As the temperatures begin to drop, it's time to start thinking about the moment you'll need to fire up your furnace. Between scheduling yearly equipment inspection and preparing for the monthly bill increases that come along with use, however, getting ready to turn the heat on can quickly become a hassle. Before you jump the gun prematurely, consider a space heater. These little devices are great for adding a little bit of extra warmth to rooms and make for an economical way to get toasty without having to crank up your central heating. Though they aren't meant to be a replacement for your main heating source in the dead of winter, when used smartly, the best space heaters can prove to be an extremely energy-efficient heating solution to drafty chills.
Are space heaters budget friendly?
Space heaters can warm up a room or a space quickly and efficiently. If you only want to heat up the room you are in, for instance, running a space heater will be a much cheaper option than turning on the heating for the whole house. A lot of newer space heaters are energy-efficient too, meaning they use even less electricity to work, saving you more money and lessening the burden on the environment.
Are space heaters safe?
Safety has historically been a major concern when it comes to space heaters — electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of US home fires between the years of 2012 and 2016, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Luckily, newer space heater models feature thermostat and timer functions to ensure they never overheat. Most even have an automatic shut-down mode if they are lifted off the ground or tipped over to prevent accidents.
To further prevent overheating and to stay safe, however, follow these tips from Consumer Reports, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Association.
- Never use an extension cord or a power strips with an electric heater and don't plug other devices or strips into the same outlet.
- Place space heaters on a hard, flat surface for use.
- Establish a 3-foot kid and pet-free zone.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from combustible or flammable materials (i.e. furniture, curtains, and bedding).
- Turn off space heaters while you're sleeping.
- Unplug space heaters when not in use.
Now that you know how to stay safe while using a space heater, you'll find all the most effective, cost-efficient, and stylish space heaters around in our handy list. Keep scrolling for FIRST's picks for the best space heaters on the market.
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