Space Heaters

My kingdom for a new space heater!

Just yesterday, it seemed like the warm weather might last a few more weeks. But here I am, shivering in my home office, wrapped in blankets, with my feet resplendent in hideous non-matching down booties. If only I had the mechanical engineering smarts to create a PC-cooling device that doubled as a space heater, I'd shut my PC up and keep my feet warm ...

With heating oil prices still in the stratosphere (albeit at a slightly lower orbit), ranchero indebto's programmable thermostat has been dialed down for the duration. On the cold days during previous winters, a space heater - a portable Delonghi oil-filled radiator -- kept the office at a tolerable temperature during the coldest days (when everyone was out of the house, save yours truly) and when the house boiler shut down for the evening.

But tonight, I'm looking over at the twenty-year-old Delonghi, thinking that it's time to get serious about space heating. I've yet to plug in the old space heater for the season. After two decades, I figure, it's probably time to give it a rest.

So I've been out looking (on the Internet, of course) for a suitable replacement unit.

The huge array of space heaters is befuddling.

I've narrowed the choices down by deciding to stick with an electric space heater. (Kerosene units were quickly ruled out for three basic reasons: smell, inconvenience, and safety.) But it's tough to read beyond the hype to determine which space heaters provide the magic combination of heat and economical operation. Quartz, Ceramic, Oil Filled, Micathermic, Infrared, Halogen, Hydronic ... what's the magic space heating technology?

Oil-filled radiators represent one of the most popular space heating technologies. These heaters provide a steady, even, and relatively quiet heat. With fanless models, the most sound you'll hear will be a gentle tapping as the oil changes temperature. Of course, fan-equipped space heaters--no matter the underlying technology--will generate a bit of noise.

While I like the even heat of radiators in general, our old oil-filled space heater took quite a while to heat up ... and never seemed to produce an abundance of heat. I'd have to rate its performance as adequate.

I'm drawn in by the more eclectic electrics.There's a funky little "Home Hearth" unit at Target (via Amazon) and Northern Tool. Check this baby out ... it looks like an old-fashioned wood stove. (The price is a bit on the high side, but it's more than just a space heater, it's a conversation piece.)

The Soleus Micathermic Heater lands on the other side of the design spectrum--it's ultra-modern and can be mounted on the wall or roll around on casters. But the big question begs ... is it all about the space-age looks or does it really deliver the heat?

Portable space heaters add warmth exactly when and where it's needed. When you need to warm up a home office -- whether it's in the attic, basement, spare bedroom, or sunroom -- there's no faster way to make things livable. Space heaters come in many shapes and sizes. Best of all, there are models to fit every budget. The most difficult task in purchasing a portable space heater is choosing the right technology.