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Step 1
Choose between a radiant heater and a convection heater. Radiant heaters focus the heat they produce onto one area--preferably the person who is cold, while convection heaters are designed to heat entire rooms. For the most efficient type of convection heater, an oil-filled or water-filled heater is the one to buy.
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Step 2
Decide if you want a heater with or without a fan. An electric space heater with a fan will circulate the heated air around the room faster, and some fans even pivot to further speed up the process. The downside to fans is that they may be noisy or produce drafts. The best electric space heater will not only have a fan and pivot, but also let you turn these options on and off.
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Step 3
Ask yourself if you want an electric space heater with a thermostat. While having a thermostat is now almost standard with space heaters, consider how important it is for you to have one.
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Step 4
Consider what safety features you want included. Most heaters shut off if they overheat or are accidentally tipped over, and some even advertise that they shut off if something such as a blanket falls over the heater. If given the choice between an electric space heater with a ceramic core or one with coils, the heater with a ceramic core is usually safer due to its larger, cooler surface.
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Step 5
Decide on how many wattage settings you want. Heaters range from a setting for low heat and low electrical consumption to high heat and high electrical consumption. A specific heater may allow for one to three settings or more along this range.
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Step 6
Ask yourself if you want a timer. The best electric space heaters give you complete control over when they come on and when they shut off.
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Step 7
Read reviews. An excellent site to get started reading reviews is consumersearch.com (link to the space heaters section can be found in the resources below). Another great site full of reviews is Amazon.com (link in resources). Just drop by and type "electric space heater" into the search box and browse the listings to find the best electric space heater for you.
















Comments
goldiec said
on 10/2/2009 Thanks for the great tips on choosing the best Electric Space Heater! I try to save money by using space heaters. 5*
sonni57 said
on 3/29/2009 Nicely done article on choosing the best space heater. I use space heaters because I live in a cold cold house.
Elander said
on 1/21/2009 Good information.
amberdawn said
on 1/17/2009 Thanks, my boyfriend really thinks I need an electric space heater. I didn't realize ceramic ones were safer. 5*
wordstock said
on 1/10/2009 Any help on this is appreciated! Thanks