If you live in a cold house or work in a freezing warehouse, you’ll probably need a portable heater to warm up rooms and enclosed spaces. But there are so many different models to choose from that it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.

Electric heaters are generally described by their heat output in Btu per hour (BtuH). This figure tells you how much energy the unit needs to raise a pound of water by a single degree Fahrenheit. It’s a useful measure to know because it gives you a good idea of how expensive the heater will be to run, especially on its highest setting. Some heaters are also rated in watts, which you can convert to kilowatts by multiplying the BtuH rating by 3.41.

Most electric heaters use convection to distribute warmth around the room, but there are some fan-forced models that operate differently. They use a blower fan to circulate air and may be more effective at warming larger areas than convection heaters.

Another type of electric portable heater are radiant heaters. These are typically covered in sheets of mica, which reflect the electromagnetic rays produced by the heating element and allow them to have slimmer designs than other portable heaters.

If you’re using a portable heater, keep in mind that it’s always best to use it within a safe distance of any curtains or drapes, and never leave a heater unattended. It’s also a good idea to have smoke detectors installed throughout your home and to change the batteries twice a year. A fire triggered by a plug-in space heater can be very dangerous and even deadly. portable heater