Time to Fire Up That Space Heater? What You Need to Know

As the mercury continues to plummet, many people are reaching for their space heaters to warm their homes. There are many reasons to lean on a space heater as a supplemental heating source. These portable units can be used in addition to a central heating system, particularly in rooms with lots of windows that chill easily. Space heaters are also useful if you want to save energy and money by only heating some rooms of the home.

There are a variety of different types of space heaters. The one you choose should fit your budget and the size of the room that you need to heat, while also considering safety concerns. Here are some of the most common types of heaters, as well as what to consider before making the purchase.

Convection Heaters

Convection heaters are known as "indirect heaters." These types of heaters work by warming the air that naturally circulates through a space, drawing the air through the elements and then releasing it back into the room. A convection heater works best in larger rooms. They also come equipped with additional safety features, including overheating protection and built-in tip-over switches. On the flip side, convection heaters generally require more energy to operate. They are also not the best choices for dry climates, as they reduce the humidity in the room.