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Show Eliminating Cold Spots Safely Most homes have a cold spot or two, a drafty area the central heating system simply does not warm. A portable heater is the only economical answer. The type of heater used, however, can be critical to personal safety. There are three types of portable heaters generally popular with homeowners. The toaster-type radiant heaters have exposed elements ele-ments which turn red hot as the unit warms up. If touched, the element burns skin and flammables which come into contact with it can burst into flames. The resistance type heater usually has a shielded element. Nonetheless, small hands or misplaced flammables, flam-mables, such as drapes, can come into contact with a hot spot, typical of these heaters. Electric hot water heaters have elements which are submerged in an enclosed tube. This provides not only safety, but a greater mass for heat storage at lower temperatures. Hot water circulating systems offer convection heat which warms air as it naturally circulates throughout a room. |