches.

Fuel type

You can choose either an electric or gas space heater, though most people go for the former. There are perks to both, as electric is safer, but gas can often operate during power outages. According to Wayfair’s space heater buying guide, gas models tend to cost more upfront but electric heaters can be more expensive to operate.

Indoor versus outdoor

Make sure the space heater you choose can handle the elements if you plan to use it outdoors, such as on the porch or during a camping trip. Wayfair recommends radiator, tower, baseboard and panel space heater designs for indoor purposes, while freestanding and tabletop units can be appropriate for outdoor use.

How to Use a Space Heater

1.Stay Up to Date: Older space heaters may not meet newer safety standards. Ensure that your heater meets current safety standards.

2.Set on Proper Surface: Provide a firm, level surface for the heater, such as hard flooring (tile, vinyl, wood, etc.) or a table.

3.Buffer Zone: Clear flammable materials such as bedding, drapes, and furniture from a three-foot radius around the heater.

4.Safety Zone: Children and pets love to explore space heaters’ glowing coils and power cords; keep them well away from the heater.

5.Disconnect: Unplug the heater when you leave the room.

6.No Extensions: Plug directly into outlet; avoid extension cords.

7.Waking Hours Only: Turn off and unplug the heater when you go to sleep.

8.Moisture: Keep the heater away from damp areas such as showers and bathtubs.

9.Proper Fuel Type: Ensure that you use only kerosene (not gasoline) for kerosene heaters. Gasoline increases the possibility of fire.

10.Indoor-Only Propane Heaters: Make sure that any portable propane space heaters you use indoors are specifically designed for indoor use.

Space Heater Do’s

• DO make sure your space heater has the label verifying that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
• DO read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully before using a space heater.
• DO inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
• DO make sure your space heater is placed in the proper place. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
• DO unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

Space Heater Don’ts

• DON’T leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
• DON’T use space heaters to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. They’re only meant for supplemental heating.
• DON’T plug space heaters into a power strip or extension cord, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater, instead plug them directly into a wall outlet.
• DON’T ever place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. Always place on level, flat surfaces.

 

Space heater recommends: Ommani  Space Heater

Features that Matter:

1.SECOND RAPID HEATING: The air will be heated by the PTC ceramic heating element in this instrument. The heater heats in a constant convection in only 2 seconds! There are two heating modes(750W/1500W). This heater provides more hot air while saving more power than other similar products. It will make your winter warmer!

2.OVERHEAT PROTECTION AND FALL PROTECTION FUNCTION: When the internal temperature of the machine rises to 80 degrees, the heater will automatically turn off the power and stop running. If the body is not placed upright or it's tilted, it will stop working. Place the heater on a smooth surface to ensure safety for your children and pets.

3.TIMING AND HEAD SWING FUNCTION: Our new function! You can set the time you want to run the heater(up to three hours) by turning the timer switch clockwise from the "OFF" position. If you push the swing button the head swings repeatedly at a 70 degree wide-angle rotation left and right. Avoid direct contact with the hot air from the heater to prevent skin injuries.

 

4.ULTRA SILENT DESIGN AND NO ODOR: The heater adopts a curved inlet hole to effectively reduce the drag coefficient so the noise is reduced to 42 decibels for silent operation. Less noise than other heaters on the market. Our heater has no foul odor. It doesn't burn any fuel such as kerosene or gas like some other cheaper products that cause irritation to the respiratory tract.