Whether you need a portable electric heater for your home or for travel, there are many things to consider when making this purchase. A portable electric heater is useful for heating a small space such as a garage, work room, or desk space, and is useful for travel as well. It is easy to control and regulate a portable electric heater, and, because it runs on electricity, this type of heater does not release fumes or odors. As a supplement to a heating source, a portable electric heater can be very economical. The unit itself is also affordable, ranging from $10 to over $100, depending on the design, features, and type of heater. Before making a purchase, be sure to consider how much heat you need and the safety of the portable electric heater you select.
Amount of Heat
Chances are you know where and when you will use your portable electric heater: the garage, a workshop, or a particularly drafty area in your house. A simple way to determine how much heat you need in this space is this: a well-insulated room with an eight-foot ceiling requires about 10 watts per square foot of space. In other words, a 200 square foot room will need about 2000 watts to warm the room to a comfortable temperature. If the heating unit will be used to increase comfort but not warm an entire room (such as a garage), you’ll probably need only five to seven watts per square foot.
Keep in mind, however, that 120 volt electric units are limited by electrical code requirements and the limitations of your house’s wiring. This means portable electric units are limited to 1500 watts of heat, which is enough for your 200 square foot room. If your space is larger than this, you’ll most likely need a larger 240 volt heater. Be aware that most rooms are not wired to handle two small portable heaters, and using two at a time would overload your circuit. A 240 volt electric model will heat a larger space, but a 240 volt circuit must be installed to operate one. In addition, the higher wattage of these units makes them less efficient than the 120 volt models.
Safety
The greatest hazard of using an electric heater is not the unit itself, but the wiring it uses. A 1500 watt unit uses more than 12 amps, and the average household circuit is limited to 15 to 20 amps, making it easy to overload your circuits. Be cure that your circuit does not have a lot of loads, is in good shape, and that the plug fits tightly into the outlet. Extension cords are not recommended. If you have any doubt about the condition of your home’s wiring, consult an electrician. You can monitor the safety of your heating unit by checking the cord and plug while it’s in use. If either the cord or plug is too hot to touch or the plug seems to be turning soft, stop using the unit, unplug it, and contact an electrician.
When installing the unit, be sure it is at least three feet from anything flammable. Portable electric heaters should never be left unattended or used when you are sleeping. If these circumstances cannot be avoided, you must use a natural convection unit. Finally, always follow your manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and use.