Base space-heater choice on ‘space’

Dear Jim: I have been looking at small electric space heaters. I am not sure what is the best type to buy for my living room and bedroom. Is it important a model is advertised as 100 percent efficient? – Greg R.

Dear Greg: First, it is important to understand all electric space heaters are effectively 100 percent efficient, so don’t let this advertising influence your buying decision. Being 100 percent efficient just means all the electricity it consumes becomes heat in your home. Electric heat’s high cost comes from the generating inefficiencies at the utility’s power plant.

There is not one best type of electric space heater. The proper selection depends upon in which room and how you plan to use it. By selecting the proper design and model of space heater, you should be able to set your furnace thermostat lower and reduce your monthly utility bills overall.

Your basic choices are direct radiant and convection (air circulation) space heaters with each having its advantages. Within each group, there are many comfort features and options which may affect your decision. If you have young children, there may also be some extra safety considerations.

Radiant style heaters heat quickly. These use a red-hot ribbon, long quartz or carbon tubes to produce infrared heat radiation similar to the sun’s rays. They primarily heat objects and people directly in front of them. Carbon tubes produce far infrared heat, which penetrates objects and skin slightly below the surface. This makes for a very comfortable, effective heat.

Radiant heaters are quiet and are ideal for heating a specific spot. For example, I use one across from my computer desk to keep me warm while I am still and writing. My body and the furniture in its path gradually reradiate the heat so the room air will also heat up slightly. To heat a slightly larger area, such as a sofa, some models automatically oscillate.

Convection heaters are designed to heat the air in the room. This is most often done using with a built-in fan which circulates room air over the heating elements. The oil-filled, old radiator-style heaters use natural air circulation (hot air rises) to move the room air over the heat source.

For a living room, which is often the largest room in the house, consider a convection style heater. This will heat the entire room more effectively. Choose a model with a thermostat and multispeed fan to control the heat output. A ceramic convection heater is safest around young children.

For a bedroom, where quiet operation is important, use an oil-filled radiator or a convection heater with a low-speed setting. Another option is a radiant model facing the bed if you don’t mind the red glow. A horizontal shaped one will heat the entire bed area.

The following companies offer electric space heaters:

. Holmes Products (800) 546-5637, www.holmesproducts.com;

. KAZ (800) 332-1110, www.kaz.com;

. Lakewood (800) 621-4277, www.lakewoodeng.com;

. Slant Fin (800) 775-4552, www.slantfin.com; and

. W. B. Marvin (800) 733-0706, www.wbmarvin.com.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.