How to Use a Space Heater Efficiently and Effectively

No matter how cold it is outside, you expect to feel all warm and cozy when you're inside your home. Whether your house is poorly insulated or you're just trying to keep energy costs down by not running your central heat to its limits, a space heater can be your greatest ally. They can keep the chill at bay and save you money on your home heating costs.

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However, using a space heater in the most efficient way is as much an art as it is a science.

How to Choose the Right Space Heater

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a space heater for your home. First, you'll want to be sure to get a space heater that's the right size for the space. Start by measuring the square footage of the room you want to heat. You'll want to choose a space heater that provides the appropriate wattage — roughly 10 watts per square foot.

There are different types of space heaters available, and each type has its own pros and cons. If you're looking for one that's very quiet but heats well, go for an oil-filled radiator heater. Infrared heaters are also very quiet, and they're typically used when you want to heat a specific area of a room. Quartz heaters are similar to infrared, but they use a bit less energy. If you plan to use the heater in different rooms, you may want to choose a ceramic heater for its lightweight and portability.

No matter which type you choose, there are certain features you should look for in a space heater:

• Automatic shut-off mechanisms turn the unit off automatically if it overheats.

• Tip-over protection adds to the unit's safety.

• Cool-to-the-touch exteriors are important, particularly if you have children or pets.

Space Heater Safety

How to use a space heater safely to keep your home warm should always be top-of-mind. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that, on average, there are 1,700 fires every year related to space heaters. Keep your space heater risks low by following these best practices:

• Avoid dangerous electrical setups by staying away from power strips and extension cords when using a space heater. Instead, plug the heater directly into an outlet.

• Never run a space heater when you're sleeping or not at home.

• Always place your space heater on a level surface away from foot traffic, especially if you have children or pets. Basically, try to maintain at least 3 feet of clear space around it when it's running.

• Avoid placing your space heater near flammable materials. For example, keep it away from things like curtains, furniture, bedding and paper products.

• Make sure to perform routine maintenance on each space heater you use. Check for things like frayed cords, physical damage or unusual sounds when it's running, and immediately replace it if any of these occur.

• Clean each unit regularly. Because most space heaters sit on the floor, they're prone to collect dust and debris that can pose fire safety risks.

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Tips for Using a Space Heater Efficiently

For those who live in areas that get very cold in the winter, space heaters can be a great addition to your home. To get the most out of them while keeping costs down, follow these basic strategies:

• If you're using an electric space heater, always use a dedicated outlet. If you have other things plugged into the same outlet as the heater, you risk shorting out the electricity throughout your entire home.

• When purchasing your space heater, choose one with a programmable timer. That way, you can have it turn on just before you wake up so the room is warm, and you won't risk having it run all night while you're sleeping.

• Though they do have their cons, ceramic or oil-filled space heaters deliver more consistent heat than other types. If your home is very old or drafty, these types of heaters might be the right choice for you.

• If your central heating unit uses oil, propane or natural gas, you can lower costs by turning the furnace's base temperature down a bit and adding space heaters to your home. That way, you're only fully heating the rooms you're actually using during the day.

• Keep your space heaters in great working condition by storing them in a cool, dry place when not in use.