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Disadvantages Of Space Heaters

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People often turn to portable space heaters for help warming rooms when their primary home heating system isn't quite up to the task. Others prefer space heaters for the savings they provide by allowing you to heat only the rooms you use. There are many different types of portable heaters, all of which use slightly different methods to warm the space. Which one will work best for you depends on the characteristics of the space you will be heating. You should also take into account how loud the heater is when running and consider safety issues, especially if you have children or pets.

The overwhelming majority of space heaters available today are electric. This is because most states have banned unvented combustible space heaters due to carbon monoxide and other gasses. Vented kerosene and gas heaters are available, but are not portable, as they require the installation of a vent from the heater to the outside of the home.
Radiant Heaters
Infrared

Radiant heaters work by warming objects directly adjacent to them. They provide heat quickly but do so in a straight line. Like the sun's rays, infrared heat warms only objects in its direct path and cannot work around obstacles. As a result, infrared heaters work best in open areas free of obstructions. These heaters use very little energy but do emit a soft orange glow, which some feel makes them bothersome in bedrooms. They are also hot to the touch and require caution when used around pets and children. Infrared heaters do run silently, however. If you are sitting in one spot for a length of time, an infrared heater aimed in your direction will be a good choice.

Many infrared heaters are now built into wooden cabinets. This makes the heaters more attractive and cooler to the touch.
Radiators

Radiant heat is also created by portable oil-filled radiators. These radiant heaters consist of a series of tubes filled with oil. This oil is warmed and then the heat radiates off of the unit to the surrounding area. The oil in these heaters is warmed but never burned as fuel, so there is no need to refill them or perform other maintenance tasks. Like infrared heaters, oil-filled radiators are very energy efficient and silent but hot to the touch. Unlike an infrared

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