How To Buy A Small Space Heater That Fits Your Needs
Sam Streubel
For a variety of reasons, consumers are often disappointed by
the performance of their newly acquired small space heater.
It's easy to avoid the disappointment of purchasing the wrong
space heater and get the comfort you deserve if you answer the
following questions before you start shopping.
How Many People Do You want to Make Comfortable?
This might sound obvious, but there is a multitude of small
space heaters designed for different purposes.
If you are the only person requiring additional heat, a radiant
heater will be more effective than a convection heater. Radiant
heaters warm people and objects first. When you turn on a
radiant heater you will feel instant, focused warmth.
A convection heater works by warming the air, which in turn
eventually warms you. Most convection heaters take 20 minutes
or more to heat an average sized room. However, in a room
occupied by 3 or 4 people at that same time, like a family
room, a convection heater provides even heat enjoyable by all.
How Much Space Are You Heating?
Since most space heaters max out at 1500 watts (5120 BTUs),
they won't heat much more than 150 square feet. The results you
get from any space heater will vary according to room ceiling
height and the quality of a home's insulation.
A drafty room with 8 foot ceilings will not reach the same
degree of comfort as a room with 7 foot ceilings in a well
insulated home using the same heater.
If you're interested in heating your office cubicle or
bathroom, a small ceramic heater will provide plenty of warmth.
For under the desk heat, a low wattage radiant heat panel will
keep your lower extremities comfortably warm.
Another interesting use for under the desk radiant heat panels
is hanging them on, or near, a bird cage to keep your feathered
friends warm.
Do Have Children or Pets?
Space heater safety takes on added significance when you have
inquisitive toddlers and/or nosy pets running around.
15 years ago, an oil filled heater was my first choice. I never
had any problems with this type of heater or how my kids
interacted with it. Today you can purchase micathermic flat
panel and ceramic space heaters that can be hung on the wall,
away from little hands and cold noses.
Does Anyone in Your Family Have Allergies or Respiratory
Problems?
If this is the case, you should be aware that fan assisted
heaters tend to stir up dust and allergens. You can get around
this problem by purchasing a micathermic or oil filled heater.
Quartz infrared and radiant heaters without a fan will also
eliminate this problem.
Space Heater Safety
Take time to read the manufacture's safety instructions. If you
must use an extension cord, or your computer is plugged into the
same circuit as your small space heater, use a power strip/surge
protector.
Place your space heater on a level surface away from
combustibles and don't use it to dry clothes. Don't leave your
small space heater running if you're not at home. If you want
your space heated room to be comfortable when you get home from
work, buy a space heater with a programmable thermostat.
Purchase only the models with tip over (automatic off) switches
and over heat protection.
About The Author: For specific small heater recommendations
please read "Sam's Guide to Small Space Heaters" at
http://www.Alternative-Heating-Info.com
See Also:
Index of All
Info on Home: Heating & Air Conditioning
Search our site for any Home, Lawn or Garden Info
