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Since the oil crisis of the 1970s, many
households have begun installing lower-cost space heaters to
supplement their existing heating systems in order to
conserve energy. 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. A normal space heater will heat an
insulated area of up to 150 square feet. Space heaters are
also great for boosting the temperature of rooms without overheating
the entire home or office.
Although some space heaters use natural gas or propane, electric
space heaters are usually the most common. They're also safer
because they're less expensive and there's no danger of carbon
monoxide poisoning.
In order to heat an area, most modern electric space heaters utilize
ceramic heating elements. This allows for the even distribution of
heat with the near elimination of the chance of fires or burns.
Modern portable electric space heaters 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 space heaters
rely on convection, or the circulation of air in a room to provide
heat, but 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're 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.
When it comes to convection, or non-radiant type heaters, some of
the best types incorporate the use of oil which is warmed by the
heating element in the heating unit. This heated oil provides some
heat storage, allows the heater to cycle less, and provides a more
constant heat source. Furthermore, these types of space heaters are
popular because they're relatively quiet when compared to heaters
that utilize fans.
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.
See Portable Space Heaters >>
Heater Guide Main Page >>
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