Advances in technology, safety and product design make it a perfect time to invest in new space heater

Hong Kong may be experiencing its hottest year on record, but that hasn’t stopped department and electronics stores from displaying a wide range of home-heating devices in anticipation of cooler months ahead.

And, while it’s tempting to take our old appliances out of storage once again, advancements in technology, safety and product design make this a perfect time to invest in a new space heater.

The most common electric heaters use convection and radiant technology. According to Consumer Reports, an American magazine that conducts independent product reviews, convection models spread heat over a wide area with or without a fan, while radiant models are better for spot heating.

Micathermic heaters combine the two technologies, and prevent dust and allergens from recirculating in a room. Portable propane and kerosene heaters can produce much greater levels of heat but also come with higher risks of fire, injury and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Choosing the right heater for your needs depends primarily on the space in which it will be used, with experts recommending about 10W of heating power for every square foot of floor area if it is being used as the primary heating source. Other considerations are timers, remote controls, safety features, energy-saving functions, ease of mobility, and the look and feel of the device.

One of the most eye-catching products on the market is Dyson’s AM09 Hot+Cool fan heater. The bladeless ceramic heater offers two modes – diffused for wide and long-range heat distribution, and focused for powerful long-range personal heating – as well as a cooling function for use in warmer months.