Heater Quick Guide -- Common Heating Questions

1. Is a space heater right for me?

A space heater is the ideal way to quickly heat a bedroom or office, especially for the cold winter months when heating a whole home is expensive! Space heaters have the ability to warm up to 150 square feet, about the size of an average bedroom. Most space heaters are portable and safe to use around the house without any worries. If interested in extra precautions, you can look for models that come with a safety tip over switch. This way if the unit tips over, the power will immediately be shut off to prevent fire. There are several types of space heaters from reflective heat, ceramic heat, and oil heat. Of course there is also the old-fashioned electric heat that has been in use for a very long time (where a heating element is heated and a fan blows air across the heating element to distribute the heat that is created).

2. Is an oil-filled heater a better method for heating my room and office?

Oil-filled heat was the first method of capturing heat. Before oil-filled heaters came about, the only way to heat a home was to produce an open fire. The oil-filled heating method are typically found today in the radiators of old homes and schools. Oil-filled heaters are safe to use under desks and in other small, closed-in areas. Oil-filled heaters are safe as they will not burn when touched and have a low chance of catching fire when tipped or pushed over. Oil-filled heaters are the most energy efficient as the oil remains warm and still radiates heat even when shut-off.

3. Are there more benefits with a propane heater?

Propane heating is commonly used by commercial businesses and open areas that need to cover a wider area with heat.  Propane heaters usually make use of a high-powered fan along with a forced cylinder to pump out warm air created by the combusting propane. These units usually come with electronic ignition, making them easy to start. Always make sure that your propane heater is well vented because if not properly vented you can put yourself and others at risk for inhalation of carbon monoxide. Propane heating not only covers larger spaces, but are also inexpensive, usually smaller than an industrial, permanent unit, and is portable for any spot-heating you may need. 

4. Should I purchase a garage heater for heating places outside my actual house?

Garage heaters are used to bring warmth to bigger spaces, but are not suitable for in-home use. These heaters use a high-powered fan so that your garage will be rapidly heated to a comfortable temperature. This type of heater uses heating elements that will warm up and blow hot air throughout the space. This heating method is great for workshops, garages, and home gyms. Most garage heaters have the option for mounting on either a ceiling or wall. This allows some flexibility so that it is possible for your heater to be up and out of the way, giving you added workspace. Most garage heaters are also able to be hardwired with your electricity for turning your heater on by the flip of a switch.

 5. Patio heaters - Do they really work and how?

Patio Heaters are used for those who own open patios in homes or restaurants. A patio heater will beautifully supply heat needed outdoors to add the finishing touch to your home entertainment or outdoor dining experience. Patio heaters are classified by the circle of heat able to be covered. There are electric ignitions on most models along with adjustable flames to decide how much heat will be radiated from the dome of the heater. Patio heaters use Liquid Propane Gas (LP) as a heating agent. Also, you can try a table top patio heater. These can be used in smaller areas with the same desirable effects and results a regular-sized patio heater will offer. For cooler, outdoor spaces, or those that will be used at night, a patio heater is the way to go!

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