| Choosing a space heater can be a difficult task, | | | | necessary electrical outlets and lack of weather |
| especially since there are so many options. Space | | | | guards. Propane and natural gas heaters are ideal for |
| heaters can be very helpful in reducing gas and | | | | outdoor use because of their large size and ability to |
| electricity bills by heating a specific space. In general, | | | | withstand a variety of weather conditions. Gas |
| safety should be your main concern. To help ensure | | | | models are generally less expensive to operate than |
| safety, do your best to choose a heater that is | | | | electric models. |
| sufficient to heat your space, without being too | | | | 4. Thermostat. Temperature control is very |
| powerful. I will give you some suggestions to | | | | important, especially in enclosed spaces. If you are |
| consider when purchasing a space heater to help | | | | going to spend the money for a new space heater, |
| make the process a little easier. | | | | find reviews to ensure the thermostat works |
| 1. Safety. Always read the packaging or product | | | | properly. Heaters without thermostats must be |
| specs to ensure the heater has been properly tested | | | | turned on and off at desired or undesired |
| and meets recognized safety standards. Also, many | | | | temperatures, are often considered less safe than |
| heaters will be equipped with certain features to | | | | models with thermostats, and are more expensive to |
| make them as safe as possible. Electric heaters often | | | | operate than heaters with thermostats. |
| have safety guards to keep the heating element | | | | 5. Area. To determine the necessary heating output |
| away from bystanders. Also, features such as an | | | | to properly heat a specific area, find the area of the |
| automatic shut off switch when the heater tips over | | | | space (square footage times ceiling height), multiply |
| and proximity sensors are available. Gas or kerosene | | | | the area by 2, 3, or 4 depending on the insulation in |
| heaters often have oxygen sensors and will shut off | | | | the space (4 is poor insulation, 2 is good insulation). |
| if the space is not properly ventilated. | | | | The number output you come up with will be a rough |
| 2. Type of Heating. There are four main types of | | | | estimate of the BTU you need to heat your space. |
| heaters available, radiant, forced air, convection, and | | | | Heaters all have a BTU rating, or British Thermal Unit |
| radiators. Radiant heaters and radiators are best for | | | | rating, which refers to the amount of heat it takes |
| heating smaller areas such as a bedroom or work | | | | to heat one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. |
| area. Convection and forced air heaters are better | | | | These suggestions should help you in your initial |
| for medium to large sized rooms, but are often very | | | | search for a space heater. Remember, there are |
| noisy. | | | | heaters designed for almost any purpose, from |
| 3. Power Source. There isn't one power source that | | | | Garage and Agriculture heaters, to Patio and Tent |
| is superior to another, however, there is probably an | | | | heaters. If you have any other suggestions of things |
| option that fits your needs best. For indoor use, | | | | to consider while purchasing a space heater, leave a |
| electric heaters are the best choice because of the | | | | comment below! |