Learn about Electric Portable Space Heater

Electric portable space heaters can be moved around your home and are best used to heat small areas. There are four common types of electric portable space heaters: ceramic heaters, fan heaters, infrared heaters, and radiant heaters.

Ensure that any portable space heaters are safe from electrical shorting, the cords are in good condition, and that they are not used near flammable materials such as curtains.

Electric space heaters operate on electricity, so they are as sustainable as the source of electricity. They are also inefficient compared to other electric heating systems such as air or ground-source heat pumps. In a home with an older heating system with one or two thermostats, portable electric space heaters can be used to heat only the rooms that are needed. This type of operation can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Electrical resistance heaters were developed in the late 1800s, and at the time some of them used light bulbs as a heating element. This shows what the original incandescent light bulbs mostly produced - heat!