Winter near the Jersey Shore can be damp, windy and colder than the thermometer suggests. Rather than turning up the heat for the whole house, many people use a portable heater to warm the room they're actually in. Use this checklist to choose and order the right one.
1. Measure the room
A typical 1,500-watt heater adds comfortable warmth to a room of around 150 square feet. Bigger spaces, high ceilings or drafty windows call for an infrared heater, which warms people and furniture directly instead of just the air.
2. Choose the type
| Type | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic fan heater | Fast warmth in small rooms and offices | Some fan noise |
| Infrared heater | Quiet, even heat in larger rooms | Usually heavier |
| Oil-filled radiator | Silent, steady heat in bedrooms | Slow to warm up |
3. Check the safety features
- Automatic shut-off if the heater tips over
- Overheat protection
- A cool-touch exterior if you have children or pets
- A UL, ETL or equivalent safety listing
4. Plan where it will go
- Plug it straight into a wall outlet; never use an extension cord or power strip.
- Leave at least three feet of space around it, away from curtains, bedding and paper.
- Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before the cold weather arrives.
5. Know the delivery options
- Standard shipping: 3 to 5 business days, free on orders over $50.
- Express shipping: 2 business days when you order by 1 pm Eastern Time.
- You'll receive a tracking link by email as soon as your order ships.
6. Inspect it on arrival
Unbox the heater carefully and check the casing, cord and plug. Keep the packaging for a few weeks. If anything is damaged or faulty, contact us within 7 days for a free replacement or full refund; unused heaters can be returned within 30 days under our returns policy.