About Space Heaters

Oil and propane prices are very high and many people are turning to space heaters as an alternative or to aid in home heating.  When shopping for a new space heater, there are many choices and things to consider. The first thing you want to think about is the safety of your family. You need to determine what the right space heater for your environment and needs are. If you have young children, you may need to find a wall mount variety to keep danger out of reach. Maybe even consider an infrared heater instead.  It is important to have a smoke detector in every room and keep the batteries fresh. Carbon monoxide detectors are also a life saver. Space heaters can be completely safe if you remove the element of human error. Keep your heaters a safe distance from everything flammable. 

The initial investment price is reasonable when for space heaters, and you can buy a small one for as little as $20. The prices of fuel will fluctuate, and that will often determine which type of space heater you want to use.  It is often helpful to have more than one kind of space heater, because your situation may vary depending on the weather. Electric Heaters provide instant heat through electric coils. They work well in smaller enclosed areas. To save money on electricity, you may want to consider purchasing oil an filled radiant space heater. They are cheaper to run than the standard coil electric space heater because they are filled with oil. The heat is not as instant as with a regular electric heater, but they do make a cheaper alternative when you are trying to save money on heating your home. They are also safer to use around children and are less likely to start a fire.

Ceramic space heaters are known for their portable size and they use less electricity than a regular electric space heater. Natural Gas or LP gas Heaters are good for larger areas and require no venting.  Some models can be hung on the wall and some brands have a built in carbon monoxide detector. Wood burning heaters are making a comeback. The biggest issue is that they require a chimney. They are efficient, since wood is usually pretty easy to come by. Also during a power outage, they become invaluable.

Kerosene heaters are capable of heating larger areas than electric heaters. They need adequate venting. They are best used in garages, but some people do use them inside. It is important to keep fresh air circulating around to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. With kerosene, you will have to go out regularly to refill your cans.  If you are buying kerosene you should be aware that some kerosene heaters also require electricity to run the blower and will not help you in the event of a power outage. With Kerosene ventilation is important. Shopping for space heaters online is the most convenient way to compare prices on different types of space heaters.