Space (saving) heater

Whether you're a sucker for the Slanket or your loyalties lie with last year's late-night TV star the Snuggie, the days when polar fleece just won't cut it are quickly approaching. So what's the next best way to take winter's chill out of the air, other than cranking up the thermostat? A space heater. Sure, they're easier on your energy bill than central heating, but they're never too easy on the eyes, your decor, or your floor space. The list goes on, which is why I'm drawn to the ECO-heater, a 3/8-inch-thick, wall-mount, square heater capable of keeping a 10-foot-by-12-foot room cozy with minimal electricity. An added bonus: because it uses convection, a process in which most of the air is heated in the space between the panel and the wall, it is also safer than models that heat up in the front, especially for pets and children. 

At $110, it may not be the cheapest option, but it's definitely the least conspicuous. With no visible wires, the panel projects out less than an inch from the wall once mounted and can be camouflaged with a coat of water-based latex paint to match your walls.

Aesthetics aside, this little guy sucks in cold air and warms it using only the energy equivalent of four 100 watt light bulbs. That makes its total energy use about one-third the amount of other models on the market heating comparable spaces, and its cost to operate is roughly four cents an hour. 

Here's to helping the environment, saving some cash, and the peace of mind in knowing little ones and pets won't trip over space heater wires this season.

Check out more space heaters.