Looking to warm up just one room in the house?
Try a space heater to keep enclosed spaces toasty all winter long.
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images
A space heater is a gear used for heating rooms and enclosed spaces.
Credit:Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images
It can be used indoors or outside, but most require an outlet nearby as an energy source.
Most space heaters are electric, but some outdoor models use natural gas or propane.
They come in various sizes and shapes.
Credit:Michael Partenio
When used correctly, space heaters can be a safe, cost-effective way tokeep rooms warm during cold months.
Types of Space Heaters
1.
Oil-Filled Radiator Heaters
These heaters are filled with oil and have metal fins to radiate the heat.
They are often called radiator heaters because they look like traditional radiators found in older houses.
They must be plugged into an electrical energy source for the oil to be heated inside the rig.
You dont need to replace the oil at any time.
Another pro is that they’re quiet, unlike fan-based space heaters.
Also, because the oil is flammable, theres always the danger of the machine catching fire.
Pros:Ceramic heaters are lightweight and very portable, making them perfect for a person on the move.
The cost of ceramic space heaters may vary depending on the size, voltage, and wattage.
They are compact but quickly and evenly heat up a space.
They can last a very long time before breaking and are a very cost-effective purchase.
Cons:Ceramic heaters often dry out the air,making a room feel stuffy.
Infrared Heaters
These energy-efficient space heaters use infrared rays to heat the room.
These kinds of heaters are often found in outdoor restaurants.
Because they emit an orange color, they also offer ambient light.
Pros:They are very quiet and best used to target specific areas in a room.
However, the moment it goes off, youll also feel the loss of heat.
Quartz Space Heaters
A quartz space heater produces heat from infrared light, which is invisible to the eye.
Quartz and infrared heaters are similar.
They both use electricity.
Pros: In comparison to a ceramic heater, quartz uses less energy.
Pros:They can be wall-mounted or freestanding, and some work at high altitudes.
These work well in insulated spaces.
Cons:Propane space heaters come with the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
To stay safe, check that your carbon monoxide detector is working.
Every year, more than 25,000 house fires are associated with space heaters.
Before you buy, read up on the specifications of any model you’re considering.
Beyond the manufacturer instructions, verify there are no flammable materials present.
Michael Partenio
What is the best space heater for a large room?
For large rooms, infrared panels are ideal because they quickly warm the whole space.
Since infrared heating warms within sight lines, you might want something else if your space has many compartments.
Which space heater is safest?
If used properly, they are all safe.
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using a space heater.
They need to be placed on a dry, level surface, away from flammable materials.
Keep them away from curtains, fabrics, or flammable items.
While many space heaters now have tip-protection devices and other shut-off mechanisms, they should never be left unattended.
What should I know before buying a space heater?
With so many styles and sizes of space heaters, it can be confusing to choose the right one.
Space heaters with a higher wattage will use more energy and have the ability to produce more heat.
Bigger is better for large rooms.
Smaller, low-wattage models are better for smaller rooms.
Check the space heater’s specs to be informed.
