Erin Lynn asked:
Space Heaters are used when main heating system is inadequate or central heating is too costly to install or operate. Space heaters are self-contained, free-standing air heating appliance intended for installation in the space being heated and not intended for duct connection. If you only want to heat one room or supplement inadequate heating in one room, space heaters are less expensive. They can also boost the temperature of rooms used by people who are sensitive to cold without overheating your entire home. Electric space heaters are the only unvented space heaters that are safe to operate inside of your home. They also avoid indoor air quality concerns.
Most space heaters rely on convection heating which is the circulation of air in a room. The best convection space heaters incorporate a heat transfer liquid, such as oil, heated by an electric element. Heat transfer fluid provides some heat storage, allowing the heater to cycle less and to provide a more constant heat source. Radiant heating is also used in space heaters. These heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats up objects and people that are within their line of sight. Radiant space heaters are the most efficient choice when you will only be in a room for a few hours and can stay in the light of sight of the heater. These heaters avoid the energy needed to heat the entire room by directly heating the occupant of the room and the occupant’s immediate surroundings.
Space heaters are great, but they carry hazards of potential burns and fires, and should be used with caution. 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. In light of this fact, there are a few safety precautions to note when purchasing a space heater:
-Only purchase newer model space heaters that have all of the current safety features such as a tip-over safety switch that automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is tipped over, indicator lights that let users know that the heater is plugged in or turned on and infrared or proximity sensors that turn the heater off when objects come too close or when children and pets are near. These safety features prevent burn injuries and the risk of ignition of combustible materials.
-Choose thermostatically controlled heaters because they avoid the energy waste of overheating a room.
-Select a properly sized heater for the room you wish to heat. Make sure the heater is not oversized.
-Always put the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic and keep away from children and pets. Also, never use the heater in a wet or moist place such as a bathroom unless it is specifically certified for that purpose.
-Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Make sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet as well. Do not hide the cords underneath rugs or carpeting. If an extension cord is absolutely necessary, use a heavy duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger.
-Broken heaters should be immediately checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center.
Space Heaters are used when main heating system is inadequate or central heating is too costly to install or operate. Space heaters are self-contained, free-standing air heating appliance intended for installation in the space being heated and not intended for duct connection. If you only want to heat one room or supplement inadequate heating in one room, space heaters are less expensive. They can also boost the temperature of rooms used by people who are sensitive to cold without overheating your entire home. Electric space heaters are the only unvented space heaters that are safe to operate inside of your home. They also avoid indoor air quality concerns.
Most space heaters rely on convection heating which is the circulation of air in a room. The best convection space heaters incorporate a heat transfer liquid, such as oil, heated by an electric element. Heat transfer fluid provides some heat storage, allowing the heater to cycle less and to provide a more constant heat source. Radiant heating is also used in space heaters. These heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats up objects and people that are within their line of sight. Radiant space heaters are the most efficient choice when you will only be in a room for a few hours and can stay in the light of sight of the heater. These heaters avoid the energy needed to heat the entire room by directly heating the occupant of the room and the occupant’s immediate surroundings.
Space heaters are great, but they carry hazards of potential burns and fires, and should be used with caution. 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. In light of this fact, there are a few safety precautions to note when purchasing a space heater:
-Only purchase newer model space heaters that have all of the current safety features such as a tip-over safety switch that automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is tipped over, indicator lights that let users know that the heater is plugged in or turned on and infrared or proximity sensors that turn the heater off when objects come too close or when children and pets are near. These safety features prevent burn injuries and the risk of ignition of combustible materials.
-Choose thermostatically controlled heaters because they avoid the energy waste of overheating a room.
-Select a properly sized heater for the room you wish to heat. Make sure the heater is not oversized.
-Always put the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic and keep away from children and pets. Also, never use the heater in a wet or moist place such as a bathroom unless it is specifically certified for that purpose.
-Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Make sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet as well. Do not hide the cords underneath rugs or carpeting. If an extension cord is absolutely necessary, use a heavy duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger.
-Broken heaters should be immediately checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center.