Lots of people say that the cold in Vancouver is different than in other places. Because of the humidity in the air, it’s often chilly and damp and hard to warm up from. Even in the Spring, there is still a bite to the air, especially at night. That’s why electric heaters are a popular option for people who don’t want to heat their whole house or apartment. They are great for tackling just one room or a small space at a time.

Compared to the old days when electric heaters were basically just fire and burn hazards, modern heaters are safe, efficient (usually) and they come in an array of choices. Here are a few you can find on the market today that are great options for heating a small space to keep the evening chill at bay.

Radiant heater

Radiant heaters emit rays that directly target whatever crosses its path. They are safe and efficient and used to supplement spots that need that extra hit of instant heat, like above a glass door, for example.

Convection or oil column heater

These are more heavy duty and good for a space like a bedroom or office in the basement. They often have a built in thermostat so they can be good to provide heat in a chilly room while you fall asleep without you having to worry about safety.

Fan heaters

Sometimes called ceramic heaters, these can be noisy, but they are great because they distribute heated air around the room rather than it forming a layer of hot air that sits below the ceiling.

Portable heater

These handy plug-in options are especially great for garages and workshops. They pump out the heat and are still highly efficient.

Baseboard heater

The most common type of supplemental heater found in homes, baseboard heaters are cheap and can operate via displacement or natural convection. They are affordable and relatively efficient and do a good job of heating small spaces.

If you decide to use an electric and portable heater, remember that safety should always come first. Here are some extra tips to make sure your heater is not becoming a hazard.

To ensure that your small space heater is operating safely:

• Read the manufacturer’s manual for operating instructions and specific safety tips
• Check the chord for tears and other signs of wear like fraying
• Change or clean filters before using
• When in use, do not drape wet clothing or blankets over the heater and do not hang wet clothes above so that they drip onto the heater
• Don’t run chords under area rugs
• Avoid plugging into heavily used power bars
• Do not leave the heater plugged or in use unattended

If you have any questions about what heating options are right for your home, give a call to our licensed electricians today.

We offer advice on a wide range of options that are efficient and effective and affordable!