There are many ways to warm up a chilly room. Some methods include fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters. Another approach is to use an electric space heater. These devices are used by many people every year because they�۪re so effective and also portable. There are many advantages of using electric heaters, but there are some safety risks to consider as well.

Electric heaters offer many benefits to their users. They are extremely efficient because they turn all of the energy they draw into heat and no energy is lost in the process. The term used to describe this process is referred to as ���100% efficiency.�۝ Best of all, they don�۪t require any maintenance. Gas heaters need to be professionally installed, but electric heaters can be bought, taken home, unpackaged and plugged in after you read the instructions. Be advised, however, that although they do not require maintenance, they should be inspected periodically for cord damage. Electric heaters are preferred by many environmental enthusiasts because they do not release any toxic emissions into the air. Kerosene heaters on the other hand can pump carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into your home. These fumes are responsible for flu-like symptoms as well as headaches and irritation. Space heaters are also beneficial because they are quite compact. Other heating systems require a full boiler room or a separate storage container for fuel. Finally, electric heaters offer their users full control as they can move the heater to different power outlets in order modify the temperature.

Unfortunately, with the number of benefits a space heater offers, there are also a few risks. It is estimated that portable electric heaters are responsible for 1100 to 3000 fires each year. These fires were responsible for 990 injuries, 220 deaths and over $449 million dollars of property damage in 2002. The heaters themselves are not dangerous but rather their distance from combustible objects is the concern. Common objects that obstruct a heater and cause fires are clothing, curtains, carpets and flammable liquids. Another way that heaters can cause fires does not involve the heat but rather the electricity, damaged cords in particular. The number of annual space heater fires is daunting, but it is actually lower than most other forms of heating such as burning oil. There are over 45,000 home heating fires each year but only 1100-3000 are caused by portable electric heaters.

There are two main types of electric heaters, the first being convection heaters which are powered by fans. Convective heaters can either function by using coil elements, thermal liquid or ceramics to circulate heat. Liquid-filled models are known to maintain heat longer but they also take longer to heat up. The other type of heater is the radiant heater. This style features a rod or tube that emits infrared radiation ��� hence the ���radiant�۝ name. Some radiant heaters feature metal rods while others use a quartz glass tube. The latter is the most likely to cause a fire. Convection and radiant heaters are equally efficient and produce the same amount of heat with the same amount of wattage.

Space heaters are a realistic and viable way of heating the home or office. They are easily moved from outlet to outlet and are quite energy efficient. However, there are certain precautions that should be taken in order to avoid the risk of fires. As long as people practice proper safety tactics, the electric heaters that warm many of us during the chilly months will not be jeopardized.

1. The Risk ��� Some important tips to consider when using a space heater so that your home does not catch fire.
2. The Right Heater ��� Use these facts to determine what the right space heater is for you and your needs.
3. Supplemental Space Heaters ��� What are the differences between electric heaters, gas heaters and kerosene heaters?
4. Winter Storms ��� A list of safety tips for all types of heat sources including electric heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.
5. Appliance Safety ��� Some safety tips not just for heaters but for electric blankets, clothes dryers and other heat-producing appliances.
6. Safety Requirements (PDF) ��� How to avoid causing fires and other hazards when using a space heater at the office.
7. CPSC Safety Alert (PDF) ��� Statistics regarding fires caused by heaters.
8. Advantages ��� Though space heaters can be dangerous, they offer users many benefits.
9. Safety Shorts (PDF) ��� More heater safety tips for your home or office.
10. Types ��� Learn about Convection and Radiant heaters as well as their individual variations.
11. Stats ��� More statistics regarding home fires. These take into account other forms of heating as well.
12. Beware ��� What information should be considered when buying a space heater? How does price and efficiency factor in?