Abstract: A portable space heater includes a housing with an air inlet through which ambient air is received and an air vent through which heated air is expelled. A centrifugal fan of the heater is configured to drive air flow into the air inlet. A flow channel of the heater is configured to direct the air flow toward the air vent and a heating element heats the air flow in the flow channel. The heater additionally includes a sensor configured to sense proximity of a body part to the air vent and a controller configured to pause operation of the heating element based on the sensing, wherein the centrifugal fan, the flow channel, the heating element, the sensor and the controller are housed in the housing.