How to buy a Electric Space Heater

Buy an Electric Space Heater

As energy prices continue to rise, many people are choosing to purchase electric space heaters to help them stay warm while also cutting energy costs. There are many space heater models on the market, and figuring out which is the best for you can be confusing. Following is a quick guide to help you buy an electric space heater.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide what you want to Spend

   Form a budget for your purchase. Space heaters can cost less than $50 and can go up to well over $100 or more. In the case of electric space heaters, more doesn't necessarily mean better, so don't jump to the conclusion that you'll have to buy the most expensive model on the market.

2. Decide what size space heater you will need. You will need to know the size of the room that you are planning to heat with your space heater. To do this, you will want to multiply length x width X height to calculate the volume of your room. Next, multiply 2, 3, or 4 - depending on how much insulation that you have in your walls. If you walls are well-insulated, multiply by 2, decent insulation - multiply by 3, and for a room that is poorly insulated - multiply by 4. For example, a room that is 10' X 12' with 8' ceilings has a volume of 960. Let's say the insulation is average, so we multiply by 3, giving us a total number of 2880. You will need a heater with about 2,880 BTU's. Most electric heaters put out about 5100 BTU's, or 1,500 watts - so this would be more than sufficient for the needs in our sample room.

3. Pay very close attention to the safety features available on each space heater, since many home fires are caused by them each year. This is especially important if you have children or pets. The most important safety features is a tip-over safety switch, which will turn your heater off it it is tipped over. Some heathers also have a sensor that will automatically turn off the heater if the grille is touched.

4. Look for an electric space heater that has temperature controls. The best heaters will have multiple output settings. This will allow you to keep your heater on a lower setting so you can save energy and still keep your room warm.

5. Look for an Energy Star Rating

   Look for a space heater with an energy star rating. This will tell you how much electricity it uses each year, which will be very helpful in choosing a model that is energy efficient.

6. Look for a UL Rating

   Make sure that the space heater you are considering purchasing has a UL ta attached to it. UL stands for Underwriter's Laboratories. You want a space heater that has been approved by them.

7. If you are looking at heaters in a store, plug them in to see how well they put out heat before making a final selection.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow the instructions for use exactly when using an electric space heater.

• Never use your space heater to dry clothes.

• Turn off your heater when you are not home.

• Do not set your space heater close to curtains, beds, or other linens or flammable materials.