Portable heaters, also known as space heaters, are commonly used as a cost-efficient alternative to expensive central heating systems. In addition to that, they can also be used as supplement to units that provide inadequate heat and warmth. Ideally, they are best suited when boosting the temperature of rooms that are used by individuals who are quite sensitive to cold.
The capacity of these heaters can range from 10,000 to 40,000 btu (british thermal unit) per hour. They can be fueled by numerous sources including electricity, propane, kerosene or natural gas. The choice on what type of space heater to purchase will mostly depend on your personal preference and specific heating requirements. Although most space heaters use convection to heat a room, there are some that rely on radiant heating. A radiant heater is the best option if you only plan to stay in the room for a short period of time. Additionally, you have to remain within the line of sight of the heater to get the warmth that you need.
When purchasing one, safety should always be your top priority. Statistics showed that more than 25,000 residential fires each year are directly associated with the use of space heaters. And about 6,000 people received burn injuries related to accidental contact with the hot surface of room heaters. These facts only show that proper knowledge on the right use of space heaters is very important to prevent the likeliness of unprecedented accidents. To ensure this, you have to take note of the following safety guidelines:
- Buy a space heater that offer additional safety features.
- Opt for thermostatically controlled heaters to avoid overheating the room.
- Select a heater that is appropriate for the size of the room where you plan to integrate it.
- Place the heater on a leveled surface and away from high traffic areas.
- Find a technician who specialize in heater repair to address serious heater problems.
Therefore, if you do not have the budget to install a central heating system or you just intend to heat up a particular room in the house, then you should really consider the use of portable heaters!