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Portable space heaters are small, electric resistance heating units. Regardless of the shape, size or type of electric heating element found in an electric space heater, virtually all power drawn is converted into heat. The cost of operating an electric heater depends on how much heat the unit is delivering. The manner and rate in which the unit converts energy into heat and warms the room depends upon the type of heater you have.

Convection heaters function by circulating warm air with a fan or by encouraging natural convection.

Radiant heaters directly warm people and objects. Convection heaters work best at heating a space or room while radiant heaters are better designed for more direct warming.

How to operate portable space heaters
Portable space heaters operate by adjusting the unit's setting at high or low, or they may come equipped with a thermostat.

Keep furniture, curtains and other materials away from the heater as to ensure the free circulation of air and prevent the possibility of a fire. By having free air flow, you keep the heater working at its maximum efficiency.

Establishing a "set point" on the thermostat can provide a more consistent room temperature and help you save money. Centrally place a thermometer in the room. Decide upon the lowest temperature setting you are comfortable with and then adjust the thermostat only high enough to maintain this temperature. Marking this temperature setting on the thermostat makes it easy to reset the heater during use. Remember, the lower the room temperature, the lower your energy costs. Thermostats may fail after a number of years and will need to be replaced.

It is important to remember to place the heater where it will not be easily knocked over and to not use the heater for drying clothes.

The ground fault circuit interrupter is another beneficial safety feature. This feature shuts the unit off if an electrical short or ground develops. Space heaters with this feature are less likely to accidently shock you. If you are thinking about purchasing a portable heater, compare different models for special features such as high and low settings. These settings adjust the amount of energy consumed by allowing adjustment in the wattage level. For example, the heater may have an adjustment for either 1500, 1200 or 750 watts.

Some fan-forced units may offer similar controls for fan operation such as high, low and "fan only" settings. A few units have a clock and timer that turns the heater off at a preselected time.

The more controls a unit has, the more its initial cost will be. When determining essential features it is wise to remember that units with multiple wattage adjustments are the most energy efficient. For example, if heating needs can be met by using a 750 watt setting versus a 1200 watt setting, you will save money.

One of the best characteristics of a space heater is its ability to deliver almost instantaneous warmth. If you are cold, the heater can easily be switched on, and when you are warm the unit can be turned off immediately.