Re: Space heaters? - Page 2

 
From consumer Reports, October 2007

Space heaters
Add comfort with ease

The Holmes Quartz Tower, Pelonis Disc Furnace, DeLonghi SafeHeat Flat
Panel and Honeywell Low Profile Convection space heaters.

Our tests of the latest electric space heaters show that they provide
more-consistent heat than those we last tested. And while they're also
safer, 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 (see Safety risks).

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.

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.

CR Quick Recommendations
The Ratings rank models by overall performance within types. Quick
Picks lists models with performance and value.


Quick Picks
If you want a small or thin unit:
DeLonghi SafeHeat Flat Panel Micathermic HHP 1500 $80
Pelonis Disc Furnace VHC-461 $110
Honeywell Mini Tower 360 Surround HZ-2200 $30

All three models deliver excellent temperature control. The flat-panel
DeLonghi is quieter since it lacks a fan, and this lightweight model
can be mounted on a wall. The diminutive Pelonis and Honeywell have
longer power cords, providing more placement options without an
extension cord. The Honeywell is very noisy.


If you prefer a baseboard look:
Honeywell Low Profile Convection Heater HZ-519 $60, CR Best Buy

This heater is designed for placement along a wall, keeping it out of
the middle of the room. Very safe to use, this model runs quietly and
offers excellent temperature control.

If you want direct heat:
Holmes Quartz Tower HQH319 $60, CR Best Buy

Using quartz-tube elements to heat, the Holmes offers excellent
temperature control and 750- and 1,500-watt settings.

  On Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:42:49 -0600, Logan Shaw


Hey, I've got that exact heater by my desk, and use it if I get
chilly.  Works pretty much like you said, though I just use one button
to turn it off or on.
My wife picked it up new, and I think she paid less than 50 bucks for
it.

--Vic