| In terms of energy efficiency, space heaters are | | | | room or area much faster, as heat is easily |
| great for adding supplemental heat when the main | | | | directed to the space being heated in a precise |
| heating source is inadequate or when central | | | | beam. Lastly, consider the use of an oil-filled |
| heating may be too costly to install or to operate. | | | | radiator heater. Like electric space heaters, oil-filled |
| In fact, the use of a space heater may even be | | | | heaters are ideal when your central heating |
| less expensive to operate if it is only used to | | | | system is not sufficient. These are safe, silent, |
| heat a small room or area, or to boost the | | | | and energy efficient because they automatically |
| temperature of rooms used by individuals | | | | maintain optimal room temperature. |
| sensitive to cold. In addition, space heaters do not | | | | Therefore, with all of the above heating choices |
| lose any energy through ducts or combustion, so | | | | available, you can still save money on your |
| they are considered to be almost 100% efficient. | | | | energy bill and keep your home or living space |
| Almost all of the warmth generated by a space | | | | comfortable. For additional money savings, follow |
| heater will radiate into a room. | | | | these tips as well: |
| For industrial areas such as warehouses and | | | | 1. Choose a heater with a timer or that is |
| workspaces, fueled heaters such as kerosene and | | | | thermostatically controlled. These heaters can |
| propane heaters are great because they use little | | | | avoid the energy waste of overheating a room. |
| to no electricity. However, these cannot be used | | | | 2. Purchase a heater of the proper size for the |
| in areas without adequate ventilation, and they | | | | room or area you wish to heat. Do not choose an |
| can carry some safety risks. | | | | oversized heater, and pay attention to watts. |
| For home use, electric space heaters are more | | | | With a 10/1 ratio of watts to square feet heated, |
| suitable. Most electric space heaters use | | | | a 1500 watt space heater (120 volts) will heat an |
| convection to heat a room. When used as a | | | | insulated area of 150 square feet, and a garage |
| supplemental heat source in combination with an | | | | heater rated at 5,000 watts should heat an area |
| existing central heating system, portable electric | | | | over 400 square feet. |
| space heaters can be very affordable. As well, | | | | 3. Try not to leave your space heater on the high |
| some electric heaters also rely on radiant heating, | | | | setting, and turn the heater off when you are |
| meaning they emit infrared heat in the same way | | | | away. Space heaters can consume large amounts |
| the sun warms the earth. Only the objects | | | | of energy if left on continuously. |
| around the heater are warmed, and for this | | | | 4. Keep your doors and windows closed in order |
| reason, the use of these heaters can be very | | | | to minimize heat loss and for optimal heating |
| energy efficient, as an infrared heater immediately | | | | effectiveness. Frequent switching a heater on and |
| transfers heat to occupants and not the entire | | | | off and adjusting the thermostat will also increase |
| room or area. These heaters can also heat up a | | | | energy usage. |