 I’m using a radiant heater in my computer room. These heaters are best for ‘zone’ warmth and would be unsuited for whole house heating. For temps down to zero degrees Fahrenheit I am able to use heat settings no higher than 18000 btu. and usually lower for one or two rooms in mild temps. Generally speaking I do not need my central furnace to run unless I want the whole house warmed to an even temperature. (not often needed)
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BIGGER is NOT better when selecting a radiant heating unit, it is better to have a small unit that replaces only the heat that is lost than have a unit so large that it must be turned off to prevent the room from becoming too warm. Do pick a unit that has actual ceramic tiles as the burner face, they reflect a lot more heat than the metal screen variety. Avoid the ‘blue flame’ heaters, as they are not a true radiant design. Most will have an electronic ‘pizo’ ignition that eliminates the need for lighting with a match. I have a CO (carbon monoxide) detector in an adjoining room that I monitor. I have had no problems with CO concentration in 2 years. In addition all new unvented heaters will have a low oxygen safety cut off. Unless an aerosol spray can or some other source of vapor is released in the presence of the open flame there is never any noticeable odor from the gas combustion of . One of the beneficial by-products of open-air combustion is water vapor. In the dry winter cold that is GOOD to have indoors! Overall, I’m very pleased with my selection and it has trimmed a lot of fuel use that has saved $$ in the long term. Stay Warm! – daveo
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