See Our Electric Space Heaters Below

The term "space heater" usually refers to a small heater that is either portable or wall-mounted. Space heaters usually provide warmth to a space (usually enclosed) such as a room or home, and they keep the air and surroundings at a comfortable temperature when the main heating system is inadequate, or when central heating is too expensive to operate or install. Unlike central heating systems which warm many connected spaces at once, space heaters generally warm a small area. In situations where only one room is to be warmed or when supplemental heating is needed, space heaters can be very cost-effective.

Generally, a normal space heater will heat an insulated area of up to 150 square feet. They are also great for boosting the temperature of frequently occupied rooms without overheating the the rest of a home or office. Although some space heaters use natural gas or propane, electric space heaters are usually the most common because they are safer and there is no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. In order to heat an area, most modern electric space heaters utilize ceramic heating elements and are fan-forced. This allows the even distribution of heat by circulating the air in the room faster. Modern portable electric space heaters also now include safety features such as tip over safety switches or thermal cutoff switches in order to decrease the risk of fire hazard.

A large number of electric heaters also rely on convection, or the circulation of air in a room to provide heat these take longer to heat a room but they are silent. Some rely on radiant heating, which refers to the emitting of infrared radiation that directly heats objects or people within their line of sight. Radiant heaters can also be very cost effective if you are going to be in a room for a few hours, as they only heat the occupant and the occupant's immediate surroundings, as opposed to the entire area. Regardless of whether you choose an infrared heater, a gas heater, or a 240 volt electric heater, a space heater can add warmth to just about anywhere and will provide instant comfort.