I won't be relying on it for heat, but the heat can help even out the temperature in our house. We have a couple of rooms that tend to get cold in the winter.

avalon nano is interesting but i wonder if it really heats up more than a small room.. 
im about to pick a bitaxe as well.. with the noctua fan

I can do both eventually, but I want to start with one. That probably means starting with one of the heaters (I'm leaning towards Avalon Nano, now) and getting a Bitaxe after winter.