Space Heaters vs. Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters and space heaters are two of the many different types of home heating options. They can be used as either supplemental or primary heat sources, depending on the size of the room.

Space Heaters

• A space heater is a portable appliance that uses electricity, gas, oil, kerosene or propane for heating rooms. Smaller electric heaters generally direct heat toward one person or one small section of a room. Propane, kerosene, gas or oil heaters can usually heat an entire room, depending on its size.

Baseboard Heaters

• Baseboard heaters can be installed in the bottom of walls in order to draw in cold air and disperse warm air into the room using a convection system. They are usually silent, do not take up much wall space and can be controlled by a thermostat. They are covered with protective grilles; care should be taken that the mesh is fine enough that small children cannot push their fingers or other objects through it.

Considerations

• Many newer space heaters are safer than they were in the past, as they have barriers to prevent hot coils from being exposed and shut-off features in case they are tipped over. However, if placed too close to curtains, upholstery or other combustible materials, they can start fires. Their internal fans can be noisy and they may emit an odor. If a room is very large or drafty, a space heater might not be adequate for the entire space. Baseboard heaters can provide adequate heat but they take time to warm up.