Whether it’s for an extra bedroom or home office, a portable heater offers flexible whole-room heating. But they can also pose a fire hazard if not used safely.
Most electric units plug into 120-volt, 15-amp receptacles found in homes and offices. Their output is described in Btu per hour, and their cfm (cubic foot per minute) rating indicates how quickly they can warm air.
Oil-filled radiator heaters
Oil-filled radiator heaters use a reservoir of thermal oil that gets heated when an electrical current runs through it. The warm oil radiates warmth into the room and keeps it comfortable without using a fan.
These compact and portable heaters are ideal for bedrooms, offices, studies and garages. They are designed with a host of safety features including overheat and tilt sensors that shut off power if the unit gets too hot or knocked over. They also come with rounded edges and wrap-around power cords that provide easy portability.
Unlike gas-powered heaters, they don’t produce any fumes and are safe to leave on overnight. However, the metal surface can get quite hot, so it is best to keep small children away from these heaters unless they are supervised and the unit is not turned on for long periods of time. In addition, they are slower to cool than other types of space heaters. This can be a problem for some people who want to use their heaters as a sleeping aid.
Radiant heaters
Radiant heaters emit heat in the form of electromagnetic waves that warm people and objects in a room. This type of heating is a good option for facilities where space restrictions make it difficult to install conventional baseboards or forced air systems. It is also a good option for spot heating areas that are obstructed by furniture, cabinets or storage.
Radiant heating systems typically consist of mats, tubing or heating cables that are placed on a floor or in a ceiling. These can be wet or dry installations. A wet installation consists of a system of pumps that circulate hot water in contact with the surface being heated. A dry installation consists of a system of pipes that carries cooled water in thermal contact with the surface being cooled.
The radiant heating technology used by Heatscope is based on the mid-wave infrared spectrum. This allows their PURE and SPOT models to provide a gentle glow that doesn’t interfere with light colours, colours or tints in your facility.
Gas heaters
If you prefer the speed and power of a gas heater, you can select one that uses either natural or liquid propane. This category includes vented, portable and wall furnaces. Many also come in premium options that can warm a room while remaining quiet.
Look for a BtuH rating, which describes the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. Some models are also output-rated in cfm (cubic feet per minute), which helps you compare fan power and design.
Venting is important, as carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if gas combustion fumes are trapped in an indoor space. Some gas units require installation of air ducts and venting to prevent this, while others are flueless. Choose a unit that fits your space and budget, and consider features such as thermostats, timers and remote controls. This will help you use less energy when heating your home.
