Space Heaters for the Office

Space heaters are an efficient way to warm up a room without having to turn up the heat system thermostat. Portable space heaters are ideal for any part of the house, away from flammable materials. One can use these heaters as a full-time source of heat or supplement the central heating system or other sources of heat when they’re not providing enough warmth. They’re available in different sizes and designs, serving a single room, office, garage, or an entire house. Browse through the heater section at Staples to find the best pick

Radiant space heaters
Radiant space heaters are ideal for warming objects and people without warming an entire room. They provide prompt heat for someone sitting directly in front of them. Therefore, users should be cautious as they can burn if an individual gets too close. Radiant heaters are available in different sizes and shapes, ranging from a small space size to oscillating units that can warm up an entire room.

Convection space heaters
Convection heaters have elements that warm up a room by heating the air. They generate heat slowly, but the heat generated lasts for a long time. They’re heavier than radiant space heaters and, in some cases, they come with fans that enhance heat circulation throughout a room. They’re convenient for heating large spaces and contain heat transfer oil to radiate heat from external surfaces. They are low maintenance, do not need refills, and are easy to clean. They’re suitable for bedrooms because they operate quietly.

Conductive space heaters
Conductive heaters generate heat with the help of heating elements, and they’re categorized into micathermic and electric heaters. They’re a combination of 80 percent convection heat and 20 percent radiation heat, meaning they can heat a room and directly emit heat to warm people seated nearby the device. Generally, they’re light, portable, and even mountable in some cases. They’re silent and do not produce any light. They make use of the air flowing through the room to circulate heat and are ideal for people with allergies. However, users should be cautious when handling these types of space heaters as they are hot to touch.

What are the major considerations when buying a space heater?
It’s essential to look at the capacity of the heater, the size of the room that needs the heating, and the level of noise the machine emits. For example, a bedroom would require a quiet heater. Factor in the cost, energy efficiency, and the heat-up time as well.

What are some safety measures for space heaters?
Some heaters come with cool-to-touch materials, while others have an internal switch that turns the heater off automatically if it’s knocked over accidentally. Some come with overheat protection that monitors the temperature and turns the device off when it reaches unsafe temperatures.

Are space heaters energy efficient?
Generally, most electric heaters are energy efficient. They come with thermostats. They emit the required amount of heat when necessary. They need not run continuously, and as a result, reduce electricity usage in homes and at workplaces.