If you’re looking for a efficient, safe, and versatile way to heat a room or outdoor space, portable heaters are a fantastic choice. However, it can be a bit difficult to figure out which heater is right for you when there are hundreds of available options.
By taking a quick look at the benefits of the various heater styles on the market, we can help to narrow the field a bit.
Simply by asking yourself four questions, we can help you determine which heater is the best fit for your room, patio, or workspace:
- What fuel source is the best fit for your space?
- What is the size of the area you’re heating (in square feet)?
- Radiant or convection heat?
- Do you need any special features or safety options?
Picking the Right Fuel Source
Our first decision will narrow the field drastically — Will you be purchasing an electric heater or gas-fueled heater (such as propane, natural gas, or kerosene)? Electric heaters are usually the best choice for heating a smaller indoor room. Electric heaters will obviously require an electric outlet, which limits some of their outdoor applications. However, you won’t need to worry about dangerous carbon monoxide exhausts with electric heaters.
On the other hand, if you are heating a larger, ventilated room or outdoor area, gas-fueled heaters may be the best option. They typically give off more heat than electric heaters, and are usually much more efficient.
Square Footage Concerns
When heating bedrooms, bathrooms, and other smaller indoor spaces, electric heaters are typically the best choice. However, larger rooms will often require the power of gas-fueled heaters. Need to know what size of heater to buy? Simply multiply the size of the room in square feet by 5. The answer you get is the BTU rating you should look for when purchasing a heater.
Convection or Radiant Heat?
Usually you’ll find heaters in two different heat styles: convection and radiant. Radiant heat is the more direct heating method. Instead of heating the air surround the unit, radiant heat warms objects with direct waves of energy. Conversely, convection heaters use heating coils and powered fans to warm and circulate the air in the room.
Radiant heaters provide heat more quickly because you aren’t waiting for the entire room to warm, but they can be blocked by objects in the room. If heating a room with an unusual layout or lots of furniture, you’ll likely want to buy a convection heater. Since convection warms air, you’ll want to use radiant heaters for outdoor spaces.
Safety Features
As you may expect, safety is a top concern when purchasing portable heaters. Be certain to purchase a heater that features an auto shut-off mechanism when tipped over. Some gas heaters feature carbon monoxide detectors that will shut off the heater if the exhaust gas reaches a dangerous level.
Be sure you read and follow safety instructions included with your heater, regardless of the style of heater you purchase. Also, you may want to check your home-owner’s policy or renter’s insurance. It’s best to do a bit of research, as some policies provide exemptions for portable heaters.