| Although energy efficiency often comes to mind | | | | poisoning. Propane heaters have the same risk, in |
| when considering heaters, there are many other | | | | addition to the fact that all gas heaters are |
| things to consider when choosing a heating device | | | | susceptible to gas leaks as well. Furthermore, |
| for the home. With the current improvements in | | | | temperature control is not an exact science with |
| technology, electric room heaters may be the | | | | these and the units themselves can be hot to the |
| best overall option compared to other heating | | | | touch, often encased in stainless steel. |
| systems. | | | | Electric room heaters used to be criticized for the |
| A geothermal heat pump is the prime example of | | | | glowing nichrome wire heating elements, but |
| an ecological heating system. It uses | | | | today they use infrared or ceramic heating |
| vapor-compression refrigeration cycle and a heat | | | | elements for safer warmth generation. Electric |
| pump stored in shallow ground. Since this system | | | | heating systems have also since been combined |
| needs to be stored underground and regular | | | | with electric fans for better distribution. They are |
| HVAC ducts are not sufficient for use with it, a | | | | now encased in cool-to-touch plastic or stainless |
| geothermal heat pump can be an expensive | | | | housings with child-safe air vents that keep |
| investment, especially in cases when it won't be | | | | children's fingers away from the fan blades. |
| used during the rest of the year. | | | | Others feature tip-over protection, and some |
| Natural ingredient heaters, such as gas devices or | | | | even run on low electricity and are equipped with |
| pellet stoves, are also ecological heating devices. | | | | accurate thermostats, timers and remote controls |
| However, these pose a risk of carbon monoxide | | | | to help them remain energy-efficient. |