With the winter months setting in, keeping the family warm is a top priority among homeowners. Whether you have poorly insulated walls, an unexplainable cold spot in the house, or just want to keep the bills relatively low, an electric space heater can solve all of these problems. With new technology and stringent regulations, space heaters are safer to use and can save you both money and energy.

The most popular home space heaters are radiant, convection, and combination heaters. 
Radiant heaters are used to heat  people instead of spaces, a radiant heater might be a good choice for open spaces. A convection heater uses airflow to heat the air in the room. This type of heater works well in rooms that can be closed off. If you are going to be working in your home office all day, this is a better alternative to heating the entire house. Combination heaters use both radiant and convection heating techniques. Meaning, they can heat people and the air around them.

Safety Measures

Even with advanced technology, taking safety precautions with your space heater is always a smart consumer choice. By starting fires, stinging the hands of curious children or singeing the fur of an unsuspecting feline friend; its easy to see why these portable heaters have somewhat of a negative stigma. You can avoid these problems with a few guidelines.


Before Purchase

1. Consider the space. Know what you want your heater to do and how often you want to use it. This will help you decide if you want a radiant heater, convection, or combination and what capacity you will need to consider.
   
2. Read reviews! Consumersearch.com is an excellent source for quality reviews, and will give you the pros, cons, and pricing of each product.
   
3. Choose a heater with a thermostat for greater control of heat.
4. Choose a heater without an exposed grill, this way if a child or pet does happen to touch it accidentally, they will not be harmed.
5. Look for a tip over safety mechanism. This switch ensures that if the heater does topple over, it will automatically shut down. Newer models will have this important safety feature.
6. Purchase a newer model with an Underwriter's Laboratory Label.
   

After Purchase

1. Keep the heater away from combustables like draperies, clothing, etc.
2. Do not use an extension cord for your heater, the high wattage of the appliance can start a fire. 
3. Run your cord away from foot traffic.
4. Turn off your heater when you leave the room or house.

Of course, a portable heater should never REPLACE a heating system or stand up against proper insulation. They are specifically designed for supplemental value. Just be sure to use your space heater appropriately and you'll enjoy a cozy, affordable, and worry free winter.