The nights are turning cooler as fall and winter arrive. This is a great time to consider a space heater for your home for comfort, convenience and energy savings. Whether you need one for a small space or a large room, there are so many options on the market to find just what you are looking for.
Getting Started
Perhaps you need to heat a bathroom to take the chill off when stepping out of the shower. Maybe you would like to conserve energy and keep extra money in your pocket by heating only a bedroom or the room where you spend the most time. A space heater is the perfect solution.
Types of Space Heaters Available
- Radiator Space Heater. electricity warms the oil in the heater. Oil retains its heat, so warmth is continually given off for a while after the heater is turned off. This is a good choice for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Fan-forced Space Heater. air is blown over heated metal coils. Air current can be adjusted to a certain direction providing direct warmth. Workshops and offices are good locations to use this type of heater.
- Ceramic Space Heater. metal embedded in ceramic plates is heated up with electricity. The heat radiates to the surrounding area providing even warmth. This is a good choice for small spaces.
- Baseboard Space Heater. electric cables heat air-filled copper tubes. It has a low profile and can heat a large space such as basements and family rooms.
- Wall-mounted Space Heater. uses convection technology to heat without a fan. It is permanently mounted to a wall. It is a safe choice for a child's room because it remains cool to the touch and does not tip over.
Typical Space Heater Features
While the source of the heat may vary, most space heaters have similarities when it comes to features.
- Thermostat. This is the most important feature to consider. A thermostat allows you to adjust the level of heat you desire. Adjustable thermostats regulate heat, but don't maintain a set temperature. Space heaters with an adjustable thermostat generally have knobs with low to high settings. Programmable thermostats are convenient for maintaining a room's temperature. The heater will cycle on and off as needed to maintain the selected temperature.
- Programmable timer. If you want your heater to turn on or turn off at specific times, this is a necessity. This features is excellent for its convenience and energy-saving ability. The space heater is only running when you need it.
- Remote control. This feature allows you to turn the unit on and off from anywhere in the room. Advanced remotes also allow you to adjust the settings.
- Oscillation. The space heater moves from left to right to distribute heat.
- Energy-saving mode. This setting allows the user to choose an operating mode that consumes less power.
Brand Names in Space Heaters
Holmes is by far the most well-known brand taking up 40% of the market. DeLonghi is a popular brand for ceramic and oil-filled models. Holmes and Honeywell heaters are available at most mass marketers and are primarily ceramic and fan-forced models. Lasko offers tower and pedestal styles and are readily available at home stores. Pelonis space heaters are available at specialty and smaller retailers. Envi and EcoPure are the names to know for wall-mounted ceramic heaters. They can be purchased online.
Space Heater Shopping Tips
- Safety is paramount, so choose a space heater that has a tip over switch and overheat switch.
- Consider one that has cool touch housing to prevent burns. Ceramic Space Heaters offer this feature.
- If appearance is important, consider a low profile model like the Baseboard Space Heater. The wall-mounted heater is also discreet. Both of these models make little to no noise.
- For a bathroom where you may only need temporary heat, consider an electric space heater with a fan to distribute warm air more quickly in a confined space. Keep in mind, fans tend to be noisier.
- If you will be moving the heater around, choose one with a handle for easy carrying. Some models have wheels for easy portability.
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