| "Space heater" is a term used to describe basically | | | | heating the room quicker and more evenly, especially |
| any type of heater used to warm a defined space. | | | | if the fan oscillates. Noisy fans are perhaps the |
| The variety of types can be confusing when trying | | | | biggest downside to ceramic heaters. |
| to determine which to buy for a particular application. | | | | Panel Heaters warm a room by convection also, but |
| This article will describe in basic terms some of the | | | | silently, since they do not use fans. They warm |
| many types of electric heater, and some advantages | | | | faster than oil-filled heaters. Some can even be wall |
| and disadvantages of each. | | | | mounted, saving floor space. Oil-filled heaters are also |
| Several types of electric space heater are available | | | | silent, and are styled like old radiators. The 'fins' |
| today, but they fall into two basic categories: radiant | | | | increase the surface area exposed to air, which helps |
| and convective. Basically, radiant heaters work like | | | | them warm efficiently. They are usually sealed, so |
| the sun. They send heat to objects, such as people, | | | | there is no need to refill them. Oil filled heaters also |
| but don't heat the air. Objects between the radiant | | | | work by convection, but slower than either ceramic |
| heat source and a person will greatly reduce their | | | | or panel heaters, since the liquid must warm up first. |
| effectiveness (this is why it's cooler in the shade!). | | | | But the liquid doesn't lose its heat very fast, so unlike |
| Distance is also a problem, since the warming effects | | | | other heaters, they continue to give off warmth |
| diminish as distance increases. Radiant heaters warm | | | | even when they cycle off. Therefore they efficiently |
| things quickly, but probably are not as good for | | | | provide steady warmth. Newer models also do not |
| prolonged regular use or whole-room heating. | | | | get as hot to the touch as older radiators, so the risk |
| In contrast, convection heaters warm the air around | | | | of burns or fires is not as great. |
| them. Warmed air rises and pushes cooler air down, | | | | Regardless of type, most modern heaters are |
| setting up a circulation and bringing cooler air down to | | | | thermostatically controlled, functioning much like the |
| the heater to be warmed. These heaters provide | | | | thermostat on a central system. Set the desired |
| more stable and widespread warmth and are better | | | | temperature, and the unit warms the air to that |
| for ongoing use. Many older convection heaters used | | | | temperature, then cycles off. When the temperature |
| metal coils that got very hot, creating a potential fire | | | | gets a few degrees lower, it cycles on again. Users |
| hazard and prompting warnings about putting them | | | | need to be willing to adjust to comfort, because the |
| near anything flammable. It's still a good idea to follow | | | | thermostat is located on the unit where the air is |
| recommended safety precautions, but most recent | | | | likely to be warmest. Other common safety features |
| models are much less risky. Modern ceramic heaters | | | | include tipover switches, which automatically cut the |
| use a ceramic element to warm aluminum elements, | | | | unit off if it is tipped, overheat protection, and |
| which warm the air. These don't get nearly as hot, | | | | auto-timer shutoffs. Common to all electric heaters is |
| and the covers on many models stay cool to the | | | | that they should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, |
| touch. Most ceramic models also propel warmed air | | | | avoiding the fire risk associated with extension cords. |
| into the room with a fan, improving circulation and | | | | |