Holmes Heaters

Advantages of Holmes Heaters

In most homes, there are a few spaces that cannot be adequately warmed by a central forced-air heater. These spaces (like small offices or bathrooms) can be effectively heated by a small space heater. Holmes produces space heaters in a variety of sizes, but their best-selling models are small heaters designed to heat small spaces safely. There are several advantages of Holmes heaters.

They are Cheap

Most Holmes heaters are in the $20-40 price range, although some of their "Whisper Quiet" models can be priced as high as $75. Compared to other heating options, these small heaters can be excellent value for the price. Because they are designed for smaller spaces, they do not require the same energy use as a larger heater, making them more energy-efficient than larger models.

Great Solution for Small Rooms

Holmes models are an excellent product when used in smaller, confined spaces. They do not produce excess energy, nor do they make the room incredibly hot. Most of their models are fan models, which allows warm air to circulate through the room and heats the smaller areas more efficiently. The Holmes fan heaters are often a good solution for office use; some office workers will keep a small Holmes heater underneath their desk to warm their feet on cool days.

Compact

When space is at a premium, Holmes heaters can offer an excellent way to heat a home without getting in the way of the traffic flow or layout of a room. They can be placed beneath a desk or beside a cabinet without presenting a tripping hazard. Additionally, many Holmes models can be placed on top of a table or countertop. This is one of the advantages of Holmes heaters that many people prefer.

Lightweight and Portable

Holmes space heaters are lightweight and extremely portable. They are very easy to pick up and carry from room to room as they are needed, and they cost less to ship than other heavier models because they weigh less and are shipped in smaller packaging. When they are not in use, they can be easily moved to storage, making them ideal for use in areas with clearly defined seasons or varied temperatures.

Safe

Holmes heaters have a well-deserved reputation for safety. They include a feature that automatically shuts off the heater if it is tipped over, but they also include a feature that will shut off the unit if somebody stands too close to it. This can be sometimes annoying if a resident has pets that like to bask directly in front of the heater, but it can be a tremendous advantage for a family with small children to prevent burns to sensitive skin.

When selecting a space heater for smaller areas or rooms, the advantages of Holmes heaters are many. While they are not designed or intended for large, open areas, they are exceptionally well-designed to keep small rooms comfortable.

Disadvantages of Holmes Heaters

With the high cost of electricity, some homeowners are considering a transition to space heating with a Holmes heater over central heating. By heating only the areas that are needed, homeowners can save considerable money on their electric bill. However, there are several disadvantages of Holmes heaters to keep in mind before purchasing.

Ineffective in Large Rooms

Holmes heaters are designed to heat small spaces like bathrooms, small offices, and small bedrooms. They are not effective in heating large areas or open areas like living rooms or foyers. They also cannot heat un-insulated areas like garages or workshops due to their low power. For small rooms, they can often work effectively, but if a homeowner is seeking a solution for open areas, Holmes heaters are a poor choice.

Noisy

Most of the heaters that Holmes sells are fan heaters, and some customers report that these heaters can be noisy when operating. Holmes does have a line of "Whisper Quiet" heaters that do not produce the same noise complaints, although those heaters tend to be $10-20 more expensive than the standard models. Because of the noise, some owners complain that the heaters are impractical for use in a bedroom. However, this is one of the disadvantages of Holmes heaters that will affect people differently, as some people like the white noise.

Electrical Problems

Many owners have reported electrical problems with their Holmes heaters, particularly after just a few uses. Some owners report that their heater's safety lights remain on, and some users report that the unit simply stops functioning. In some cases, users have reported that the Holmes unit shorted out their household electrical supply, tripping their circuit breaker. Some users have even reported a smell of melting or burning indicative of a small electrical fire.

Unstable Base

Another of the disadvantages of Holmes heaters is that several users report that the base on the unit is poorly designed. Because the unit is top-heavy, the unit is prone to tipping over. In some older models, the automatic tip-over shutoff is slow to respond, resulting in the possibility of fire danger if the tip is not immediately detected. Additionally, some models have a fan that causes the unit to vibrate, particularly if it is placed on a desk, table, or countertop; this vibration can sometimes cause the unit to tip even when nobody is in the room.

Most Models Do Not Include a Thermostat

Most Holmes heaters do include an adjustable temperature control, but few models include a thermostat. This means that while it is possible to change the temperature, it is not possible to maintain a room's temperature. The result is that sometimes the Holmes heaters can make a small room too hot. Some users also report that the adjustable temperature controls are difficult to use and result in unexpected temperatures.

The Holmes space heaters are excellent for what they were designed for: to be an economical way to heat small spaces in a house that had other heating available. However, the main disadvantage of Holmes heaters is that they are limited in what they can do. They should not be used as a primary source of heat, and they should not be expected to heat large open areas. Most importantly, a buyer should not expect the Holmes to perform as admirably or be as long-lasting as a more expensive model.

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