Space Heaters

Space heaters and household heating

Whenever the math is done on household expenditure, the cost of heating inevitably clocks up a big number. Finding the right mix involves thinking about not only which system to choose at the get-go, but also about what the ongoing fuel bill will look like. For a targeted, cost-effective solution, many people turn to use of space heaters. Here’s a look at some key considerations.

Central heating or space heaters?

The big picture choice is this: central heating or space heaters? Central heating includes systems designed to regulate temperature throughout the home – involving temperature control systems, use of thermostats and automatic settings. Space heaters on the other hand are separate installations, fittings and units which warm up specific spaces and rooms. These too can have a degree of thermostatic/automatic control.

Sometimes we get no say in the matter. If you are renting and there is pre-fitted central heating, for example, then you’re unlikely to make a shift to space heaters. However, if you are in a position to choose for a new or existing home to choose, then considerations will include things such as overall house size, insulation, ventilation and the number of rooms that need to be warmed. How often and for how long will people be in those rooms in the colder months? How quickly do you want them to warm up? In crunching these numbers, you may well settle on use of space heaters as the cheaper and more targeted approach.

Feeling the heat: convection units

The familiar style of space heater for many people will be those that warm the air around them directly or via some type of panel, plate or element. As the air warms, so do objects in the room – and that means people too! The technical name for these is convection heaters.

Gas convection heaters work well if there’s plenty of ventilation. What’s more, they have no wires to worry about as a tripping hazard and they have the portability factor. That means they’re great for balconies and patios. The downside is the ventilation issue. Without proper attention to this (check with the sales outlet), there’s the potential for a dangerous carbon dioxide build up.

The alternatives are electric powered convection space heaters – some of which are boosted by an attached fan unit. Electric units hit the mark faster, but bring their own safety issues in the form of very hot surfaces and cables which present that tripping hazard, if not tucked away. Then there are the safety issues you get with any electrical device, such as short circuiting causing fires. Again, it’s important to think this through as a purchasing, installation and operating consideration.

Coming right at you: radiative units

Radiative space heaters don’t waste any time with heating the whole environment – they are the point-and-go option! The heat transfers directly to people, and objects, in the room. They work through a process that produces significant temperature in an element and then, via a system of reflection, sends out harmless but warming infrared radiation directly towards people and things. The great advantage with these is that you’ll feel the warmth quickly after turning on.  They’re the tailor made solution in areas with less than perfect ventilation (think basements).

On the safety front, there is a slight risk of setting fire to nearby fabrics (think curtains) because of the great heat involved in the unit. So, as with pretty much all space heaters, careful positioning is essential. Talk to the retailer and review safety advisories if you have any doubts in this regard.

On that score, when choosing any space heater, go for one that has a UL label: that means it has been inspected by the watchdog Underwriters’ Laboratories.

Eye of the beholder

Finally do bear in mind that space heaters are built for function rather than looks, so you’re unlikely to find anything that will win a beauty prize! However, by working through the areas listed here as you evaluate your options, you will be able to find a space heater that fills your own warmth gap perfectly.