Brr…do you feel that chill? It may be time to install an electric heater in your home! Many homeowners choose electric heaters because they are easier to install, don’t require much maintenance and have longer operating lives than other forms of heating. Now that you know to go electric, do you know what kind you should install in your home? Here’s a look at each:

Baseboard Heaters

These heaters live within a steel case and are hardwired to an electrical circuit within the home. Named after its installation location, baseboard heaters are placed within baseboards adjacent to the floor. These heaters warm up the surrounding air, causing the hotter air to rise and pushing the cooler air naturally down towards the floor. There are no fans used in the process since these heaters rely on the natural behavior of air to rise and fall depending on the temperature. Because no fans are used, it can take a little longer to heat a room, however these are easy and cheap to install, so many homeowners prefer this type of heater.

Wall Heaters

Similar to baseboard heaters, wall heaters are also wired to an electrical circuit within the home. However, these heaters implement a fan to circulate warm air more quickly than baseboard heaters. These are a great alternative to baseboard heaters because they are much smaller in size and work faster.

Radiant Heater

Also known as cove heaters, radiant heaters are usually installed either in the floor or in the ceiling of a home. When installed in the floor, radiant heaters use electric cables or electric mats in the flooring that generate heat and warm the feet. When used with a concrete floor, this heater can provide enough heat to warm a room for a couple of hours all on its own. When installed high on the wall or in the ceilings, you’ll probably only feel the heat on the top of your body and when you’re standing close to the heat source, similar to standing under an air conditioning vent. Because of this, this installation is not as preferred.

Space Heater

These electric heaters are simply plugged into a power outlet as opposed to being hardwired into the home. Many homeowners prefer space heaters because of their convenience. As you move from room to room, just grab the space heater and bring it with you to stay warm! These heaters are especially useful if you tend to be sensitive to cold temperatures and your central heating system is not providing enough warmth.  However, one downside is that it can be a fire hazard if tipped over by accident. If you do choose an electric space heater, pick one with a tip-over safety switch that automatically shuts off power when the device falls over.

Ductless Mini-Split

Is energy efficient heating high on your list of priorities? If so, the ductless mini-split heater may be the right choice for your home. These heaters utilize environmental heat to provide warmth to the home which is one of the reasons why the Department of Energy calls ductless mini-split heaters a cost-effective, energy-efficient choice. The Department of Energy recommends this electric heater choice for people who are adding on rooms to their home, or to provide warmth to rooms where installing ductwork is not possible.  Homeowners choose these heaters because of their small size and flexible location within the home, however installing them can be a little pricier than other heaters.

Remember, if you plan on installing a heating system that requires electrical work, reach out for assistance. Although many energy-efficient projects can be done on your own, this requires the help of an experienced professional!