Today's Space Heaters: Safe and Eco-Friendly

Winter's on the way, so what do we do? We start thinking of ways to stay warm. We invest in warm

Some of us have central heating, a costly but effective way to stay warm, and some of us don't. In some cases, central heating isn't enough. Heating ducts don't spread heat evenly, and if there's an add-on it won't be warmed at all. So what's the answer? We invest in a space heater .

Space heaters heat rooms perfectly, acting as either a primary source of heat or a supplemental. Space heaters make great winter companions, providing enough warmth to create a comfortable living environment.

How do they work? Most space heaters are electric, simply plug them in and turn them on. The heating element spreads warmth evenly around the room.

So why are people reluctant to buy one? Online blogs suggest consumers worry space heaters are unsafe and expensive to operate. Numerous blogs express this concern.

Having read your blogs and considered the subject, I want to address your concerns. I've used space heaters myself, and I believe they are safe, effective, and eco-friendly.

Space heaters integrate numerous safety features into its design, provide enough heat to warm individual rooms and spaces and cost pennies to run. A built- in thermostat let's you adjust the temperature to meet the conditions of the room.

You can use a space heater to warm a nursery or bedroom. You can keep a basement significantly warmer this winter too. There's no reason not to use space heaters for extra comfort.

You might wonder what's changed. Space heaters today differ from those produced years ago. Manufacturers have worked hard to provide the consumer with safe heating options. And because we're concerned with energy efficiency, they're developing models that are cost effective.

Space Heaters: Positive Changes to Think About

Developed in the early 1900's by inventor W.L. Sheu, space heaters were primarily gas. This invention required ventilation and was used to deal with the freezing season. Space heaters have grown and changed since the 1900's.

In 1976, Charles-Emete Ouellet created the first space heater for homes. He collaborated with manufacturers to produce a design that was ideal for home use. This led to the development of the electric space heater, similar to the types we use today.

Space heaters were dangerous; they got hot and had to be watched all the time.

Today, space heaters are safe, functional, and economical, and with the development of electric space heaters came thermostats and the thermostat fuse.

Manufacturers incorporate safety features consumers feel comfortable with. Tip-over devises, automatic shut-off, and heat guards are preventative measures manufacturers include so the consumer feels secure purchasing and using the product. Yesterday's space heaters didn't offer these features, a change for the better, we all appreciate.

Clearly, space heaters have evolved into a great household accessory. Today, space heaters are 50-75% more efficient than they were five years ago. High efficiency equipment is favored by the consumer, so manufacturers are working hard to develop a product consumers will buy. They incorporate safety features, continually making it a safe and useful option.

>According to the Home Safety Council, "Space heaters, generators and other alternative heating solutions offer cost-effective ways to keep your family warm throughout the winter without heating the whole house, allowing you to lower your thermostat to reduce your energy bills."

Are Space Heaters Eco-Friendly?

Today every one's going green. Bloggers express the need to save money and keep energy costs low. We all want to conserve energy. Minimizing energy usage means saving money and it's good for the planet.

We already know the Home Safety Council supports the use of portable space heaters. They indicate they're eco-friendly.  I agree. Space heaters use very little energy. Most space heaters warm up to 150 sq. ft. of space, and require only a 1500 watt motor that's efficient.

For this reason, the space heater doesn't have to work hard to create a warm environment. And they allow you to heat spaces one room at a time. If your basement is the primary room in the house and your family spends most of their time there, then you would only need to heat that space.

Space heaters offer an adjustable thermostat to meet the conditions of the room too. A space heater will shut off when the desired room temperature is met. Moreover, space heaters offer heat settings to keep the heater from running continuously.

Space heaters are a great way to lower energy costs. They eliminate the need to run your primary heat source, whether it's a central heating unit or a wall furnace. Wall furnaces are expensive to operate and they don't provide enough heat to cover the distance either.

Using a space heater to stay warm is a better option. Electric space heaters don't waste energy.

Important Safety Features for Worry-Free Use

Another concern consumer's are blogging about is safety. New moms want to use some form of supplemental

Space heaters are completely safe. If used properly, following manufacturers guidelines, you can feel secure knowing it's a safe heating alternative.

Many products have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards. These features make operating space heater safe. Following manufacturer's instructions for use and placement, serious home injuries can be avoided.

The Home Safety Council and the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission are excellent resources for consumer safety and the space heater. They offer lists of ways to use space heaters safely.

Don't worry about using a space heater this winter. Simply follow safety guidelines for use and find one with all the elemental safety features.

I hope you find this information helpful, and that you have the resources you need to feel comfortable using a space heater this winter. When I bought my first space heater, I didn't know much about them, now I do, and I understand that used properly, space heaters offer a great way to stay warm.