It's easy to avoid the disappointment of purchasing the wrong space heater and get the comfort you deserve if you answer the following questions before you start shopping.

How Many People Do You want to Make Comfortable?

This might sound obvious, but there is a multitude of small space heaters designed for different purposes.

If you are the only person requiring additional heat, a radiant heater will be more effective than a convection heater. Radiant heaters warm people and objects first. When you turn on a radiant heater you will feel instant, focused warmth.

A convection heater works by warming the air, which in turn eventually warms you. Most convection heaters take 20 minutes or more to heat an average sized room. However, in a room occupied by 3 or 4 people at that same time, like a family room, a convection heater provides even heat enjoyable by all.

How Much Space Are You Heating?

Since most space heaters max out at 1500 watts (5120 BTUs), they won't heat much more than 150 square feet. The results you get from any space heater will vary according to room ceiling height and the quality of a home's insulation.

A drafty room with 8 foot ceilings will not reach the same degree of comfort as a room with 7 foot ceilings in a well insulated home using the same heater.

If you're interested in heating your office cubicle or bathroom, a small ceramic heater will provide plenty of warmth. For under the desk heat, a low wattage radiant heat panel will keep your lower extremities comfortably warm.

Another interesting use for under the desk radiant heat panels is hanging them on, or near, a bird cage to keep your feathered friends warm.

Do Have Children or Pets?

Space heater safety takes on added significance when you have inquisitive toddlers and/or nosy pets running around.

15 years ago, an oil filled heater was my first choice. I never had any problems with this type of heater or how my kids interacted with it. Today you can purchase micathermic flat panel and ceramic space heaters that can be hung on the wall, away from little hands and cold noses.

Does Anyone in Your Family Have Allergies or Respiratory Problems?

If this is the case, you should be aware that fan assisted heaters tend to stir up dust and allergens. You can get around this problem by purchasing a micathermic or oil filled heater. Quartz infrared and radiant heaters without a fan will also eliminate this problem.

Space Heater Safety

Take time to read the manufacture's safety instructions. If you must use an extension cord, or your computer is plugged into the same circuit as your small space heater, use a power strip/surge protector.

Place your space heater on a level surface away from combustibles and don't use it to dry clothes. Don't leave your small space heater running if you're not at home. If you want your space heated room to be comfortable when you get home from work, buy a space heater with a programmable thermostat.

Purchase only the models with tip over (automatic off) switches and over heat protection.