Small Space Scribes on January 24, 2020 0 Comments Just because someone lives in a small space doesn’t mean they’re able to stay warm more easily during the cold winter months. Blankets, body heat, and baking can only help so much. Many people rely on a portable heater or small space heater to do the trick. If you live in a small apartment, tiny home or RV, these types of heaters can keep you warm, but they also need to keep you safe. If you’re looking for the best heaters to do both, we’ve got you covered. Small Space Heater If you live in a small space and don’t have a central heating system, then a small space heater like this Air King 8945C is a great way to raise the temperature in a specific area of your living space. It has an adjustable thermostat, a handle for easy portability, and automatic overheat protection to reduce the risk of fire. If you do have a central heating system, then an electric space heater can help you save on your energy costs by heating a focused space instead of cranking up the central heating system and using electricity to heat areas you aren’t using. Baseboard Heater Floor and baseboard heaters like this Cadet 4F1000A offer easy installation, quiet operation and cost-effective heating. Since it takes up less space than portable space heaters, it’s ideal for small living spaces such as bedrooms, nurseries or home offices that are approximately 250 square feet. Basic models are equipped with a high temperature safety shutoff, dial controls and on/off switches, while higher end models have digital controls as well as automatic shut off and timers. Wall Heater A wall heater like this Cadet CSC101TW is great for a tiny home or small apartment because it doesn’t take up any floor space. It’s also smaller than most in-wall heaters and has an integrated thermostat for easy heat adjustments. The primary and secondary thermal safeguards ensure that the unit will shut off at unsafe temperatures. Fire Pit Heaters If you live in an RV, a more permanent solution like a baseboard or wall heater isn’t realistic. While a small space heater is a good option for RV living, a fire pit heater like the Napoleon GPFP-1 will keep you warm when you want to be outdoors. Its stainless steel construction makes it durable and weather resistant and is safe to use on wood, stone, brick and concrete. Safety Tips for Heaters in Small Spaces The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space heaters, resulting in more than 300 deaths. In addition, an estimated 6,000 people receive hospital emergency room care for burn injuries associated with contacting the hot surfaces of room heaters, mostly in non-fire situations. Staying warm in your small space is a necessity, but so is protecting yourself with these safety tips when using your heater: Keep flammable items at least 3 feet away from the heating source. Make sure the power cord isn’t damaged. Securely plug the heater into the outlet. Check for the safety certification logo somewhere on the heater. Turn off the unit whenever you’re unable to keep an eye on it. Don’t place your small space heater or fire pit on an unstable surface. Keep water away from the heating units or you risk being shocked. Train each age-appropriate household member how to use the heater. Whether you live in a tiny home, small apartment or travel across the country in your RV, when used correctly, small space heaters, baseboard heaters, wall heaters, and even fire pits are safe to use and will keep you warm and cozy in your small space.
