Choosing Electric Space Heater

What is a Space Heater

Space heaters are different to other forms of heating as they heat a specific piece of space, for instance a single room. This is different to central heating that heats an entire house and gives background heat. While, of course, central heating can also be described as heating space (and indeed it could be argued that every heater heats space of some description), the term 'space heater' is used to describe this particular form of heater.

A space heater is typically a portable device that can be used to bring additional warmth to a room. For instance it might be used to bring warmth into a room housing a sick or immobile person, or simply to take the chill off a room during a particularly cold day.

Features of an Electric Space Heater

An electric space heater is a popular choice due to a number of reasons:

• It does not need to be vented and does not produce the fumes or emissions of other fuel heaters such as wood, gas and paraffin.
• An electric space heater is silent to run and can be used in a bedroom.
• Modern electric space heaters have energy saving features built in, including thermostats and timers which can save money over time.
• Modern heaters may also be fitted with safety devices, for instance a tip over - cut out switch. This will switch the heater off if it gets knocked or tipped over. This can help to avoid fires and injuries.
• Electric space heaters can be plugged directly into any electric socket and do not require special wiring or fitting.

Tips for Choosing Electric Space Heaters

Choosing an electric heater wisely will help ensure that it operates to its optimum performance, offering warmth and heat where required in an energy efficient manner.

• Size – one of the most important requirements when choosing electric space heaters is picking the right size for the room. A heater that is too big or too small will run inefficiently. This might mean that the heater over heats a room or needs to be constantly run on a high setting because it is not powerful enough.

Most heaters are sold with a guidance indicating the amount of space that it will heat. This offers the ideal way to check that the right heater is being purchased. The retailer will be able to offer more information about the size of heater required.

• Features- there are many different optional features that are available. These add to the price of the heater, but also offer more safety and efficiency features.

• Portability – some space heaters can be fastened to a wall in a similar manner to a normal radiator. These can be useful for rooms with small children or busy hallways in a house. Other heaters are extremely portable, however these may be knocked over which can cause fire and other hazards.

• Efficiency – many heaters have energy efficient features. These can be a good option as they can help save money as well as important earth resources. These are also typically the most modern of devices and generally offer good safety features.

Safely Using an Electric Space Heater

Electric space heaters can be one of the most safe and efficient forms of complementary heating as long as some simple commonsense steps are taken:

• Plug heaters directly into a socket and do not use extension leads.
• Ensure that the heater is in a safe place and not likely to be knocked over.
• Do not place heaters too close to someone, however tempting this may seem. One of the most common causes of injury in the house is burns caused by a space heater.
• Consider replacing old heaters. These will be inefficient to run and may not have thermostats meaning that they may overheat.
• Place the heater away from curtains and drapes. Do not cover the heater with clothes or other materials.

For more information about the health and safety aspects of running a space heater take a look at the CPSC.gov website.

Electric space heaters can be a good option and bring some much needed warmth where required.