An electric heater can be handy when you want a reliable space heater that can generate supplemental warmth in your home. Portable electric heaters can be convenient where central heat is unavailable, like in your garage and in certain rooms in your house. You want to make sure that you are getting a product that is energy efficient and long-lasting. Here are the things you should know before you buy an electric heater:
- Determine the size of your space – This can help determine the type of heater that is best for it. Convection heaters can heat an entire room, and radiant heaters provide spot heating quickly in small spaces. Some heaters are compact and micathermic, which provide widespread heat while enabling you to save space.
- Heating capacity – Determine the amount of space that the electric heater can cover. You can find this by checking the wattage rating. A conventional electric heater uses 10 watts to heat every square foot of space. Hence, 1,500 watts can cover an average sized room that is a maximum of 150 square feet. However, keep in mind that the heating capacity may be influenced by the quality of your indoor environment, the heating technology of the device, and application.
- Safety features – Electric heaters can be fire hazards if not properly set up or monitored. Hence, look for models with advanced safety features and surfaces that are cool to touch. Some heaters have an automatic shut-down feature when they are accidentally knocked down or tipped over. Look for an overheat protection feature, too, which automatically switches the heater off when it reaches temperatures that are too high.
- Energy efficiency – Energy efficient heaters can help reduce your heating costs and help the environment. Choose an electric heater that is appropriate for the size of your space to keep it efficient. Look for energy-saving features, programmable timers, and adjustable thermostats to reduce usage and for more economy.
