Generally, there are two types of electric space heaters - convection and radiant. Within these two categories, there are numerous types and styles from which to choose. A convection heater is available as a ceramic space heater or heater fan. Radiant space heaters use quartz or a metal element reflected off a surface. They are also available as an oil space heater, gas space heater, propane space heater or kerosene space heater.

Space heaters often supply supplemental heat to an area, and they lower heating bills. When it comes to different space heaters, an electric space heater is most common because they are less expensive than their natural gas or propane counterparts. Investigate different space heaters types and styles in the following steps:

1. Learn about choices available in an electric portable space heater.

2. Find out what oil, gas or propane space heaters have to offer.

3. Focus on an efficient space heater style.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore the two types of a portable electric space heater

The convection space heater is either fan-assisted or fanless, and it is effective enough to use as a room heater. Radiant heaters contain a metal element that uses reflection to direct heat to a specific area. Knowing the basics of the two types of space heaters helps narrow your choices.

I recommend: SpaceHeaters.us provides an explanation of the main types of space heaters. For a comparison between different space heaters, go to eSSORTMENT. Holmes explains space heaters highlighting ceramic heaters and heater fans as a conclusion.

Explore the option of an oil space heater, gas space heater or propane space heaters

Oil filled heaters are quiet - no need to refill the sealed radiator, and you can let your customers know they are safe to use in a child's room. They take some time to heat up, but once warm, the heat lasts a long time. Unlike electric heaters, gas heaters are available even when you lose electricity.

I recommend: The Heater Shop provides practically every type of space heater you could want, and they help you choose the heater that's just right for your space. PSNC Energy offers a wide variety of natural gas space heaters. ShopFNC.com has propane, kerosene, or natural gas space heaters available.

Find the best space heater style for your office space

Depending on where you want to place your space heater may make a difference in the style you choose. Space heater styles range from a utility heater to decorative/ornamental heater. Some sit on the floor, or a small heater may sit on a tabletop or desktop. Therefore, it really depends on your preference for the area needing heat.

I recommend: Check out the Heater-Store buying guide to browse the different styles of space heaters. Heater Home displays the variety of space heaters they offer. For even more space heater styles, see LivinginComfort.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Turn off all space heaters when leaving the room.

You may work in a freezing building in both the summer and during the winter, so space heaters can ensure a year-round solution to your heating needs that you can put away when you no longer need the extra warmth. You can find a small heater to warm the space nearest you, or you can purchase a shop heater to warm a workshop or garage that has no central heating system.

Nobody wants to spend more than they need to on heating costs, especially when you work hard to reduce expenses and maximize profit. With unstable oil prices and continuing increases in the cost of electricity, do yourself and your company a favor by finding the best space heater to meet your requirements for warmth and safety. As you shop for an efficient space heater, keep the following in mind:

1. Ensure any space utility heater you buy includes a guard around the heating element or flame for added protection and safety.

2. Only buy space heaters that carry a "UL" label stating they were tested by Underwriter Laboratories for safety.

3. Check for restrictions within your facility before you buy a space heater to make sure they're allowed.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order an electric space heater to supplement your primary heating system

Sometimes you need a little extra heat in one room; other times you work in an office that keeps an office mate toasty, but you feel like an ice cube. A portable electric space heater can ensure everyone stays warm inside.

I recommend: If you'd like an electric space heater that oscillates, includes overheat protection and looks great, consider buying the Honeywell ceramic space heater at Air Delights. Try a compact solution like the Windchaser convection space heater at CompactAppliance.com; this utility heater comes with an adjustable thermostat and a turbo fan to constantly circulate the heat in your room.

Purchase a gas space heater to heat your room

Natural gas or propane space heaters provide another energy-efficient way to heat your workspace or office.

I recommend: Check out the selection of gas space heaters available at Empire Comfort Systems that comes with a five-year limited warranty on parts and labor. You should also take a look at the Rinnai and Empire natural gas space heaters at PSNC Energy if you want to heat your work shop or your office.

Consider oil-filled space heaters to either heat your feet under your desk or an entire room

Oil-filled space heaters provide an efficient and quiet solution when you're looking for a room heater. You never replace the oil, and the internal heating element doesn't always have to be on to provide heat, so oil space heaters can provide an economical and efficient solution to your office heating challenge.

I recommend: Check out the oil-filled radiator heater at Sylvane if you need extra heat for a medium to large office or workspace. Visit the Air & Water website to buy their AH-400 oil space heater and get free ground shipping; you can place this portable space heater under your desk or next to a wall to heat up the area where you're working.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you develop criteria for selecting the right space heater, consider whether you want a convection heater or radiant heater. Convection space heaters will provide the best solution for heating an entire room, while radiant space heaters are designed to direct heat to a particular area.

Space heaters are a great way to save money by turning down the overall heat in your office building and using these units to help increase the temperature in a smaller location. Many office buildings have poor heat circulation, so a small heater is a great way for your employees to keep themselves warm during the colder months of the year.

There are basically two types of space heaters. The first, a direct vent, circulates the air through the unit and warms it, blowing the warm air back out with a fan, which is ideal for a small area. The second, and less safe, has coils that get hot and emit infrared rays, which is better for warming one person or nearby objects.

As you look at space heaters pricing and costs, you need to determine what sort of room area you’re looking to heat, noting whether you will need a portable space heater for one employee or a larger space heater installed for better results. It’s also important to consider which of the following utility heater power sources you prefer:

1. An electric space heater is the safest and most expensive option.

2. You should only use propane space heaters in well-ventilated areas.

3. You can install a natural gas space heater into your office wall.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Provide safety for employees with a portable electric space heater

The best space heater for an indoor area is an electric one, though they do cost more to operate. It doesn't have harmful emissions and there is less risk of fire with the use of an electric space heater. Consider purchasing electric units that have timers or other safety features to help prevent overheating.

I recommend: The electric space heaters offered by Air Conditioner Home range from $50 to $200. Choose from units for $20 to $150 through Air & Water.

Operate a propane or oil space heater in a shop or outdoor location

If you decide to go with propane, be sure that your units are in a well-ventilated area. You can efficiently power a shop heater with propane or kerosene and still maintain a warm working environment. Locations that have access to fresh air, such as a wood shop or mechanic's garage, are much safer environments for a propane portable space heater. In fact, you should not use these units in an enclosed space. Propane space heaters save approximately 35 percent in energy costs.

I recommend: Search propane space heaters from The Heater Shop for $120 to $220. Visit the ComfortChannel website for propane space heaters that work well in a garage or workshop. They range from$140 to $460.

Utilize natural gas to power space heaters

Most gas space heaters have an oxygen depletion sensor installed that detects an abundance of carbon monoxide in the air and shuts the unit off if oxygen levels get too low. If your heat supply is already natural gas, then you may want to consider one of these units to save energy.

I recommend: Find gas-powered space heaters from HouseNeeds for $500 to $1,600, with accessories typically costing from $30 to $200. Northern Tool and Equipment has smaller gas units for $70 to $600.

Learning more about space heater terminology like “oil-filled” and “reflective panel” and “vented room heater” can help you choose the most energy efficient and effective model to boost the temperature of your office space and reduce your heating bill in winter. If you’re a retailer choosing space heater models to offer to customers, familiarize yourself with key terms to expertly discuss product features, the operation of the heating element, and the best model to suit their home or business needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Oil-filled

Oil filled heaters provide heat through fins and heating elements that are permanently filled with oil. These units resemble old-fashioned radiators, but feature wheels for easy movement from room to room.

I recommend: Get more information on oil-filled heaters with vertical thermal tunnels through the product descriptions at Sylvane.

Reflective panel

Save energy and heat an area more efficiently with a space heater that uses a reflective flat panel to raise temperatures. Also called 'reflective halogen' technology, the heating mechanism is also quiet and eco-friendly.

I recommend: Discover the benefits and specifications of reflective panel heater models through the Compact Appliance website.

Motion detector

If some customers are concerned about the fire hazard associated with portable space heaters, recommend a model with a motion detector. The sensor can prevent accidents by shutting the unit down temporarily if something is too close to the unit.

I recommend: Learn more about the motion detector’s effect on the space heater’s operation through the product descriptions at Air Delights.

Vented room heater

A vented room heater can heat entire medium-sized rooms and provide excellent air flow to increase circulation. Customers may prefer these vented units for their homes and appreciate models that resemble small gas fireplaces.

I recommend: See vented space and room heaters, including floor furnaces and wall furnaces, through Empire Comfort.

Radiant heater

When looking for focused heating rather than whole room warming, a radiant heater can provide direct heat while saving energy. The units often use reflectors or infrared heating elements and should feature a temperature control for added safety.

I recommend: Space Heaters provides descriptions of radiant heaters, along with space heater safety tips. The site also features a variety of radiant heater models.

Digital timer

Increase safety with space heaters by recommending units that feature digital timers and digital thermostats. Models are programmable to shut down at certain times to prevent them from remaining on all night after users fall asleep, for example.

I recommend: Find space heater models with digital timers and thermostats through the Heater Shop website.