The Everything Guide To Outdoor and Shop Space Heaters. How to find the best portable shop space heaters for your home, office or outdoor work space. I call them shop space heaters, but they are simply space heaters or the over used term ‘heaters’. As we try and focus more on outside the home at Outdoor Living, I call them shop space heaters … but some of these really can be used in several locations.
In order to be deemed habitable (read: stop from freezing our butts off!), all residential structures require some sort of heat to make us comfortable. Usually this is from in-built heating units, particularly in areas in which temperatures are likely to plummet at specific times throughout the year.
Unfortunately, central heating systems and other heating equipment many not heat the home efficiently. It certainly doesn’t help us in the shop, garage, outdoor, etc, where heating can cost an exorbitant amount of money to run these systems or it may take an extended amount of time for the resulting warmth to reach all rooms. There are even homeowners who are reticent to use their built-in heaters, given that all parts of the home have to be heated at once with central systems, rather than just the spaces that they’re actively using. The good news is that there’s a vast selection of shop space heaters or general space heaters available for people who want to selectively heat their homes or businesses. These are typically small-sized, portable units that can be plugged in and used as needed to create a warm comfortable space. Following is your complete guide to space heaters along with tips for finding the best portable heating solutions for your home or office.
Getting Started With Space Heaters
Throughout the years, space heaters have gotten a bad rap from a safety and efficiency stand point. The latest models and portable heating innovations are far safer and more efficient than ever before. In fact, one look at the sleek, stylish options that are currently being sold will quickly do away with any concerns that property owners might have about portable heating. They are going from being tolerated because they were needed to keep us warm, to done right cool looking! Recent designs have in-built shut off functions that trigger as soon as these models are jostled or tipped, so safety is far less of a concern. They also have lightweight, simple frames that allow for proper positioning in a wide variety of spaces. It is still vital to carefully follow all manufacturer recommendations for set up and use. More importantly, buyers should always take care to select units that are best-suited to the spaces they wish to heat. I think you will start to love what you see when you research the new models available.
Different Options In Space Heaters
There are three basic options in portable heating designs: Infrared heaters, conduction heaters and convection heaters. In addition to these three heater types, you’ll also find units that are entirely powered by electricity and products that are oil-filled. Each of these options is ideally suited to specific environments and heating needs. Moreover, each type of space heater has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Infrared Space Heaters
Infrared heaters use radiation to effectively heat indoor and outdoor spaces. If you’re looking for an attractive warming device to keep yourself and your guests comfortable while entertaining on your patio or deck, this is likely the best option for you. Infrared heaters target specific molecules and can produce heat in varying amounts depending upon the individual unit and unit settings and the direction of the infrared waves. One of the major benefits of these heating solutions is the fact that they do not draw moisture from the air, much like other heating options do. This means that running an infrared heater in the home won’t lead to dry, stuffy noses. It’s what makes these units ideal for those who are prone to nasal irritation throughout the winter months when standard, built-in home heaters are used. People can stay warm all day and night and they can still breath easy. It is vital to note that these heaters are additionally among some of the most stylish choices in portable heaters available and can often be found in faux fireplace designs.
Difference Between Convection And Conduction Heaters
When you start shopping for space heaters, one of the first factors that you’re likely to consider is whether or not a unit is electric or powered by heating oil. Electric heaters plug right into the wall and do not need any secondary fuel source in order to generate warmth. There are also heaters that function natural gas, propane or kerosene. Some of these options use a combination of liquid or gas fuel and electricity, while others function on heating oil alone. These units are appealing to consumers who are familiar with heavy storms and frequent power outages. A fully kerosene-powered heater can continue to kick out warmth even after the electricity has gone out. If you live in a cold area and have lost power in the past before, investing in an oil-filled heater could be your best bet, even if this unit is only kept on standby for emergency use. The safety of oil-filled and propane powered heaters is largely dependent upon their design and casing. It is additionally vital to note that propane and natural gas units typically need to be vented or used in well-ventilated areas. For these and other reasons, electric heaters (including many oil-filled electric heaters) are commonly viewed as being safer and more suitable for routine use.
Understanding these things, both oil-filled and electric heaters can be purchased in convention or conduction heating options. Convection heaters produce heat by moving the air. An interior fan blows or pulls air across an interior heating coil before this air is released and circulated throughout the room. Convection heaters that aim warm air towards the floor can be especially efficient, given that the cold air in the space will start to sink as the warm air rises.
Conversely, conduction heaters are capable of heating through actual materials. This is what warms the heating coils at the unit interior. Conduction heaters are far less efficient than convection designs and are generally only capable of warming the area immediately around the unit, rather than actual, large-sized rooms. For instance, a compact conduction unit might be used beneath an office worker’s desk to quickly heat chilly feet after a brisk walk through rain, sleet or snow.
Heater Aesthetics
If you intend to use a portable space heater as a regular part of your home heating plan, you should also give some serious thought to unit aesthetics. After all, this equipment will become a regular part of the indoor environment, at least throughout the cold months of winter. There are a number of bright, light-colored models that blend well with kitchen decor and appliances as well as dark-colored models such as black or grey units that fitly complement living room, bedroom and den designs. There are countless innovations in portable heating technology and this means that you can go well beyond purchasing units that are best tucked away or hidden in a corner. For instance, it is currently possible to find portable heating solutions that double as end tables and other, small-sized furnishings. With a casings that are guaranteed to stay cool while in use, some of these units are surprisingly flexible and adaptable.
A Quick Preview Of Some Of The Top, Portable Heating Units
Irrespective of what your goals are for your new heating unit, you are virtually guaranteed to find an option that is perfect for the intended space and your established budget. Best of all, you won’t have to spend a fortune to get stylish, efficient heating equipment that is both easy to use and rich with innovative functions and safety features. Following are four impressive space heaters that are well-worth consideration.
Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, 1500-Watt
Compact and undeniably cute, the Dr Infrared Heater looks somewhat like an old timey radio. Infrared heating technology is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, however, this small-sized model is definitely designed to heat up the property interior. So this is knew that not only falls into a the shop space heaters discussion, but brilliant for inside the home. Designed and engineered in the U.S., this unit is being touted as one of the most efficient, portable home heating sources for the winter months. With a 7 inch blower, the heater can move a considerable amount of warm air at one time, without producing an excessive amount of noise. Thus, not only is it good for use at home, but it is also perfect for keeping you toasty at your desk if your office space is often chilly. Given that absolutely no heating elements are exposed and the outer heater casing stays perfectly cool while in use, you can keep this unit set up and running around pets and small children without fear of safety issues. It additionally comes with a built-in thermostat that cycles the unit off and on in order to reach the desired indoor temperature. This is a far cry from space heaters of the past, which only had high and low settings and would run indefinitely. Best of all, given the fact that infrared heating technology does not pull moisture from the air while in use, you can operate this unit as long and as often as necessary, without fear of causing dry and stuffy noses.
DeLonghi EW7707CM Safeheat 1500W ComforTemp Portable Oil-Filled Radiator
For a larger space and more extensive heating needs, the DeLonghi EQ7707CM will likely do the trick. This is a relatively large-sized, standing heater on casters that can easily be pulled from room to room. It is great for homeowners with built-in, central heating systems who want to moderate their energy bills while still enjoying comfortable indoor environments. While oil-filled units are generally recommended for emergency use, this state of the art model is actually ideal for continual use as a primary heating unit. This is because it has a number of impressive safety features and unlike propane or natural gas-powered units, it does not need to be vented. It comes with seven, oil-filled, thermal slots that radiate heat while maintaining a moderate surface temperature. These self-cooling slots protect small children and pets from heat-related injuries without compromising the overall efficacy of the product. Best of all, an in-built ComforTemp setting is advertised as having the power to cut home heating bills by as much as 27%. You can roll this unit from room to room or position it in an open space that is central to the rest of the home. It will keep indoor temperatures at a comfortable range between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
This model is permanently sealed with pure diathermic oil. This means that you’ll never have to open the unit to change or replace its fuel. It also boasts silent operation and thus, you can run it at work problem-free or wheel it into the living room while you watch TV. Buyers should know, however, that this isn’t the type of oil-filled heater that you want to have on hand for use in the event of a power outage. The DeLonghi EW7707CM still needs to be plugged in to function.
Lasko 6462 Full Circle Ceramic Heater with Remote
Fairly tall but still lightweight and slim, the Lasko 6462 Ceramic Heater has a sleek, modern look that makes it the perfect addition to a bustling office space or the contemporary living room. With a digital thermostat, a three-heat sweep setting and full-circle warmth, it is both innovative and impressive in a compact, attractive package. The full circle heater emits warm air in all directions at once and thus, it is perfect for heating up a social setting such as a book club meeting, patio dinner are an evening chat in front of the television. Room occupants don’t have to wait for this little dynamo to completely heat the room, given that everyone on all sides of the unit is guaranteed to be graced with a warm stream of air. It has a ceramic heating element which means that the casing always stays cool and a tip-over, cut-off switch that eliminates the risk of house fires. Kids can play and pets can frolic without fear of injury or property damages.
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater
The Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy has a more durable look and is powered by propane. This is the unit that you want to take on your camping trip or out onto your patio or porch. It’s clean burning and approved for both indoor and outdoor use. While the typical propane-powered heater needs to be vented when used indoors, this one will automatically shut itself off when low oxygen is detected. Due to this fact, this is the perfect unit to have on hand in the event of a power outage. You can safely keep yourself and your loved ones warm until power supplies are fully restored. It supplies radiant heating which means that it will quickly warm those nearby and gradually heat the entire room as heated air starts to rise. If you love camping, entertaining outdoors or happen to live in an area that’s prone to frequent storms and outages, the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy is essential to have on hand as a great shop space heater.
