How to Choose a Small Heater
When temperatures start dropping, your mind turns to keeping your house and loved ones warm. With the rising gas prices and heating costs, many people are now looking for small heaters. These heaters keep a space such as your bedroom or bathroom warm, but don't require a huge gas bill every month. You just need to take your time before you choose a small heater. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Read the box carefully, looking for any mention of BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit. This indicates the amount of space the heater can effectively keep warm. You'll want a small heater, with a large number of BTUs.
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2
Look for small heaters that have a temperature range. You might think this is a requirement of heaters, but some smaller heaters only have a power switch and no adjustability. Heaters with a temperature gauge let you turn the heat lower or higher depending on the temperature in the room.
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3
Buy an oscillating heater, which has a stand attached to the bottom and slowly rotates, similar to a fan. Most heaters blow directly in front, which results in hot spots in the room. Oscillating heaters move the flow of heat to different areas in the room and help disperse the heat.
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4
Choose a small heater that comes with an automatic shut-off feature. These heaters are safer than those without a shut-off feature and work well if you plan on keeping the heater in your child's room. The heater automatically turns itself off after the room temperature reaches a certain level, or if you haven't touched it in a specific amount of time.
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Pick a small heater that uses reflective technology or halogen bulbs inside. These heaters use newer technologies and help keep energy costs down, because they require less energy to run and operate. These heaters work to heat the nearby objects or elements, rather than the room and feel less harsh on your skin.
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Tips & Warnings
Only buy heaters with safety features in place if you plan on using them around children. You'll find heaters that turn off if tipped over and heaters with guards in place that keep the outside or exterior of the heater from getting too hot, which protects little hands.
Always read the instructions before you place any heater in your home. Pay special attention to any warnings about the placement of the heater and make sure you remove any clutter from around the heater, to reduce the chances of fire.
