Heating / March 8, 2022

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Space Heater

A space heater is a good way to heat small areas within your home if you’re feeling a chill. You won’t have to use a central HVAC system that will heat the entire house. Space heaters plug right into the wall and can be used if it’s not quite cold enough to turn on your whole home heater. There are different types of space heaters. These include radiant, convection, and combination heaters. Below, you will find factors you should consider when choosing a space heater model.

1. Safety Features

Space heaters can lead to household fires, resulting in great losses of property and even lives. You should consider the safety features of a space heater essential. Technological advancements have led to new models with features that reduce fire risks at home. You should opt for a heater with overheat protection and a built-in thermostat.

These features allow you to choose your preferred temperature level. The system will detect internal overheat, which prompts an automatic shut-off. Some heaters also have tip-over safety switches. For instance, pets and toddlers may bump into the space heaters in the house, and it might tip over. The safety switch turns the system off automatically.

Burn incidences from contact with the exterior surface of a space heater are also another common occurrence. New space heater models with non-flammable and cool-to-touch exteriors are ideal for eliminating burn injuries. The models have a heat-resistant exterior surface that remains cool even when the heater is on for a long time.

2. Energy Efficiency

Most homeowners want to save energy in their households. You should compare the energy efficiency of different models before the selection. This consideration will help prevent an increase in your energy bills. Also, consider modern space heaters such as infrared space heaters with extra features that include:

• Adjustable thermostats
• Energy-efficient modes
• Low wattage
• Programmable timers

These features come in handy to minimize energy usage. You can implement the low energy setting for user comfort with adjustable thermostats. Low wattage space heaters consume less power.

Programmable timers will allow you to set a duration for which you need the space heater to operate. For example, you can set your timer for an hour before you go to bed. The heater will go off after the time elapses, thus warming your room and helping you save on your energy bill.

3. Size and Space Requirements

The area of your room determines the efficient heater specifications. The heater wattage rating determines the space your heater can cover. Be keen to avoid an oversized or undersized heater purchase. Besides the area, the space heater size also determines the energy consumption rate.

An oversize space heater consumes more energy which leads to an increase in energy bills. You need to purchase the correct space heater size and ensure it optimally covers your space to reduce your energy bills. You can consult a professional for clarification or use a space heater sizing chart.

Conclusion

You should also consider other factors when choosing a space heater, such as how often you need to use the heater. However, one vital thing is that you take caution when it comes to the location of your space heaters in the room. Keep them far away from flammable materials. When a space heater is not adequate to fulfill your home heating needs, contact Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar for professional HVAC system installations, or a tune up or diagnostic if you are having trouble with your existing heating or air conditioning system inside your home.