Other Types of Heaters

Alternatives to electric space heaters

Electric fireplace heaters are relatively expensive, but give the illusion of a wood-burning fire and add a warm focal point to a room. Of course these heaters also add light, so if that disturbs you, they're not suitable for your bedroom. Some are free-standing, while others are inserts for a regular fireplace. You can read owner-written reviews of electric fireplace heaters at Amazon.com. Energy-efficiency expert Jim Dulley also has a downloadable buyer's guide (*est. $3).

South-facing windows can be converted to solar space heaters. You can also find free plans at various websites, including MobileHomeRepair.com.

Combustion heaters

Other heating alternatives include a backup kerosene or indoor propane heater, or a gas or woodburning fireplace - or, of course, a regular woodburning fireplace or woodstove. All these combustion heaters require extra caution and excellent ventilation - either a chimney, vent or partially opened window. As a whole, this type of heater isn't as safe as an electric heater. The open flames use up room oxygen and produce pollutants, so carbon monoxide poisoning is a danger.

For backup heat just to keep a room from freezing, the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater MH9B (*Est. $90) uses one-pound propane canisters that are safer to store than kerosene (sale of kerosene heaters is banned in some states due to their poor safety). It gets a good review from ConsumerGuide.com, and it incorporates several safety features.

Portable gas heaters that use natural and liquid propane gas are very efficient and burn cleaner than kerosene. Mr. Heater makes a wide variety of portable propane heaters for well-ventilated garages and workshops, including cylindrical models with a powerful fan. This type of heater can easily put out 30,000 to 170,000 BTU of heat. Prices start at about $150.