I can assure you that there may come be a point this winter where you will wish you had purchased a propane heater.
It may have occurred to you last year as well, but it slipped your mind. It is possible you were working out in the freezing garage or you found yourself in a too cold to bear basement. In either case, it occurred to you last year, but you still have not taken action (and continue to be cold).
After purchasing a propane heater, will it magically turn your freezing garage or basement into a tropical climate? A lovely thought, but I do not want to get your hopes too high. It will certainly cause the temperature to rise in the room to a more comfortable level, but you may not want to reach for your swimsuit or anything. Regardless, it is still a very nice home comfort item to have when the temperatures drop!
Choosing a propane heater instead of an electric will ultimately save you money. An electric model may cost less, but the cost of electricity, as a heating source is far greater than propane gas.
In general propane heaters are quite safe; however, there are certain usage guidelines you should follow. A propane heater should not be used in unventilated areas because you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure that the room is properly ventilated. Using one outdoors poses less of a risk, but fresh air should still be a concern.
There are a few other safety guidelines to be followed when a portable propane heater is in use. Always keep the heater well away from flammable materials such as paint cans and the like. Having these items near the heater can cause a fire. Verify that the heater is capable of shutting itself off in case it falls. In addition, make sure the heater has a sensor that can detect oxygen depletion; this allows the heater to go off if the room does not contain enough oxygen.
The ideal propane heaters have adjustable heat controls, which gives you more control of the room temperature than a lesser model with a simple on/off button. Check for a warranty, which should cover the heater for no less than a year. It is important to remember to only purchase CSA safety certified heaters.
