{"id":5995,"date":"2023-11-21T10:51:42","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T18:51:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=5995"},"modified":"2023-12-22T08:47:53","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T16:47:53","slug":"your-guide-to-choosing-a-space-heater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/your-guide-to-choosing-a-space-heater\/","title":{"rendered":"Your guide to buying a space heater"},"content":{"rendered":"
large, glowing space heater in dark bedroom<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

While central heating systems play a role in maintaining a cozy atmosphere, they might not always provide the right amount of warmth you need in certain areas of your home.<\/p>\n

This is where space heaters step in \u2013 versatile devices that can offer targeted warmth and energy efficiency.<\/p>\n

With many options available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right heater for your space. Let\u2019s walk through some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a space heater.<\/p>\n\n

What kind of space heater do you need?<\/h2>\n

Before diving into the sea of space heater options, take a moment to think about your specific heating needs. Identify the rooms or areas in your home that require additional warmth.<\/p>\n

Are you aiming to heat a compact bedroom, a spacious living room, or perhaps your home office? By pinpointing the exact spaces you want to warm, you’ll set yourself up for success when deciding on a space heater.<\/p>\n

Some factors to consider:<\/p>\n

Heating capacity: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most space heaters provide their wattage information. As a general rule, you’ll need around 10 watts of heating power per square foot of space you intend to warm. For instance, if you’re looking to heat a 150-square-foot bedroom, a heater with approximately 1500 watts of power should suffice. Keep in mind that this primarily applies to supplemental heating. For larger rooms or spaces with poor insulation, you might need higher wattage to achieve your desired level of warmth.<\/p>\n

Heater size and portability:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Do you intend to move the heater around your home? If you do, look for compact and lightweight models. Some space heaters even come with built-in handles to make transport easy. If you’re aiming to heat just one room, a more stationary heater with wheels might be the ideal choice for easy positioning.<\/p>\n

Safety features: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Space heaters can pose risks if the heat source is left unattended or operated improperly. Modern space heaters come equipped with standard safety features that help minimize dangers. Look for ones that monitor conditions, proactively power down the heating element, and prevent contact with hot surfaces.<\/p>\n

Energy efficiency: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

More efficient heater models consume less electricity to produce the desired level of warmth. This saves money on energy bills and reduces the heater’s environmental footprint. Considering most space heaters are intended for temporary spot heating during colder months, they inherently use extra energy by the nature of their task. Maximizing efficiency ensures you aren’t wasting money and resources heating small zones.<\/p>\n

Budget: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

As with any purchase, you\u2019ll want to set a budget range. While higher-priced models may offer advanced features, there are plenty of cost-effective options that are effective at providing heat.<\/p>\n

Types of space heaters<\/h2>\n

There are various types of space heaters, and each kind offers distinct benefits. The main categories of space heaters include convection, radiant, and combination heaters. Here\u2019s a breakdown:<\/p>\n

Convection heaters<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n

These heaters function by warming the air within a room. They circulate the heated air, creating a consistent and even temperature throughout the space. Convection heaters are particularly well-suited for larger rooms that require a uniform temperature.<\/p>\n

Radiant heaters:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Radiant heaters operate by directly heating objects and people in their vicinity rather than the air itself. This results in almost instant warmth, making them ideal for fast spot heating. Radiant heaters are particularly useful in smaller spaces.<\/p>\n

Combination heaters:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

These heaters combine the features of both convection and radiant heaters. They use a fan to disperse heated air. Combination heaters strike a balance between rapid warmth and even distribution, making them suitable for various room sizes.<\/p>\n

Ceramic heaters: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

These use a ceramic heating element and a fan to distribute warm air. They may have different designs and fan settings to optimize warmth. They\u2019re best for spot-heating one room or area.<\/p>\n

Infrared heaters: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Infrared heaters use electric heating elements to emit infrared radiation which directly warms objects, not the air. They\u2019re ideal for focused warming in offices, workshops, or other stationary areas.<\/p>\n

Mica panel heaters: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

These heaters use mica panels as heating plates behind a protective grill. They\u2019re best for heating small bathrooms or adding directed warmth to any room.<\/p>\n

Oil-filled radiator heaters: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Oil-filled radiator heaters contain heating oil in an enclosed column. The oil heats up slowly and retains heat well after the unit is turned off. These are ideal for warming bedrooms and other living spaces.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Space heater safety and you<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t skip the safety features<\/h2>\n

Today’s space heaters offer a variety of convenience features and settings to enhance comfort, efficiency, and safety. Look for models with advanced features that allow the highest level of control and safety for your needs.<\/p>\n