Space heaters add comfort with ease

Sales of space heaters are sizzling as millions of homeowners buy into the promise of lower-cost heating in an era of soaring utility bills.

The latest electric space heaters provide more-consistent heat than those we last tested. And while they're also safer than their predecessors, space heaters still account for 40 percent of the deaths and 30 percent of the injuries each year in this country that are heating related, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Fuel-fired models carry their own risks (read "Safety risks" for details on propane and kerosene heaters).

All of the tested space heaters will comfortably warm a chilly room. But remember, the only way to potentially save money is to use a heater in one room and leave the rest of the house chillier.

Among the key findings from our tests:

Temperature control is key. Most of the heaters controlled room temperature well. Eight models with a thermostat excelled, maintaining temperature within 3° F or less. Buy a space heater without one, and you'll have to turn it off at the desired temperature and on again to heat. Heaters with multiple output settings let you choose the lowest one that keeps a room comfortable, saving energy.

Safety varies among models. One space heater distinguishes itself with a sensor that turns off the unit when the grille is touched. A tip-over switch that shuts down a knocked-over heater is another desirable feature; five tested models lack one.

High-priced models disappoint. Two heaters earned the lowest overall scores. One provided only fair temperature control and ease of use. Its boast that it can cut heating bills by up to half is questionable. The other, equipped with an air purifier, provided lackluster temperature control, cleaned the air poorly, and lacks an overheat-protection feature.

Follow the expert advice below and use our Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the model that's right for your home:

Opt for convection or radiant. Convection electric space heaters, whether fan-forced or not, are best for heating an entire room. Radiant electric space heaters use an electric-ribbon element or a quartz tube, and are ideal for spot heating. But that heat quickly dissipates when the unit is off.

Assess portability. If your electric space heater will see duty in many rooms, you'll want a model that's easy to move. Most electrics are lighter than kerosene or propane models. Look for a handle that provides a safe grip.

Play it safe. Overloaded, undersized, or frayed power cords are a major cause of fires, injuries, and deaths associated with space heaters. Inspect your electric space heater's power cord to ensure it's in good condition. If you need to use an extension cord, get a 12- or 14-gauge model. All of the tested electric models have a power cord that's at least 70 inches long. A longer cord gives you greater flexibility in where you can place the heater.

Buy an electric space heater listed by Underwriters Laboratories, whose mark indicates it meets UL's voluntary safety standards. And consider a model with a tip-over switch and an automatic shutoff for overheat protection. Place your electric space heater at least 3 feet from furniture and window treatments and out of the reach of children or pets. And always turn off the heater when you go to bed or leave home.—Helen A.S. Popkin