According to contractors, consumers have been deluged with marketing messages touting the benefits of single-room space heaters as a way to cost-effectively heat a space using electricity instead of gas, propane, or fuel oil as the heating source.

“I believe a lot of people are being misled by the claims that are being made about these products,” said Dennis Wisner of Aire Serv of Mid Michigan, Lansing, Mich. “I’ve seen customers fall for these claims myself. Unfortunately, if you put enough money toward the promotion of a product, just like a politician, people will eventually be sold.”