Warm Up Any Room With A Space Heater
As the cold weather rolls in, you may find certain rooms in your home feeling chillier than others. Rather than cranking up the central heating and paying higher energy bills, a space heater can be an efficient way to add supplemental warmth exactly where you need it. Let's look at how space heaters work and the key factors to consider when choosing one.
How Space Heaters Work
Space heaters are compact electric appliances designed to heat up small spaces. They come in a variety of types:
- Radiant or infrared heaters emit heat from a glowing ceramic surface that warms up people and objects in the room.
- Convection heaters use a fan to circulate warm air around the room.
- Ceramic heaters use ceramic heating elements to radiate and convect heat.
Most space heaters have adjustable thermostats and settings to control the amount of heat produced. This allows you to customize the temperature for comfort and efficiency.
Types of Space Heaters
Some popular types of space heaters include:
- Electric convection heaters - These use electric heating elements and a fan to distribute heat. They can heat an area quickly.
- Ceramic heaters - Ceramic plates or coils retain and emit heat. These are energy efficient and heat up fast.
- Radiant or infrared heaters - These emit heat directly onto people and objects using radiant energy, like the sun. Good for targeted heating.
- Oil-filled radiator heaters - These are filled with thermal oil that heats up when electricity flows through it. They provide steady, even heating.
Safety Tips
While very useful, space heaters also require some safety precautions:
- Place on a level, nonflammable surface away from water sources.
- Keep at least 3 feet clearance from combustible materials like curtains or furniture.
- Plug directly into the wall and avoid overloading circuits.
- Don't leave unattended or sleep with them on.
- Check for a tip-over switch that shuts off power if knocked over.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
Using a space heater to warm just the room you're using rather than the whole house can help lower energy consumption. A 1500 watt space heater running for 8 hours uses about 5 cents of electricity per hour. This can provide significant savings compared to central heating. Just be sure to turn off the space heater when leaving a room.
Top Brands and Models
Some top-rated space heater brands and models include:
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Lasko | Lasko 755320 Ceramic Heater |
| De'Longhi | De'Longhi HMP1500 Panel Heater |
| Vornado | Vornado MVH Vortex Heater |
Be sure to read reviews and product descriptions to find the right space heater for your needs and space.
Choosing the Right Space Heater
Consider the heating capacity, size of room, and safety features when selecting a model. Space heaters can provide convenient, affordable warmth when chosen and used properly.
How Space Heaters Work
Space heaters are a practical way to warm up a small area without having to turn up the thermostat for your whole house. But how exactly do these compact appliances heat up a room so quickly and efficiently? Here's an overview of space heater operation and technology.
Basic Space Heater Operation
All electric space heaters work by converting electricity into heat. They have heating elements inside that warm up when electric current passes through them. A fan then blows across the hot heating elements and circulates warmed air into the room.
Types of Space Heater Technology
There are a few main types of heating elements used in space heaters:
- Ceramic or metal coils - These wire coils heat up rapidly when electricity flows through.
- Ceramic plates or tubes - Solid ceramic materials emit infrared radiation when electrically heated.
- Oil or glycol fluid - Oil is electrically heated and passively radiated or circulated by a fan.
Radiant vs Convection Heating
Radiant space heaters emit infrared radiation directly from hot ceramic surfaces or coils. The people and objects in the room absorb the infrared energy. Ceramic and radiant coil heaters use radiant heating.
Convection heaters use a fan to circulate air warmed by contact with hot electric coils or ceramic plates. Oil-filled and fan-forced ceramic heaters use convection.
Efficiency and Safety Features
Some key features that affect the efficiency and safety of space heaters include:
- Adjustable thermostats - Allow custom temperature control.
- Timer settings - Can automatically turn off after a set time for safety.
- Tip-over switches - Shut off power if accidentally knocked over.
- Overheat protection - Prevent dangerous overheating.
Sizing and Placement
It's important to choose a space heater with the appropriate heating capacity for the size of your room. Placing the unit near cold spots and allowing proper air circulation improves heating effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer guidelines for clearance from walls and furnishings.
Understanding the inner workings of space heaters helps ensure you choose a model that efficiently and safely provides the supplemental zone heating you need.
Types of Space Heaters
Space heaters come in a variety of types, sizes, and heating capacities to fit different room layouts and heating needs. Here is an overview of some of the most common space heater types and their distinguishing features.
Ceramic Space Heaters
Ceramic space heaters use a ceramic heating element and electric fan to produce heat. Models include:
- Fan-forced - A fan blows air over the ceramic plates to heat the room via convection.
- Radiant - The exposed ceramic plates emit infrared radiation to directly heat people and objects.
Benefits of ceramic space heaters include quick heating, adjustable thermostats, and lower surface temperatures compared to exposed heating coils.
Radiant/Infrared Space Heaters
Radiant or infrared space heaters use glowing hot wires or ceramic coils to emit electromagnetic radiation that heats up occupants and objects, like the sun. Advantages include:
- Instant radiant heat without preheating an area.
- Energy efficient - Doesn't heat up excess air.
- Effective at heating drafty areas.
Oil-Filled Radiator Heaters
Oil-filled radiator heaters use electric heating elements submerged in oil to gently warm a room. Key features:
- Heats up gradually and retains heat well after shut off.
- Silent operation.
- Stays cool to the touch for safety.
Their downside is slower initial heating compared to other types.
Micathermic Space Heaters
Micathermic heaters use a thin mica panel that oscillates to radiate and convect heat. Benefits include:
- Thin profile.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Adjustable thermostats.
- Quiet operation.
When choosing a space heater, consider your heating needs, room size, budget, and safety concerns. Understanding the different technologies helps ensure you select the right model for your requirements.
Efficiency and Cost Savings with Space Heaters
One of the main benefits of using a space heater is the potential for greater efficiency and lower heating costs compared to heating your entire house. Here are some tips for maximizing energy savings with a space heater.
Zone Heating
Only heating the specific room you are using, known as zone heating, can significantly reduce energy usage compared to central heating. For example:
- Heating a 150 sq ft office with a 1500W space heater for 8 hours uses around 5 kWh.
- Heating an entire 2000 sq ft home to the same temperature would use over 30 kWh.
Look for Energy Efficient Models
Choose a properly sized, ENERGY STAR rated space heater model. Features like automatic timers, thermostats, and eco modes maximize efficiency.
Strategic Placement
Locate your space heater close to where you spend time and away from drafts to optimize heating. Avoid obstruction by furniture or curtains.
Lower Thermostat Settings
Keep your central heating thermostat lowered significantly when using a space heater to cut down on furnace usage.
Turn Off When Not in Use
Always turn your space heater off when leaving a room or going to sleep. Wasting heat energy in an unused space negates efficiency benefits.
Compare Operating Costs
| Heater Type | Typical Power | Est. Hourly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic heater | 1500W | Around 5 cents/hour |
| Oil-filled radiator | 1300W | Around 4 cents/hour |
At national average electricity rates, operating a typical space heater for 8 hours per day can cost under $1 per day to run.
Added Comfort and Savings
Using an energy efficient space heater to supplement your central heating can pay for itself in utility bill savings while keeping you cozy!
Top Space Heater Brands and Models
When choosing a space heater, going with a top brand can help ensure you get a quality, safe, and reliable unit. Here are some of the leading space heater manufacturers and their popular models.
Lasko
Lasko is one of the best-selling space heater brands, known for affordable and thoughtfully designed models. Some top options include:
- Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater - Features adjustable thermostat, widespread oscillation, and overheat protection.
- Lasko 5409 Ceramic Portable Heater - Compact unit with carrying handle and cool-touch exterior.
- Lasko 5586 Digital Ceramic Tower Heater - Has digital display, remote control, and programmable timer.
De'Longhi
From oil-filled radiators to ceramic and micathermic heaters, De'Longhi is a leader in home heating. Popular picks:
- De'Longhi TRD40615E Oil Filled Radiator - Provides steady, uniform warmth ideal for bedrooms.
- De'Longhi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater - Thin profile and adjustable thermostat on a sleek unit.
- De'Longhi Dragon4 Quartz Heater - Quickly heats with energy-saving Eco Function.
Vornado
Known for their unique vortex circulation, Vornado heaters evenly distribute warm air. Top models:
- Vornado MVH Vortex Heater - Has two heat settings and tip-over safety shut off.
- Vornado AVH2 Plus Auto Heater - Automatically maintains set temperature in the room.
- Vornado EH1-0097-06 AVH10 Vortex Heater - 10 year warranty and advanced safety features.
Choosing from these highly-rated brands can give you confidence in finding an efficient, durable, and safe space heater tailored to your needs.
Choosing the Right Space Heater for Your Needs
With the wide variety of space heater options on the market, it’s important to select the right model for your specific needs. Follow this guide to identify the ideal heater for any space.
Determine the Room Size
Consider the square footage and layout of the room you want to heat. A larger room will require a more powerful heater. For example:
- 100-250 sq ft - Low wattage like 400-750W.
- 250-400 sq ft - Medium wattage like 750-1500W.
- 400+ sq ft - High wattage above 1500W.
Consider the Type of Heat
Radiant, convection, and fan-forced heaters all work differently. Assess your needs:
- Radiant - Best for spot heating and drafty areas.
- Convection - Effective for heating an entire room.
- Fan-forced - Rapid widespread heating suitable for larger rooms.
Safety Features
Look for essential safety features like tip-over switches, overheat protection, cool-touch exteriors, and automatic shutoff.
Efficiency Rating
Choose an ENERGY STAR certified heater with thermostats and timers. This optimizes energy efficiency.
Placement Options
If you need a portable heater, select a compact model with a handle and wheels. For a fixed installation, ensure proper clearance from walls.
Special Needs
Consider convenient add-ons like remote controls, oscillation, and humidifiers to customize your heating experience.
Taking the time to evaluate your space and heating requirements will ensure you select the perfect space heater to keep you comfortably warm this winter.
How Amazon Prime Benefits Regular Space Heater Buyers
For those who frequently purchase space heaters, an Amazon Prime membership can provide significant benefits and convenience. Here's an overview of how Amazon Prime can improve the shopping experience for regular space heater customers.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the main perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. This means you can get new space heaters delivered right to your door quickly and without paying shipping fees.
Having to unexpectedly replace an old or faulty space heater is inconvenient, especially during cold weather. With Prime's fast shipping, you can have a replacement in just two days.
In-Depth Reviews
The comprehensive customer reviews on Amazon provide valuable insight into real-world performance of different space heater models. This helps make informed purchasing decisions.
As a regular space heater buyer, you can leverage these reviews to identify the highest rated and most recommended models among thousands of options.
Frequent Discounts
Amazon Prime members get special exclusive discounts and deals on select items, including space heaters. This makes it more affordable to purchase multiple heaters for different rooms or to replace older models.
The extra savings from Prime-exclusive deals can really add up over time for habitual space heater shoppers.
Easy Returns
Amazon accepts free and easy returns within 30 days on most purchases. This is very convenient if a particular space heater doesn't meet your needs or performance expectations.
Being able to easily return and exchange items provides peace of mind for frequent shoppers buying products like space heaters online.
Overall, the benefits of faster shipping, helpful reviews, special deals, and easy returns make Amazon Prime a great value for regular space heater buyers.
How To Choose The Right Space Heater For Your Home?
Choosing the right space heater for your home can be a daunting task, but considering a few key factors can help you make the right decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the right space heater for your needs:
- Determine the size of the space you want to heat. This will help you choose the right size and type of space heater for your needs.
- Consider the type of space heater that will best suit your needs. Radiant heaters are best for quickly heating small areas, while convection heaters are better for heating entire rooms. Combination heaters are a good choice if you want a heater that can stand up to everyday use and abuse.
- Check the heater's specifications to ensure it can efficiently and safely heat your space. Most heaters use between 600 and 1,500 watts of power per hour, and the larger the wattage, the more heat it produces (and the more power it uses) .
- Look for safety features such as automatic shut-off, tip-over protection, and overheat protection.
- Consider the noise level of the heater, especially if you plan to use it in a bedroom or other quiet space.
- Check the heater's energy efficiency rating to ensure it won't drive up your utility bills.
- Finally, read reviews and do your research to find a high-quality space heater that fits your budget and meets your needs.
What Are The Safety Features To Look For In A Space Heater?
When choosing a space heater, it is important to consider the safety features that will help prevent fires and other hazards. Here are some safety features to look for when choosing a space heater:
- Tip-over switch: This feature shuts off the heater if it is knocked over.
- Overheat protection: This feature automatically shuts off the heater if it gets too hot.
- Cool-touch housing: This feature ensures that the exterior of the heater stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns.
- Automatic shut-off: This feature turns off the heater after a certain amount of time, reducing the risk of overheating.
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI): This feature shuts off the heater if it comes into contact with water, reducing the risk of electrical shock.
In addition to these safety features, it is important to keep the heater at least three feet away from anything flammable, such as curtains, rugs, beds, and clothes. It is also important to place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface, and to establish a three-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater. Finally, be sure to choose a space heater with a safety certification label from a respected independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Intertek, or CSA Group.
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How To Properly Maintain A Space Heater For Optimal Safety?
Proper maintenance of a space heater is crucial to ensure optimal safety. Here are some tips to help you maintain your space heater:
- Keep the heater clean and free of dust and debris. Dust and debris can accumulate on the heating element and cause a fire hazard.
- Inspect the heater regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cords or damaged plugs. If you notice any damage, stop using the heater immediately and have it repaired or replaced.
- Check the heater's safety features, such as the tip-over switch and overheat protection, to ensure they are working properly.
- Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything flammable, such as curtains, rugs, beds, and clothes.
- Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface, and establish a three-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater.
- Turn off the heater when you leave the room or go to bed, and unplug it when it's not in use.
- Finally, read the manufacturer's instructions and warning labels carefully to ensure safe operation.
