Top 10 best Heaters & Heater Accessories products

A Comprehensive Guide to Heaters: Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

Using space heaters is a convenient method to heat a single room without adjusting the thermostat for the entire household. These compact, movable heaters can be positioned in nearly any part of the house where there are no flammable materials.

Given the diverse array of choices in the market, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the various types, features, and considerations involved in selecting a heater. This comprehensive guide will delve into the different heater types, outlining their pros and cons, and offer advice on choosing the most suitable heater based on your specific requirements.

Types of Heaters

Convection Heaters

Convection heaters operate by heating the air in a room, creating a natural circulation of warm air. This type of heater is ideal for larger spaces, providing consistent and even heating. Some popular variations of convection heaters include oil-filled radiators, ceramic heaters, and baseboard heaters. Oil-filled radiators are known for their long-lasting warmth, while ceramic heaters offer quick heating capabilities. Baseboard heaters are discreet and fit along the base of walls, ensuring efficient heating without taking up valuable floor space.

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters work by emitting infrared radiation, directly warming objects and people in their path rather than the surrounding air. They are quick to warm up and are suitable for smaller areas or for providing targeted warmth. Radiant space heaters and radiant ceiling panels are common examples of this type. Radiant heaters are energy-efficient as they focus on heating specific areas, making them a cost-effective choice for heating individual rooms or personal spaces.

Fan Heaters

Fan heaters utilize an electric element to warm the air, and a fan helps distribute the heated air throughout the room. These heaters are often compact and portable, making them suitable for smaller spaces or spot heating. However, one drawback is that they can be a bit noisy due to the fan's operation. Fan heaters are versatile and convenient, allowing users to adjust settings to maintain a comfortable temperature in their immediate vicinity.

Halogen Heaters

Halogen heaters employ halogen bulbs to produce heat quickly, providing instant warmth. Known for their energy efficiency, halogen heaters offer a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized rooms. These heaters are compact, making them easy to move and store when not in use. Halogen heaters are suitable for individuals who prioritize quick heating and energy conservation.

Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters use electromagnetic radiation to heat objects directly, offering a comfortable and energy-efficient heating solution. While commonly used in outdoor spaces, there are also indoor infrared heaters available. Infrared heaters are known for their ability to heat specific objects without wasting energy on heating the surrounding air. They are an excellent choice for targeted heating in both residential and commercial settings.

Things to Consider When Buying a Space Heater

Heating Capacity

When searching for a space heater, it's crucial to consider the space you intend to heat. While determining the wattage for primary heating based on square footage is straightforward (10 watts per 1 sq. ft.), calculating supplemental heating requires a more intricate approach. Here are the steps:

• Identify the Desired Temperature Rise: Determine the difference between the current and desired temperatures. For example, if the room is at 65 degrees and you want it to be 75 degrees, the Temperature Rise is 10 degrees.
• Measure the Space Volume: Instead of square footage, consider cubic footage (Length x Width x Height). For a 12 x 12 room with an 8 ft. ceiling, the calculation is 12 x 12 x 8 = 1,152 cu. ft.
• Calculate BTUs Required for Temperature Increase: It takes 0.24 BTUs to raise 1 cu. ft. of air by 1 degree. For a 10-degree temperature rise in our example, multiply the cubic feet by 0.24 and the temperature rise (1,152 x 0.24 x 10 = 2,765 BTUs).
• Convert BTUs to Watts: Divide BTUs by 3.41 to get the required watts. In this case, 2,765 ÷ 3.41 = 811 Watts. Look for a space heater with at least 811 watts to effectively meet your heating needs and warm up the room.

Energy-Efficiency

Preserving energy is not only environmentally friendly but also contributes to maintaining lower heating costs. While portable electric heaters currently lack a standardized efficiency rating like the EER ratings found in portable AC systems, calculating heater operating costs is straightforward. Simply multiply the watts per hour (specified in the product's specifications) divided by 1,000 by your local provider's cost per kilowatt-hour. Determine the number of hours you plan to use the heater each day to calculate the daily cost.

To prevent a significant increase in your electric bills, it's essential to note that most space heaters are designed to offer supplementary, not primary, heat, except for baseboard/cove heaters and large wall heaters. Select a model that suits your environment and space size, and consider a heater with a lower amperage draw.

Specialized features play a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency. These features may include energy-saving modes, adjustable thermostats, low wattage/amps, and programmable timers that help minimize power usage and contribute to economical operation.

Safety Features

Ensuring the secure positioning and proper functioning of space heaters is crucial. Therefore, carefully review the owner's manual, paying close attention to safety instructions regarding the placement of power cords and ensuring unrestricted airflow. To minimize the potential fire hazard, many manufacturers incorporate internal switches in their electric heaters. These switches automatically shut off the heater if excessive heat levels are detected (overheat protection) or if the heater is tipped or knocked over. Additionally, some models feature cool-to-the-touch surfaces and OSHA-compliant grilles as additional safety measures.

Noise Level

Similar to numerous electrical devices, several portable heaters generate noise while in use. Opt for non-fan-forced models like baseboard heaters or freestanding convection heaters for quiet operation in serene settings such as your bedroom or office. Notably, Cadet wall and baseboard heaters excel in providing comprehensive room heating with minimal noise disruption. Radiant space heaters also function effectively as noiseless heating solutions for bedrooms and offices.

Cost

The cost of each type of space heater varies depending on the chosen brand and heat output. Convection heaters typically range from approximately $40 to $200, while many models of radiant space heaters are priced below $100. Combination heater options often fall within the $60 to $120 range. However, similar to many common household appliances, various types of space heaters can carry price tags of $400-$500 when purchased from high-end brands.

As most consumers tend to buy space heaters in late fall or early winter when the weather cools down, it is advisable to plan ahead. Consider looking for your preferred heater on sale during the spring or summer to prepare for colder temperatures later in the year. Additionally, some heaters may be available at discounted prices during Black Friday sales as retailers gear up for the annual surge in demand during the winter season.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate heater requires taking into account your individual heating requirements, the dimensions of the area, and the features that hold the greatest significance for you. Whether you choose a convection heater, radiant heater, fan heater, halogen heater, or infrared heater, gaining knowledge about the distinct types and their attributes will empower you to make a well-informed choice. Consider factors such as energy efficiency, safety features, portability, and noise level to guarantee that the selected heater delivers effective and comfortable warmth for your living or working environment.