Efficient Space Heaters Can Take Chill Off Room

Question: A couple of rooms in my home are always chilly. I want to use two small, efficient electric space heaters instead of turning up the thermostat. How can I determine which designs are best and safest for my children?

Answer: Using small electric space heaters is wise. Even if you have a gas furnace, using a few heaters instead of cranking up the thermostat can cut your utility bills. It can also improve your comfort because you get heat where you need it the most.

When you see the myriad electric space heater designs, styles, sizes and prices, it can be mind-boggling.

There actually are significant difference in the controls, heat distribution and safety of the various designs and models, so don’t just buy the cheapest one on sale.

Before buying an electric space heater, think about how it will be used most often. This determines the best design and important features to consider. The basic design types are convection (fan), low-temperature radiant (oil-filled) and high-temperature focused radiant heaters.

To heat a large area, convection, baseboard or tall oil-filled radiator types of electric heaters are effective. For smaller areas or a specific spot, a high-temperature radiant heater focuses the heat more effectively.

Within the basic types are many design variations and features. Since you mentioned safety around children, some of the newer convection models use either non-glow elements or ceramic elements. These reduce the chances of a hand getting burnt or having a child ignite a piece of paper in the heater.

Ceramic heating elements are unique in that they self-regulate the heat output. As the room temperature gets warmer, the resistance of the ceramic element increases so less electricity is used and less heat is produced. The newest ceramic heaters can be programmed and use digital displays.

For the most precise temperature control in a room, select one of the new convection heaters with a temperature dial. Instead of the unit just switching on and off when the temperature setting is reached, it stays on but the heat output slows. This maintains more even room temperatures.

Quartz heaters use elements that glow red to radiate heat that targets a specific area. Some models also include a tiny, quiet fan to gently circulate and mix the room air. Select one with a child-safe, snap-off grill to enable you to replace the bulbs or clean the reflectors.

Technically, all electric heating elements are 100% efficient, so do not let the packaging hype fool you. Check for these features--adjustable thermostat, several heat settings and timers.

For more information, visit www.dulley.com to download Update Bulletin No. 706, a buyer’s guide of 10 electric space heater manufacturers listing design types, heat settings, thermostats, comfort and safety features, a savings chart and safe usage tips.

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Drippy Shower Spout Wastes Water and Energy

Q: Whenever I take a shower, some water continues to flow out of the spout below and the shower does not feel as forceful as it used to. Is this normal or should I have the spout and shower valve repaired?

A: A little trickle of water from the bathtub spout is typical, but a substantial flow is unusual. Since you noticed the force of the shower is not as great as before, you should repair the valve.

This problem not only causes a weak shower flow, but it also wastes water and energy. If the shower flow is weak and slow, the droplets tend to cool before they hit your body so you have to adjust the water temperature even higher.

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