Safety
Along with consistent performance and good value the heater should also combine safety. Check the features of the space heater. A safe one should automatically shut down the unit if the temperature rises to a dangerous level or if the heater tips or gets knocked over. Also a heater that has a protection over the heating coils reduces the temperature of the surface and thus making the space heater more fireproof.
Portability
Space heaters are convenient because you can move them from one place to another, so if you plan on moving around the unit a lot look for a lightweight model. For a safe grip the heater should have an insulated handle.
Temperature Control
It’s also an important feature, so you won’t have to turn the machine on or off so the room maintains the desired temperature. Also for saving energy units that have multiple output settings are good, so you can set the temperature at high, medium or low and achieve consistent heating.
Space heaters are a good way to reduce the energy bill for heating. Using a space heater for warming up an individual room, you won’t need to heat the whole house. They’re usually not very high priced. If you’re looking for an electric space heater, look for such labels as UL (Underwriters Laboratory), CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or ETL (Intertek). These labels verify that they were laboratory tested and that their performance and construction meet the U.S> safety standards.
Safety Advice
- Don’t leave the unit unattended if it’s plugged in and in operation
- Place the space heater on a flat surface and on a level where children and pets would be able to reach it. If you want to place the heater on a tabletop make sure that the manufacturer has specified it.
- Unless the manufacturer has specified that the space heater can be used outside or in the bathroom, don’t place it in wet or damp area. Moisture can damage the heater.
- Always keep a distance of about 3 feet between the space heater and any combustible objects like curtains, furniture or bedding.