Small Portable Heaters For Affordable Warmth and Comfort
Small portable heaters are a good solution for rooms that are not heated adequately or for areas like garages where central heat is not installed. They are also ideal for providing additional heat for people who are sensitive to cold temperatures without overheating the rest of the home. Using a portable heater not only provides more comfort but also increases energy efficiency as you can set your thermostat lower.
Gas vs. Electric
Small portable heaters are fueled by gas or electricity. Electric heaters can be used in enclosed areas and do not require venting; however, as they require an electrical outlet, they will not operate during power outages. Gas heaters burn kerosene, natural gas or propane and will provide heat during power outages, but they require adequate ventilation and should not be used in enclosed areas. As they are not tethered by a cord, gas heaters can be moved around more easily than electric heaters, and they heat up more quickly.
Gas Heaters
Gas heaters can be vented or unvented and work well in large areas like garages or in areas outside the home. Small portable heaters that are vented require a vent to installed in the ceiling or wall to release exhaust gases to the outside of the home. Unvented heaters should not be used indoors as they are a source of carbon monoxide, and they have actually been banned in some states for indoor use. You will need a gas hookup for a natural gas heater, but you can disconnect it when you are not using it. Kerosene forced air heaters are great for large outdoor events an operate for as long as 12 hours on a full tank, but they require electricity to run.
Electric Heaters
These are several type of small portable heaters that run on electricity. Fan-forced ceramic heaters are a good solution for bedrooms and sunrooms. Convection heaters use an electric heating element and a heat transfer liquid which is permanently sealed; the liquid stores heat which is distributed through the room’s natural circulation. Radiant or reflective heaters direct infrared rays to generate heat; unlike convection heaters, they do not depend on air movement and operate silently. Panel heaters are combined convection/radiant units that release heat without fans.
One option is an oil-filled radiator heater. This product video features the Honeywell HZ-709 Oil-Filled Radiator Heater:
Power Considerations
You will want to select a heater that will provide sufficient heat to its designated room or area. Units that are too small for a space can overheat, while units that are too large for a space will waste energy.
Control and Safety Features
When considering small portable heaters, you will ideally want one with a programmable thermostat. This type of heater will monitor the room temperature and automatically turn on and off, allowing you to avoid wasting energy and save on your energy bills. Another option is a programmable timer which allows you to set specific times when the heater turns on or off.
For fire protection purposes, choose a heater with safety features such as thermally protectedmotors and flame-resistant cases. A heater with overheat protection will automatically shut off at a pre-determined temperature, while a tip-over switch will shut the heater off if it is knocked over. If you have small children or pets, protect hands and paws by selecting a heater with small grill openings.
Other Safety Precautions
There are additional common-sense measures you can take for operating small portable heaters safely.
- Do not use a regular extension cord. Purchase a 14-gauge cord that is rated for over 1,500 watts.
- Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and make sure they are in working order.
- Keep heaters out of moist areas such as bathrooms unless they are approved for such an environment.
- Position heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials.
- Turn heaters off when you leave the house.
- Do not use gas heaters in poorly ventilated areas.
