Choosing the Best Space Heater
By understanding the various types of heaters on the market, you can choose the right heater for your space. This guide will help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Types of Space Heaters
- What to Look for When Purchasing a House Heater
- Home Heater Safety Checklist
- Conclusion
Types of Space Heaters
Portable Electric Space Heaters
Personal Heaters
- Small and portable
- Ideal for quickly heating specific areas of the home
- Typically have wire-resistance coils or ceramic elements
- May include blowers or oscillating features
- Safe, reliable, and energy efficient
Larger Electric Heaters
- Designed to warm entire rooms
- Often filled with oil to hold and radiate heat for longer periods
- More energy-efficient for heating large areas
- Quiet operation makes them ideal for bedrooms and other spaces for relaxation
Baseboard Heaters
- Mounted along a baseboard and hardwired into the electrical system
- Use resistance coils to provide efficient heating
- Controlled with onboard thermostats or wired to a wall thermostat
Wall Heaters
- Installed on interior walls
- Provide supplemental heat in various room sizes
- Can be used in bathrooms and larger spaces like basements and family rooms
- Controlled by onboard or wall-mounted thermostats
Gas Heaters
- Use natural gas or propane
- Available as freestanding units, wall-mounted heaters, or vent-free models
- Fuel type depends on availability in your area
Each type of space heater has its advantages and is suitable for different environments and heating needs. Understanding the various types will help you choose the best heater for your specific situation.
What to Look for When Purchasing a House Heater
When purchasing a heater, consider the following factors.
Square Footage and Wattage
If you are looking for an electric space heater, select a properly sized unit by following this chart:
| 75 sq. ft. (7.5 x 10 feet) | 750 watts |
| 100 sq. ft. (10 x 10 feet) | 1000 watts |
| 125 sq. ft. (11 x 11 feet) | 1250 watts |
| 150 sq. ft. (15 x 10 feet) | 1500 watts |
| 200 sq. ft. (20 x 10 feet) | 2000 watts |
| 250 sq. ft. (25 x 10 feet) | 2500 watts |
| 300 sq. ft. (15 x 20 feet) | 3000 watts |
| 350 sq. ft. (35 x 10 feet) | 3500 watts |
| 400 sq. ft. (20 x 20 feet) | 4000 watts |
Variable Settings
Variable settings allow you to adjust your heater’s heat output and energy consumption.These settings are useful for conserving energy in small spaces or warmer climates where only minimal heating is required to make a room comfortable.
Timers and Remote Controls
Many space heaters are equipped with built-in timers or are operable by remote control. Models with these features will be more expensive but also more convenient and precise.
Fans and Oscillation
Heaters with built in fans or oscillating capabilities can evenly distribute heat over a large area, increasing their efficiency and utility.
Portability
While not as powerful as their larger counterparts, portable heaters enable you to heat specific areas as needed.
Built-In Safety Features
When choosing a heater for your home, choose one with the following safety features to ensure safe operation:
- Overheat Protection Switch: This feature shuts the unit down automatically if internal components reach an unsafe temperature.
- Tip-Over Protection Switch: Units with this feature automatically turn off if they tip over.
- Cool-to-the-Touch: These special heat-resistant exteriors prevent burn injuries.
If you are unsure if the heater you're considering includes these features, start by checking if the heater is certified by a recognized testing laboratory like UL Solutions, ETL, or CSA.
Home Heater Safety Checklist
Ensure you are heating your home safely by following this checklist:
- Make sure the heater is standing on a hard, level, nonflammable surface
- Do whatever necessary to dissuade children or pets from approaching the heater
- Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials like:
- Furniture
- Bedding
- Curtains
- Paint
- Gasoline
- Matches
- Turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to bed
- Unplug the heater when it’s not being used
- Don’t plug other devices into same outlet as the heater
- Make sure there is a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and in every bedroom
- Never use space heaters in bathrooms because they could easily become wet
Conclusion
Choosing the right heater involves considering various factors, including heater type, technology, and safety features. By understanding these elements, you can select a heater that meets your needs and ensures a warm and comfortable environment.
For more information or heater maintenance tips, contact Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating & Plumbing at (928) 767-8905. Our experts are ready to help you find the best heater for your home.
