Top considerations when choosing a space heater

Are you in the market for a space heater? If so, here are a few things to consider before choosing which one to buy.

The type
There are two types of space heater that you can use to warm up your home or workspace. They are:

• Radiant heaters. These space heaters use radiant heat emitted from panels to warm up a room rather than fans. They’re extremely quiet but take longer to change the temperature in a large space.

• Convection heaters. These space heaters use a heating element and a fan to disperse warm air through the room. They can heat an area quickly, but allergy sufferers may not appreciate the dust and other allergens that circulate through the air.

The heating capacity
Make sure to choose a model that’s rated for the area you’re planning to use it in. A too-small heater won’t sufficiently heat the space, while one that’s too big and powerful will waste energy.

The style
Space heaters come in a number of different styles. Some common ones are:

• Compact heaters
• Baseboard heaters
• Floor heaters
• Wall heaters
• Mobile heaters

The right heater for you will depend on how and where you want to use it. A compact unit is ideal in a small office, a baseboard heater is well-suited for a drafty room and a mobile model with wheels is perfect for those who want a heater they can easily move from place to place.

No matter what type of space heater you choose, safety is a concern. Look for a unit that automatically switches off if it falls or overheats.