What to do when you want a little extra heat while you sleep or watch TV, but don’t want to turn up the thermostat? Or, how about when you feel like using your 3-season room in the 4th season but there’s no central heat?
Simple: you use a space heater. When used properly, they can help provide a safe and efficient supply of heat in areas that don’t have any, or don’t have enough.
Still, before you hand over your credit card, here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice.
Safety Features
- Look for UL label which ensures that the unit has been tested and meets national safety standards.
- Only buy a space heater with an automatic tip-over switch. Should the unit accidentally get knocked over, it will turn off to prevent a fire.
- Some types of electric space heaters are prone to over-heating, especially if they’re too small for the space. Select one with a programmable thermostat and an over-heat switch.
Energy Efficiency
- Certain models use less energy than others. For example, while combination (convection/radiant) heaters offer quick heating and good air circulation, they use more electricity to operate than convection or radiant heaters alone.
- One size does not fit all. Make sure the space heater you choose is sized for the space.
Other Factors to Consider
- If you’re looking to warm a bedroom or office, you may not care about the design of a space heater. But for the living or family room, you might want a low-profile model.
- Some space heaters are still pretty noisy. So, think about where and when you plan to use it and, if possible, listen to a floor model before taking it home.
If, on the other hand, you’re planning to use a space heater to compensate for the poor performance of your furnace, contact us today for expert problem diagnosis and repair. Or, maybe all it needs is a thorough cleaning. Either way, count on Optimum Air, the company that services and repairs all makes and models.