As winter gets closer, it’s time to start thinking about ways to slash your heating bills yet still keep comfortable. Space heaters are a common solution. Consumer space heaters can basically be broken down into two styles: Radiant heaters (which directly heat objects) and convection heaters (which provide warmth to the air in the room). In addition, they are usually fueled by either electric power or flammable gases (such as natural gas or propane heaters).

When it comes to total heat output, it’s tough to beat propane heaters. However, they can be dangerous if used in poorly-ventilated environments. Be certain you have a working carbon monoxide detector nearby if using a propane heater.

On the other hand, electric heaters do not give off any exhaust gases. Their total heat output (as measured in BTUs) is generally a bit lower than fuel-burning heaters. You will also be limited in where you can operate them, as you’ll need easy access to electric power. This means you may have trouble using electric heaters on a porch, patio, or tailgating.

Despite these drawbacks, convection heaters are a popular choice as they are cheap to operate, but can adequately and safely warm an entire room.

As a great example, ceramic heaters (which are almost always electric heaters) use the convective heating style and are a very cheap and efficient heater.  These heaters operate by warming a ceramic plate inside the unit via electric current. Then, a fan draws air through the heater’s metal baffle and back out into the room. This fan provides constant air circulation and allows the heater to fill a room with heat fairly quickly.

Ok, so you’ve decided to purchase a ceramic heater, now what? There are several styles and models to choose from. However, your first priority should be the unit’s safety. Generally speaking, ceramic heaters are one of the safer heating options, as there are no external heating elements that can spark a fire. This is a feature shared by radiator-style oil heaters as well.

However, you’ll want to be certain to maintain a safe operating environment with your space heater, regardless of it’s style. Specifically, be looking for an emergency shut-off switch that can detect if the unit has been tipped over. These safety features combine to make ceramic heaters one of the safest heating styles available.

In addiiton, if you’re trying to heat a larger room with a ceramic heater, you may want to consider a unit with an oscillating fan. A fan-assisted heater can affectively fill about 150 square feet, depending on the model, and helps to provide an even, comfortable temperature throughout. Plus, these heaters often have a ‘fan-only’ mode. No need to store your heater for the summer, as it can pull double-duty all year long.

If you don’t necessarily need the extra power of an oscillating fan, you can purchase cheaper models instead. Strategically placed in a bathroom or on an office desk, you can keep a small area warm for very little cost. In the typical portable ceramic heater, you can choose between a handful of temperature settings to stay comfortable throughout the day. Keeping your utility bills low is just an added bonus as you’re taking the chill off this winter.

So as winter rolls around, don’t choose between high energy prices or warm temperatures in your home. There’s another choice when it comes to single room heating. An electric ceramic heater can help to keep any room warm, while being cost effective at the same time.