The cost-saving advantages of space heaters

Posted by Guest Blogger on January 30, 2012

Portable heaters can come in handy for a variety of situations and can save you money on your overall heating costs. There are situations where you may only need to heat a small area, and using a small space heater can be less expensive than turning up the thermostat on your whole-house heating system. Space heaters can also be used to raise the temperature of rooms used by individuals who are sensitive to cold, without the added expense of over-heating the rest of your home.

Most space heaters use convection heating (circulating air in a room) to warm up a room. However, some rely on radiant heating. This type of heat is created by emitting infrared radiation that directly heats up objects and people that are within a certain range of the heater. Radiant heaters are a more efficient choice when you will be in a room for only a few hours, if you can remain within the heater’s “line of sight” as they directly heat the room’s occupants and the occupants’ immediate surroundings.

Because they do not present indoor air quality concerns like combustion space heaters, electric space heaters are typically the safest option for indoor space heating needs. The best types of convection space heaters incorporate a heat transfer liquid, such as oil, that is heated by the electric element. The heat transfer fluid stores heat, allowing the heater to cycle less, providing a more constant heat source.

Wright-Hennepin stocks and sells a variety of electric space heaters.

When buying and installing an electric space heater, you should follow these general safety guidelines:

• Electric heaters should be plugged into wall outlets directly. If you absolutely need to use an extension cord, make sure it is a heavy-duty cord that utilizes 14-guage wire or larger.
  
• For portable electric heaters, buy a unit with a safety switch that will automatically shut off the heater if the unit is tipped over.

Space heaters are incredibly convenient, but if you choose to use one, be sure to use it safely. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space heaters. When buying and installing a small space heater, follow these guidelines:

• Only purchase newer models that have all of the current safety features. Make sure the heater has the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label attached to it.
• Choose a thermostatically controlled heater. These heaters avoid wasting energy as they will only heat a room to the temperature you specify.
• Select a heater of the proper size for the room you wish to heat. Most heaters come with a general sizing table.
• Place the heater on a level surface away from high traffic areas in your home. Be especially careful to keep children and pets away from the heater.