The Lasko 754200.

By Kara Reinhardt
Cheapism.com

Editor's note: This post was updated following initial publication to correct the Honeywell model. The correct Honeywell model is below.

If chilly fall weather has you reaching for the thermostat, remember that turning up the heat even one degree can increase your energy costs. Instead, stay toasty with an electric space heater that can warm you up for less than $35.

Space heaters are an efficient, money-saving alternative or complement to central heating. A heater with a carrying handle is easy to move from room to room to provide warmth only where and when you need it. Space heaters with adjustable thermostats cycle on and off to maintain a set temperature rather than wasting energy by continuing to put out heat after an area has warmed up.

Low-cost electric heaters function differently depending on how they deliver heat. Convection heaters are designed to raise the temperature in an entire room, while radiant heaters act like a stove or fireplace, warming up whatever is sitting in front of them. In a convection heater, a fan blows out air warmed by a heating element, such as an electric coil or an electrically-heated ceramic plate. The ceramic models tend to be cooler to the touch, safer, and more efficient. Radiant heaters generate warmth using quartz tubing, a quieter method than a purring fan, and use less energy than convection heaters.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (PDF) estimated that electric space heaters contributed to more than 1,000 fires per year during a three-year period, so be sure that any space heater you choose comes with some safety features. Most heaters automatically shut off when the heating element gets too hot. Another thing to look for is a tilt switch, which turns off the unit if it tips over.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for affordable space heaters.

• The Lasko 754200 (starting at $23) is a powerful ceramic space heater with a carrying handle, an adjustable thermostat, and three settings, including a fan-only setting that makes it useful in warm weather, as well. Reviews say it heats up small and mid-size rooms without the noise and burning smell some cheap heaters emit. (Where to buy)
• The Optimus H-5210 (starting at $29) is a radiant heater with quartz tubing that’s designed to warm up people sitting or standing next to it. That said, consumers posting reviews have found it capable of heating up an entire room or even an entire small house, with the help of a strategically placed confederate. Safety features include automatic shutoff, a tilt switch, and cool housing to prevent burns. (Where to buy)
• The DeLonghi DCH1030 (starting at $25) is an ideal size for tucking under a desk or beside a bed. This little ceramic heater weighs only 3.2 pounds, making it easy to move around. It boasts an adjustable thermostat; three settings, including fan-only; and an anti-freeze function that automatically switches on the heater if the temperature dips below 44 degrees. (Where to buy)
• The Honeywell HZ-2200 (starting at $34) and its updated HZ-0360 version (starting at $30), feature a 360-degree design and impress users with their ability to heat up quickly. They both come with an adjustable thermostat, two heat settings and a fan-only setting, a tilt switch, and automatic shutoff. (Where to buy)

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Our pals at Hip2Save have compiled a roundup of money savers for the weekend.

Among them:

• Taco Bell is offering a free Chicken Flatbread Sandwich Combo with purchase of a $20 gift card.
• H&M has a 25 percent off coupon, valid through Oct. 10.
• Dollar General is offering $5 off a $25 purchase this Saturday.

The roundup also includes several Halloween happenings for those of you already getting into the holiday spirit.

By Kara Reinhardt
Cheapism.com

The time to think about winter tires is not as you’re skidding off the road wishing you’d bought some. It’s right about now, when the roads are sprinkled with fall leaves rather than covered in ice. With safety at stake, this is certainly not the place to skimp on quality for the sake of price. That said, tires with solid ratings from experts and consumers can be had for less than $80 apiece, or less than $320 for four — and experts do recommend that you replace all four. Trying to get away with buying just two snow tires for a two-wheel-drive car can lead to poor handling and uneven wear.

Winter tires improve a car’s traction in cold weather, with treading that grips the road in snowy and/or icy conditions. Some winter tires also come with metal studs, which provide an even better grip. However, studded tires don’t perform as well on dry pavement and are subject to state regulations that restrict or even prohibit their use, because they can damage roads. Winter tires in general are specifically designed for cold temperatures and can make for a rough ride in warmer weather. Switching back to standard all-season tires right away in the spring can extend the life of your winter tires, saving you money.

All-season tires live up to their name in moderate climates, where drivers don’t see much winter weather and have no need for dedicated snow tires. Manufacturers are required to rate these tires according to the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System, which gives consumers a sense of how the tires perform relative to others with the same brand name. A UTQG rating comprises tread wear (relative to a standard of 100), traction (AA is best), and temperature resistance (A is best).

Before shopping for any new tires, take a look at your vehicle’s tire placard, which you can typically find on the doorframe or doorjamb on the driver’s side. Match the size of the tires you buy to the size on the placard. Another measure to consider is the tires’ speed rating. Generally a higher rating translates to better handling. Most winter tires have a speed rating of Q, or 99 mph. Standard all-season tires have ratings of S (112 mph) or T (118 mph).

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for affordable winter and all-season tires.

• The Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (starting at $72) is a studless winter tire that performs particularly well on packed snow and ice, according to reviews. It outdoes other winter tires with a 40,000 mile tread-wear warranty and a speed rating of T, or 118 mph. (Where to buy)
• The General Altimax Arctic (starting at $56) is a “studdable” winter tire, so you have the option of using the studs depending on the weather and the laws in your state. Reviews praise the tire’s performance in winter weather both with and without studs. (Where to buy)
• The General Altimax RT all-season tire (starting at $51) impresses reviewers with its traction and overall value for the money. It earns a UTQG rating of 600-A-B, according to General Tire. While consumers rave about this tire’s performance on wet and dry roads, winter weather isn’t its strong point, so it’s best for warmer climates and drivers who switch to snow tires in the winter. It comes with a T speed rating and a 70,000-mile tread-wear warranty. (Where to buy)
• The Falken SN211 all-season tire (starting at $54) offers the same speed rating and an even better 80,000-mile tread-wear warranty, as well as a 720-A-B UTQG rating. Drivers admire its quiet ride and say it outperforms expensive tires from big-name brands. (Where to buy)

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With “leaf-peeping” season underway in Vermont and elsewhere, taking a road trip to gaze at the fall colors is a popular weekend activity. It’s only a matter of time, though, before all that vivid foliage is littering yards, driveways, decks, patios, and front walks. For $500 or so, a gas-powered backpack leaf blower can make quick work of the mess but is more than most homeowners need. Leave the backpack blowers to landscape professionals and go with a handheld blower instead. We found electric models for less than $100 and gas leaf blowers for under $150. 

The most powerful leaf blowers are typically gas-powered and force out a high volume of air at a high velocity. The volume is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM, and velocity is measured in mph. Try to avoid paying for more power than necessary. If you have a small yard without many trees, a less powerful blower, be it gas or electric, will be lighter, quieter, and cheaper. Remember, this is a handheld blower, so you don’t want something so heavy it tires you out quickly. After all, one reason for trading in a rake is avoiding a sore back. Likewise, excessive noise can damage your hearing and has prompted some communities to restrict or even prohibit the use of leaf blowers, particularly gas-powered models. 

The benefits of an electric leaf blower go beyond less noise, lower weight, and a cheaper price. Many electric blowers also vacuum and mulch; some gas blowers do, too, but not well -- at least in this price range. Budget gas blowers typically have two-cycle engines that require the proper mix of gas and oil, but electric blowers just get plugged in and turned on. Electric blowers also don’t expose users to fumes, as do gas blowers, some of which run afoul of California Air Resources Board emissions standards. Residents of that state can’t buy leaf blowers that aren’t CARB compliant.

Of course, one major drawback to an electric blower is that you’re tethered to an electrical outlet, which limits your range to the length of an extension cord. You can buy cordless leaf blowers, but they’re even less powerful and don’t hold a charge for long.

Other features to look for include a metal impeller (the fan-like whirligig that moves the air and mulches leaves), which will last longer than a plastic impeller, and variable speed, which protects delicate flowers or other landscaping from strong blasts of air.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for affordable leaf blowers.

• The Toro 51599 Ultra electric blower vac (starting at $70) has impressed hundreds of consumers who posted reviews, some of whom had used gas blowers previously and weren’t sure what to expect from an electric. The Toro Ultra provides a lot of power for its size, and the metal impeller can chop up 16 bushels of leaves into one bushel of mulch. This leaf blower weighs just 7.5 pounds and registers 67 decibels, making it the quietest on our list. (Where to buy)
• The gas-powered Husqvarna 125B (starting at $143) is the heftiest of our picks but boasts a powerful engine that blows out 470 CFM. Gas blowers can be difficult to get going, but reviews say this model starts on the first pull. It’s also CARB compliant. (Where to buy)
• The Craftsman 74828 electric blower vac (starting at $70) vacuums and mulches and features an oscillating tip so you don’t have to move the blower from side to side as you walk. This model has a metal impeller that mulches at a 16:1 ratio and, according to reviews, resists damage from small rocks and other debris. (Where to buy)
• The Weed Eater FB25 (starting at $77) is not as powerful as other gas blowers, but consumers find it effective for small areas. Several reviewers are repeat customers who previously bought the same model and used it for years. It weighs just 8.1 pounds. (Where to buy)

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Free movie tickets! Free admission to national parks! Free activities at Bass Pro Shops! Find all these offers and more in Hip2Save's weekly roundup of activities and entertainment for the weekend.

Saturday is also Smithsonian magazine Museum Day, giving you a chance for free admission to dozens of museums across the country.  

Hip2Save also has a weekend restaurant roundup and a weekend retail roundup.

Among the restaurant deals:

• Cold Stone Creamery, annual ice cream social, Tuesday from 5-8 p.m., benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Marie Callender's free kids' meals, Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• Burger King, free ice cream to promote an expanded dessert menu.
• Arby's, three roast beef sandwiches for $5, with coupon.

In retail:

• Kmart, 20 percent discounts on items needed for storm recovery in the East.
• Office Depot, $20 off $100 purchase, with coupon.
• Coach, 20 percent off entire purchase, with coupon.

By Kara Reinhardt
Cheapism.com

The kids are all set up with their back-to-school supplies and dorm room essentials, but how does your desk look? If you’re making do with a kitchen chair or some other substitute, do your body a favor and consider a proper office chair. According to the U.S. Labor Department, it could save you from back pain, fatigue, restricted circulation, swelling, and numbness, among other ailments. And it doesn’t have to cost hundreds. 

The advantages of using an office chair or computer chair start with lumbar support. The back of an office chair has a slight curve designed to fit snugly against the natural curve of your lower back. With wheels and a 360-degree swivel, it’s easy to get your hands on anything you need without reaching or twisting. A five-point or five-leg base makes for a more stable chair.

Adjustability is key to a good fit. While you may not be able to set every last piece of a low-cost chair to fit your frame, adjustable seat height is standard even in the budget price range.  You can also find affordable office chairs with adjustable tilt. The best options in the category have padded, adjustable armrests as well. If the armrests don’t adjust, try to test out the chair before you buy. Your forearms should rest lightly on the arms of the chair with your shoulders back and down. The seat pan should be deep enough to fully support your thighs when your back is against the back of the chair but not so deep that your knees touch the edge of the seat or your feet don’t sit flat on the floor.

One thing you won’t find at this price is leather. However, imitation leathers wipe clean like the real thing and offer a high-end look. Many cheap desk chairs are also made from breathable mesh. 

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for affordable office chairs.

• The Office Star Space 5500 (starting at $150) offers adjustable seat height, tilt, and padded armrests, winning praise from users for its comfortable, precise fit. The seat pan measures 21 inches wide by 20 inches deep and the chair is made from breathable mesh. (Where to buy)
• The Staples Vocazo (starting at $105) has a mesh back and a microsuede seat that measures 20.5 inches wide by 19.75 inches deep. Users can adjust the seat height and tilt but not the armrests. Nonetheless, they rave about the chair’s comfort, as well as its easy assembly. This is also the only cheap desk chair we found with a one-year warranty. (Where to buy)
• The Alera Nico Mid-Back Chair (starting at $134) is covered with Caresoft upholstery, an easy-to-clean imitation leather that users say is soft and comfortable. The seat height and tilt can be adjusted, although the padded armrests cannot. The seat measures 21 inches square and users note that the chair sits slightly higher than others, making it a good choice for taller consumers. (Where to buy) 

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By Kara Reinhardt
Cheapism.com

AT&T made news recently with its plan to offer the Impulse 4G smartphone from Chinese handset maker Huawei for $29.99 with a two-year contract starting Sept. 18. If you’re looking to upgrade to a smartphone — and are prepared to spend more per month for the required data plan — there are already quite a few quality options in the budget price range. 

Many smartphones are exclusive to certain carriers. If you’re thinking of switching service providers to get the phone you want, here are some things to consider. First, be sure your contract is up with your current carrier to avoid a hefty termination fee. Factor in a $35 to $40 activation fee on top of the price of the phone. Note that a cheaper phone upfront may not be cheaper in the long run because of differences in service providers’ data plans. Finally, carriers tend to deliver better service in some areas than in others, so look up your ZIP code on the provider’s website to get a sense of the voice and data coverage in your corner of the country. Some low-cost smartphones feature the latest 4G technology, but the available wireless networks in many places are 3G; service providers are still rolling out their faster 4G networks. 

The essential thing that makes a smartphone “smart” is its operating system. The most popular OS is Google’s Android, found on 40 percent of smartphones, according to the latest Nielsen data. Apple iPhones and BlackBerries have their own operating systems. All offer an array of mobile apps, although BlackBerry trails the other two when it comes to selection.

If you text often or plan to use a smartphone for e-mail and other messaging, take the keyboard for a test drive to make sure it’s easy to use. Some smartphones still have full keypads on the front or slide-out keyboards on the side, but many feature touch screens with virtual keyboards.

A large, high-resolution display helps make the most of capabilities ranging from video to web browsing. Smartphone cameras offer between 5 and 8 megapixels, as well as features such as autofocus, flash, and digital zoom. Some can also shoot high-definition video.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for affordable smartphones.

• The Sprint HTC Evo 4G (starting at $10 with a new contract) boasts a 4.3-inch touch-screen display with 800 x 480 resolution and an 8 mp camera. This Android phone wins raves from experts for its web-browsing and multimedia prowess. (Where to buy)
• The Sprint Samsung Epic 4G (starting at $50 with a new contract) with Android appeals to novices by combining a responsive, 4-inch, 800 x 480 touch screen with a slide-out keyboard. Reviews note that calls are loud and clear. (Where to buy)
• The Verizon HTC Droid Incredible 2 (free with a new contract) is a 3G phone, but experts and users praise its speedy performance. Reviews also tout this Android model’s 8 mp camera and 4-inch, 800 x 480 touch screen. (Where to buy)
• The BlackBerry Curve 3G (starting at $30 with a new contract) is available from multiple service providers. With a 2.4-inch, 320 x 240 display and a 2 mp camera, it wasn’t designed for multimedia. But reviews cite its call quality, above-average battery life, physical keyboard, and superior e-mail and messaging capabilities. (Where to buy)

One smartphone that didn’t make our list is Apple’s iPhone 3GS 8GB, now available for $49 from AT&T. On the surface it sounds hard to resist — an iPhone for less than $50? And Apple once again tops J.D. Power and Associates’ most recent survey of smartphone customer satisfaction. However, with the iPhone 5 on the way, the 3GS is showing its age. Its features and performance simply don’t measure up to others in the category.

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Collin Morgan, the coupon-savvy mom behind Hip2Save.com, joined us for a live Web chat Wednesday to answer your questions.

Here’s one of her answers to questions from the live chat. (See below for the full Q&A.)

Nina asked:

“Hi Collin. I have tried couponing many times and have failed. I always end up spending more and buying a bunch of stuff I don't need. I don't want a cupboard full of energy drinks or junk food. How can I get better at this (and not just for groceries)? I know many retailers have coupons. I always seem to be disorganized and always miss out. Any suggestions?”

Collin replied:

“Definitely take baby steps and let yourself get the hang of it first. You will learn quickly that you can save a tremendous amount of money on personal care products ... possibly getting some FREE, which in turn will allow you to spend more money in the grocery department.”

Here’s the full chat archive:

If you have a question for our TODAY Money experts, submit it here. 

To sign up for an e-mail reminder for our next chat, click here.

By Kara Reinhardt
Cheapism.com

Conventional wisdom holds that children should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they celebrate their first birthday and weigh at least 20 pounds. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics revised its policy this year to recommend that kids ride facing backward until the age of two, regardless of their weight. A convertible car seat lets children who’ve outgrown an infant seat continue to ride backward until they’re old enough to face forward safely.

Convertible car seats priced at $100 or less mirror more expensive car seats when it comes to basic components. Rather than being secured with a seat belt, most lock into place using the LATCH system of anchors built into most cars made in the past decade. Car seats these days also come with a five-point harness, with straps around the hips in addition to the customary straps over the shoulders and between the legs. However, some harnesses are more adjustable than others. Look for as many strap positions as possible to accommodate a growing child. Higher weight limits also let a child get more use out of a car seat and remain in the safer rear-facing position as long as possible.

Many budget models come with removable, washable seat pads for easy cleaning — keep in mind that a darker color will mask stains. Another thing to take into account is the size and weight of the seat. Features such as activity trays and cup holders add appeal, but can make a car seat too large to move easily from car to car — or too big to fit in some cars at all. You’ll also want to leave space in the back seat for other passengers.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for convertible car seats. 

• The Evenflo Titan Elite (starting at $100) can carry children up to 35 pounds facing backward and all the way up to 50 pounds facing forward. Its five-point harness can be adjusted to four shoulder heights and two buckle positions. The removable seat cover is machine-washable, and parents find secure installation simple. (Where to buy)
• The Safety 1st OnSide Air (starting at $64) has an impressively high 40-pound weight limit for rear-facing passengers. It also boasts a highly adjustable five-point harness, with four shoulder-strap heights and three buckle positions. Reviews note the comfortable design and easy installation. (Where to buy)
• The Graco ComfortSport (starting at $72) accommodates children up to 30 pounds facing backward and 40 pounds facing forward. It offers three shoulder-strap positions, although the buckle is not adjustable. The removable, machine-washable seat pad provides a comfortable ride. (Where to buy)

Be sure to register any car seat you buy in order to be notified of any recalls. One final safety note: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that only about one out of every four car seats is installed properly. As part of the agency’s upcoming Child Passenger Safety Week, certified technicians will offer free car seat inspections nationwide on Sept. 24. Visit the NHTSA web site to find an inspection station in your area.

More from Cheapism:
Best Car Seats
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Dell

By Kara Reinhardt
Cheapism.com

On back-to-school shopping lists, "notebook" used to refer to something spiral-bound that would set you back no more than $5 or so. But notebook PCs are now essential equipment for many students and can easily cost upward of $1,000. Unless you need support for serious gaming and graphics, however — or prefer the image of a piece of fruit on the lid — you can pick up a solid machine for about half that price. A market analyst writing for Computerworld reports that laptop prices dropped about 7.5 percent in the most recent quarter, thanks in part to the emergence of tablets.

Even with a student discount, Apple’s most basic model, an 11-inch MacBook Air, still costs $949. That makes a PC the only option for frugal shoppers in the market for a new laptop. Most budget notebooks (not to be confused with smaller, less powerful netbooks) run Windows 7 Home Premium and have Intel CPUs. The most popular is the Core i3, the entry-level CPU in Intel’s latest family of processors. For better performance, look for a second-generation Intel Core processor, such as the i3-2310M, which you can identify by its four-digit model number (in this case, 2310). First-generation Intel Core CPUs, such as the i3-380M, have three-digit model numbers.

As for memory, low-cost laptops typically come with 4 GB of RAM; look for no less than 2 GB. Hard drives range from 320 GB to 640 GB of storage, more than enough for most users. You can find affordable laptops with up to six-cell batteries, but battery capacity isn’t the only factor that influences battery life, which can vary widely from laptop to laptop. Expect a low-cost notebook with a six-cell battery to run for at least a few hours.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for affordable laptops, all of which run Windows 7.

• The 15.6-inch Lenovo IdeaPad V570 1066A9U (starting at $630) boasts an Intel Core i5-2410M processor, which is faster and more powerful than the typical Core i3. That, coupled with 6 GB of RAM, makes for a very fast machine, according to reviews. This laptop also comes with a 640 GB hard drive. (Where to buy)
• The 14-inch Toshiba Satellite L745-S4210 (starting at $500) offers impressive hardware for the price, with a second-generation Intel Core i3-2310M processor, a 640 GB hard drive, and 4 GB of RAM. Experts and users note its extra-long battery life, which totaled more than six-and-a-half hours in a test. (Where to buy)
• The 15.6-inch HP Pavilion g6-1a69 (starting at $500) packs a more modest Intel Core i3-380M processor and 500 GB hard drive, along with 4 GB of RAM. The first-generation CPU is harder on battery life, but experts and users alike are satisfied with this middle-of-the-road option. (Where to buy)
• The 13.3-inch Dell Vostro V131 starts at $500, but experts advise spending another $100 to upgrade the Intel Celeron processor to a second-generation Core i3-2310M CPU. Even then, with a 320 GB hard drive and 2 GB of RAM, this laptop may not stand up to the multimedia demands of home users -- it was designed with business users in mind. Mobile professionals and students on the go will appreciate its light weight, strong magnesium case, and marathon battery life -- more than eight hours in expert testing. (Where to buy)

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By Kara Reinhardt
Cheapism.com

A big stack of books can make any student’s shoulders dread the start of school. The American Academy of Pediatrics even offers backpack safety tips. These include considering a rolling backpack, with wheels and a retractable handle for transporting the bag like traditional luggage. Familiar brand names such as JanSport, Samsonite, and The North Face charge $60 or more for this convenience. We found rolling backpacks with comparable features and quality for less than $30, about the same price as many conventional backpacks.

Most any budget backpack comes with compartments for all your supplies, plus a pocket for a water bottle. Pricey backpacks come in a wider array of styles and colors, but budget models still offer some variety. More important than aesthetics, though, is durability. Some backpacks are made with ripstop fabric designed to withstand high stress. You may see specs that refer to a fabric’s denier, a measure of the weight of the material (the higher, the better). Self-repairing zippers also help handle the strain of overstuffing.

If possible, try out a rolling backpack before you buy it. The handle should expand, retract, and lock into place easily. It should be long enough to keep the bag from hitting your heels when you walk but not so long that it becomes unwieldy. Inline skate wheels help a rolling backpack glide smoothly. Don’t forget to take into account the weight of the backpack, which is usually about five pounds. That will come into play on stairs, slushy sidewalks, and other surfaces that don’t take kindly to wheels. Look for padding on the shoulder straps to help cushion the load when you carry it.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for affordable rolling backpacks.

• The Travelers Club Metropolitan (starting at $30) stands out with its separate, padded laptop compartment and two-year warranty, features you don’t often find in the budget category. Users also admire the roomy interior and quality construction, including heavy-duty, 600-denier fabric. The backpack has a T-shaped, single-rod telescoping handle, as opposed to the double-rod handles on our other selections (this is simply a matter of preference). (Where to buy)
• The CalPak Awestruck (starting at $24) is well-equipped to handle heavy loads, with ripstop fabric, self-repairing zippers, and two compartments for keeping everything organized. The backpack itself is a touch on the heavy side, weighing in at seven pounds. Users praise the inline skate wheels for easily rolling over curbs and other obstacles. (Where to buy)
• The Olympia 18-inch (starting at $27) boasts self-repairing zippers and “supreme polyester,” which reviewers deem durable enough for impetuous kids. Reviews also praise this rolling backpack’s maneuverability. (Where to buy)

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If your kids like breakfast for dinner, then August is your lucky month.

IHOP is letting kids 12 and under eat free between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. every day this month – as long as adults eat, too.

The promotion lets children choose one free “Just for Kids” item with every purchase of an adult entrée. Just for kids items include pancakes, macaroni and cheese and other kid favorites.

Tip of the hat to eater.com, which first alerted us to the deal.