Buying Guide to Heaters: What Type of Heater Suits You

During the cold months, you may find yourself searching for added heat in your home, garage or shop. Or you may want to conserve on your energy bill and try something cheaper to run. Learn more about radiant heaters, convection heaters, gas heaters and stoves. 

Convection heaters

Convection heaters use the air to move heat around a room. The cool air is taken into the heater and pushed out as hot air. Convection heaters are good for heating small or large rooms. The higher the wattage on the heater, the larger room it will heat. There are many different sizes of convection heaters, reading the wattage will tell you what size you need. Since they heat the air, the larger rooms will take more time to heat since all the cold air must be circulated through the heater.

Energy-efficient heaters

Get more heat with less when choosing heaters that qualify as energy-efficient. Not only do these space heaters give the same results as their counterparts, they give a bonus in reducing energy bills, meaning you keep more money in your pocket. Another perk of qualifying heaters is the addition to tax breaks for energy efficiency in homes. Your purchase and installation of a qualifying heater can provide you some breaks in the upcoming tax season, find out more about the energy efficiency home tax credit at the IRS website. 

Forced air furnace tips

If your home is already heated by a furnace using one of the above options will add more heat to your home in areas, you feel are lacking. Forced air furnaces require you to change their filters regularly. The function of a furnace filter is to trap airborne contaminants from entering your heating system. The air filter’s main function is for your system, but it also improves the quality of the air in your home. The air filter is found in between the return air duct and the main furnace unit.

Gas heaters

Gas heaters are a very powerful heat source. They are mounted in your home with a gas line attached. The gas flows into the heater, generating heat which is distributed through your home. Gas heaters require vents to release combustion products, typically done through a chimney or pipe. Some gas heaters are also self-venting so they can be placed anywhere without a vent. Gas heaters will heat large rooms and even an entire small home. Although, they are powerful, using a gas heater does cause the chance of having a carbon monoxide leak. Newer gas heaters are built with carbon monoxide safety features. If there is a lack of oxygen or a carbon monoxide leak, they will automatically shut off. You can also install carbon monoxide detectors to help keep your family safe.

Radiant heaters

Radiant heaters warm the objects and area surrounding them. They are ideal for smaller spaces, such as a chilly bedroom or office area. Radiant heaters do need to be close to the area you want heated. Radiant heaters are filled with heated oil which produces the warmth you need. Be careful when placing them close to furniture to prevent a fire hazard. Keep them at least 1 foot away is best practice.

Wood or pellet stoves

Wood and pellet stoves add an ambiance to your home and a unique smell that feels cozy. There are costs to installing a wood or pellet stove in your home but in the long run, they will save you money on your electricity or gas bill. The heat from the stove is pushed through your home by a fan built into your stove. Some stoves use natural air flow to move the heat through your home. Wood and pellet stoves require you to fill them with either wood or fuel pellets which you light on fire to create heat.

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