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Best Space Heaters
Heating fuel can become very expensive during a severely cold winter and fuel
bills usually see a marked increase during the winter months. Cutting costs by
turning back the thermostat on a central heating unit 5-10 degrees, may help
however, zoned heating is still the most cost effective.
What is Zoned Heating
Zoned heating is providing heat only where needed. It is very effective and
provides heating immediately for comfort. Room to room zone heating can be
achieved by the use of portable space heaters
Most popular types of power for space heaters
Space heating can be done by the use of fuel oil, wood, gas and electricity.
Fuel oil has become a very costly method of heating fluctuating according to the
political climate. With more efficient ways to heat, fuel oil is no longer the
choice of heating here in the United States.
Wood burning fireplaces are mainly for romance and ambiance rather than a
primary means of providing heat in a home. It requires constant attention to
ensure continuous heat and obtaining and storing the wood or timber also poses
some amount of difficulty and inconvenience.
Gas although the cheapest of all fuels is not recommended for indoor
heating, as it emits pungent fumes during burning which can cause carbon
monoxide poisoning leading to death.
Electricity is the most common form of heating used. It is the cleanest
and most efficient and can be used wherever there is electricity. Space heating
by electricity is done through central heating, electric space panels, electric
space heaters and electric fireplaces.
Electric space panels are easy to use and very economical. Costing approximately
3 cents per hour to operate they can warm a single room or an entire home. All
it takes is to attach brackets close to an electrical outlet, hang the panel
then plug it in and heat is on instantly.
Electric fireplaces are decorative and do carry a lot of charm. It may be
effective for one room in a home, but can be very expensive and less practical
to heat the entire house.
Space heaters come in various shapes and sizes designed to fit any area or
budget. Value should never be sacrificed for cost however, since some smaller
models can deliver maximum heat lake a larger unit. Care should be taken in
getting the best space heater available for the price.
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Cost of Electric Space Heaters
The costs for electric space heaters vary depending on
the type and individual need. They may range from $12 to greater than $1200.
Some things to bear in mind when purchasing a space heater are:
• How safe is it to be used around children
• Be sure it is cool to touch on the exterior
• Does it come equipped with a thermostat to regulate the
temperature in the room for comfort
• Does it come with warranties for service or replacement if
necessary after purchase
• How durable is it and what are others saying about it.
Best Space Heaters on the Market
The best space heaters on the market are among the following
models most of which have been rated five stars out of a possible five. These
include:
 1.Lasko
755320 Ceramic Tower: Uses an elongated ceramic element to heat utilizing an
oscillating fan to evenly distribute heat over the entire area. Stylishly slim,
it comes with a thermostat to regulate the temperature and has a secure handle
to make transporting easier. (900 and 1500 watts)
2. DeLonghi Mica Panel Radiator HHP 1500: A model which heats by
convection. Does not use a fan therefore is very quiet. Suitable for small
office cubicles or dorm rooms
3. Lakewood Economy Radiant LAK- 205/ Coil: A midsize heater which heats
immediately it is turned on. The coils used for heating is very efficient and
runs without a fan, therefore it is a quiet unit.
4. Lakewood 792 JR Utility Heater: Features two power controls, a
thermostat which regulates the flow of heat making it energy efficient. It is
specifically designed to heat a room economically, instantly and effectively.
5. Vornado DVTH Compact Heater: This heater’s output varies between
800-1500 watts. It is attractive in design with a sleek black, cool to touch
exterior. It features an electronic climate control along with its varying
heating level, helps to maintain a comfortable room temperature.
6. Dimplex DS3311 Compact Electric Heater: Made to reflect a country home
heated by a wood burning stove, without the mess of wood ashes or the chore of
bringing in the wood from the cold wood shed. This is a space heater that
delights the heart as it warms the room.
This is a short list of a wide range of space heaters. By no means exhaustive,
it is enough to give an idea of what is on the market and the best to choose
from.
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