We often need to keep our homes warm during the cold winter period. We can ensure our homes stay warm in different ways. We may regulate the central heating system thermostat to keep ourselves comfortable.

However, it can be expensive, which means the entire house's central heating system is utilized. A space heater, in this case, can be a great option. We can tactically use a space heater to stay warm without incurring huge electricity bills. We only have to heat the whole home if it is necessary.

Space heaters emit all the energy into the room being heated. Therefore, they are efficient and a better choice for keeping a room warm. An electric space heater, in particular, does not emit gasses like carbon dioxide. It is eco-friendly and safe. Let us start with the types of space heaters before delving into other details.

Types of Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are of different shapes and sizes and are designed to heat your space through various methods. Here are the three types of space heaters commonly used in homes.

• Radiant Space Heaters - These are preferred if heating large rooms. Radiant space heaters are designed to emit infrared radiation that heats anything directly in front of them. Thus, they are excellent in warming large open spaces. The portable radiant space heaters are easy to install and work silently.
• Convection Space Heaters - We can use these space heaters if we need to warm the room uniformly. Convection space heaters will heat the air inside, which becomes less dense than the surrounding air. The warm air then rises as cooler air falls and is drawn into the convector at the floor. Consequently, this creates a constant flow of warm air. Both more permanent thermostat-controlled convection models and portable options are available. We should be cautious, as convection heaters do get hot. Hence, it may not be appropriate for homes with young children.
• Combination Heaters - They can make a lot of noise since they use a fan to disperse heat much faster. Nonetheless, they do not get too hot to pose a fire or risk burning. 

Space heaters may also be categorized as:

• Gas/Propane/Kerosene space heaters – while effective in heating, they can generate dangerous gasses. They should be used in well-ventilated areas.
• Electric space heaters – They are the most preferred for residential use. The heaters use electric current; hence they are plugged in to warm the room.

Cost of Running a Space Heater

We can use a space heater to warm a specific room. A space heater can cost less if used on natural gas or electricity. Here are factors that will determine the cost of running a space heater.

• Size and Wattage of Space Heater - Large space heaters are more efficient in warming bigger spaces. Such space heaters have more wattage and higher heating capacity. As a result, they will cost more to run. Smaller space heaters will cost less to run. The smaller heaters are efficient if the room being heated is smaller.
• Electricity Rates - Each state in the US has its electricity rates. The overall cost of running the space heater depends on the length of use and cost per hour. To calculate the cost, take the wattage of the space heater and multiply it by the number of hours of use. Divide the number you get by 1000 and then multiply by the kilowatt-hour rate of the utility company.
• Space Heater Settings - The wattage capacity a space heater uses depends on whether it is adjusted to a low, medium, or high setting. A low setting will use the least watts of the heater's capacity. Hence, less energy is consumed, resulting in lower running costs. Users should always use a low setting and only medium or high if more heating is really needed.

Popular Brands of Space Heater

There are many popular brands which make excellent space heaters. These are only a few of the great options that people have: 

• Dr. Infrared heater: It has a dual heating system and an inbuilt thermostat. The electric radiant space heater has 1500 watts with the capacity to warm a 150-square-foot room.
• Lasko electric tower heater: The convection space heater has a surface that is safe to touch. It can warm rooms up to 300 square feet and shut off automatically after eight hours. Lasko is cheaper compared to most brands similar to it.
• Dyson pure hot: It is remote-controlled with a fan and air purifier. The space heater is less noisy than most other heaters.