Best portable electric heaters

Electric portable heaters offer unique benefits than their gas counterparts. Using an electric portable heater is generally advantageous because they offer high energy efficiency thereby reducing the utility bills. In addition, they can be used in enclosed areas, they require no venting and they are the safest option for portable heating. Choosing the best portable electric heater for use around the home requires you to take several factors into consideration.

Heater type

There are two basic electric heater types. The first electric heater type is the conventional heater. It uses the room’s air flow to heat up the area. Some conventional electric heaters come with a fan that helps in air flow in the room, thereby spreading the warmth evenly. Through the use of conventional currents, it covers a wide area. Therefore, it is the best portable electric heater for an entire room and for long periods of heating. The second electric heater is the radiant or reflective heater which uses infrared rays to warm up objects and it can be focused on a particular object. It is the best portable heater for areas with openings such as windows because drafts will not affect the heat distribution or to provide heat to two people for a short while.

Controls

Electric heaters with automatic or programmable thermostats are the best portable electric heaters because they provide the most versatility and handiness when it comes to home heating requirements. They are able to monitor room temperature and turn themselves on and off accordingly, therefore providing continuous comfortable heating in the room. They also offer energy efficiency as they don’t work continuously. You can also set the digital control of the heater such that it will only warm the room when you are around. By setting these controls, you will ensure that the portable electric heater works efficiently and effectively.

Power

To be able to choose the best portable electric heater for your home, you must check the heater ratings. Choose a heater that has been rated by the manufacturer to provide sufficient heat in the area it will be working in. Heaters that are too large or powerful for a space will consume a lot of power consequently leading to high utility bills. Also, a portable electric heater can over heat if it is too large for the space it is working in leading to damage and wear on the heating equipment.

Safety

When choosing a portable electric heater, it is important to look out for certain precautions and features that will enhance the safety of your home and family when using it. It is advised that when you purchase an electrical heating element, look for one that is certified to meet certain standards set by a National Recognized Testing Laboratory. This is usually a requirement for many insurance companies. The best portable electric heaters in the market come with features such as tip over switches which will automatically shut the unit off if it is knocked over by accident, an overheating protection that shuts the heater off when the inbuilt sensors detects a pre-determined temperature and a flame resistant casing which provide protection from fire.