Use the heater spaced like the old radiators. I have ceramics, baseboard style and the oil-radiators. All are easy to operate but the radiators are more efficient. A brand new one will give off a bit of an odor for the first hour or two. If you have a larger room, the industrial looking heater that has a fan works better at distributing the heat.

Do not use household extension cords with space heaters.

Also, avoid placing heaters on carpet.