Electric Heaters for Your Home and Garage

When it comes to heating your home, electric heaters may not have the same kick as oil or gas, but they can make for reasonable heating installations in situations that don't require the high power of a gas furnace. Even in areas where the cost of operating a gas or oil furnace may be lower than using electric, your basic electric heater is easier to maintain and doesn't offer the same fire hazard as a gas or oil furnace that has fallen into disrepair. If you want something simple and worry-free, an electric heater may be the way to go even if it means slightly higher utility bills.

Electric Heaters for Your Home
Electric heaters distribute heat evenly through your home and—depending on how your utility company generates the electricity—operate more cleanly than gas or oil. They tend to be more expensive and aren't the most energy-efficient option, however most new homes tend to install radiant floor heating with their central electric heater, which will greatly enhance your heater's efficiency and overall comfort level. Individual space heaters are also a kind of electric heating unit, but these heaters are generally only used in homes with limited heating needs.

Far Infrared Electric Heater
Unlike conventional electric heaters, far infrared electric heaters radiate heat into your home. While conventional heaters must first heat the air surrounding you, far infrared heaters actually heat you from the inside out. It works in the exact same way that the sun heats you while you're standing outside on a cloudless day. This process enables a cleaner, more efficient, more comfortable heating source. Essentially, it creates the same energy efficiency of radiant flooring without the costly process of ripping up your floor. Conventional heaters still dominate the market, but as far infrared technology grabs hold and starts to become mass-produced the price tag will go lower and lower.

Electric Garage Heaters
Electric garage heaters are a great choice for small garages or spaces where heat isn't always a concern. They are small, portable, and safe. They can be placed on the floor, a shelf, or your workbench. Most electric garage heater models include safety features that will automatically shut themselves down if you knock them over or accidentally throw a blanket over them. These small electric heaters can also be run year round without heat to increase ventilation and provide you with a breeze when it gets hot in your garage.

While a smaller unit is probably the most popular electric garage heater, larger wall, baseboard, and overhead electric heaters are also available. If you feel you need the extra heating capacity of one of these larger heaters, you might also think about extending your ductwork and connecting your garage to your central heating. Larger garage heating units, just like central heating, can also be gas or oil heating units. These heaters tend to be more efficient for larger spaces, although you'll need to make sure they have adequate ventilation.