Electric Space Heaters – My Thoughts
So fall is almost officially here. I know this site is usually focused on air conditioning, but given that we’re in heater season right now, I thought it would be appropriate to briefly talk about space heaters. Living in Southern California, it rarely gets low 60 degrees even in the winter but that doesn’t mean we don’t turn up the thermostat.
My home generally gets pretty chilly in the fall and winter, and I like using a portable space heater to stay warm in whatever bedroom I’m in.
When used safely and as a supplemental heat source, an electric space heater lets me keep a small area toasty without having to make the rest of my house feel like a sauna. Portable heaters come in a variety of sizes and fuel types, so choosing the right one generally boils down to the area you’re trying to heat and personal preference. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular space heater types:
Radiator Space Heaters
These are shaped like the traditional fixed kind and are filled with a type of oil that’s heated by electricity. Because oil retains heat well, these heaters are pretty energy-efficient. They actually give off warmth even after they’re switched off. Radiator heaters usually cover a small area, so they’re best for small bedrooms and personal spaces. I find that while they’re quiet and save energy, they don’t provide heat quick enough.
Quartz / Infrared / Radiant Heaters
These heaters use electromagnetic energy to heat objects and people rather than the air. They’re also pretty energy-efficient for this reason and because they don’t have fans, they’re relatively quiet. A lot of people tend to like these heaters because they literally heat up in seconds, but the glowing elements are a little off-putting, to be honest.
Fan Forced Space Heaters
These space heaters have built-in ventilators which blow air over heated metal coils. Although these are kind of noisy, they provide instant gratification. I have an inexpensive unit I purchased for less than $20 at Lowes and it’s still going strong. Because I’m a light sleeper, I definitely wouldn’t use this at night. The fan can get pretty annoying.