Types of heaters

Factors To Consider Before Buying A Heater

Choosing the right heater for you can be difficult. Should you buy a cheap one that could consume more gas or electricity, or do you dig deeper into your pockets and save on the energy bills? Do not worry, as this article has got you covered.

Below is a list of helpful tricks and tips to use when finding the best value heater for your living space.

• Never Go for the Cheapest Option

Generally, the cheaper your heater, the higher the wattage bill, meaning a cheap heater consumes more energy. If you get your heater at a bargain (or so you think), your energy bills will increase over the next few months. Always go for a heater with low wattage, and you will save money in the long run. After all, with time, cheap is almost always expensive.

• Consider the Size of your Space

Do you have a small space that you want to warm quickly? In such a case, always go for a fan heater as it keeps heat moving rather than allowing it to build up near the ceiling. On the other hand, if your room is big, and you want to heat it for an extended period, buy a column heater as it distributes heat slowly and gradually in large spaces.

It is often argued that some types of heaters are more efficient than others. However, tests have proven that the heater type is not necessarily a factor to consider, unlike the design, which makes for the right heater for your space.

• Safety for Kids

Do you have kids? The safest heaters for kids are oil heaters, as they do not have a flame. They only have oil that heats in their columns and circulates in the atmosphere. However, they are only suitable for rooms that do not require heating for longer times, such as your kids’ bedroom.

Of course, there is the overall safety of your family and properties. In such a case, it is worth noting that space heaters contribute to around 43% of fires and around 85% of burns and deaths annually. However, the good news is that most electric heaters, including oil heaters, are safer than their predecessors and liquid fuel combustion heaters.

• Should you Opt for Electric or Gas?

If you need a consistent source of heat that is not expensive in the long run, a gas heater is your plug. However, your home needs to have a central gas supply system which is costly to purchase and install. Despite that cost, a gas heater will save you some dollars in the long run. It is also eco-friendly, unlike an electric heater.

• Install a Timer and Thermostat

A timer allows you to turn on and off the heater before you enter a room or after you have left, respectively. On the other hand, a thermostat maintains the temperature in any room with a heater and conserves energy.

Types Of Heaters

Are you still undecided on the type of heater that is best suited to your living space? Understanding the features of different heaters and their advantages and disadvantages is the best way to get the best one for your needs.

Below are heaters you can find in the market and important details that you need to know, including their pros and cons.

Space Heaters

They are standard heaters that use fans to circulate heat in your room. Space heaters perform best when you want to heat your room quickly. However, open doors or the presence of cool wind can affect the flow of heat.

You can get one at a low cost, but in the long run, they are costly. However, if you use space heaters properly, they are the best choice as they can heat your room in about one hour and then switch to low power mode.

Pros

• They are inexpensive in comparison to other types of heaters.
• They are elegant and easy to use.

Cons

• They are risky as they can cause fires and burns.
• They require special attention and should not be used in one area for a long time.

Oil Heaters

Oil-filled heaters are also called column heaters as they have a column design. They use radiant heat to heat a room. Once you plug them in, the heater heats the oil and circulates it to the columns to produce heat. As oil retains heat, you can enjoy the heat throughout the night even after switching off the heater.

These heaters are powered by electricity and are available in different sizes and shapes. Keep in mind, though, that they are heavy and bulky, which limits their portability. However, you can get one with a castor allowing you to move it around. They are generally more expensive than most fan and radiant heaters.

Pros

• They still provide heat long after you switch them off.
• They can heat an entire house.
• Available either as oil-free or oil-filled radiators.
• They operate silently.

Cons

• They heat up slowly.
• They are large and heavy in size.
• They can burn you when you touch them.
• They are expensive to repair.

Fan Heaters

Fan heaters use electricity as their primary energy source, and you can get them in different sizes and costs. They are the cheapest option of heaters in the market as you can get them from as low as about $40.

These types of heaters operate by fanning hot air into your living space. They are small and suitable for heating small spaces for shorter periods. A significant advantage of fan heaters is that they have a cooling and heating feature making them appropriate for all seasons of the year.

Due to their size, fan heaters are only suitable for small households as they can only heat small spaces.

Pros

• They heat up quickly.
• They conserve energy.
• They distribute heat evenly.

Cons

• They stop heating the room the moment you turn them off.
• They are only suitable for small spaces.
• To keep your room warm, they highly rely on insulation.

Radiant Bar Heaters

Just like fan heaters, radiant bar heaters use electricity to radiate heat generated by their bars. This type of heater transfers heat to close objects and people; therefore, it is unsuitable for heating an entire room.

When buying a radiant bar heater, you will notice that they come with different bars, such as a three-bar heater. Unlike fan heaters, they do not disperse heat with a fan; therefore, they operate soundlessly.

Additionally, radiant bars are small and suitable for personal use in offices or small bedroom. They are budget-friendly, as you can get them for as little as $80.

Pros

• They save energy.
• They operate quietly.
• They can be mounted or stand-alone.
• As they don’t circulate air, they are suitable for allergic people.

Cons

• Only provide heat to targets at close range.
• They have limited control settings.
• They stop heating your room as soon as you switch them off.
• They are not ideal for families with children or pets.

Gas Heaters

Unlike electricity, if your area has natural gas, a gas heater is a convenient option for you. Gas heaters can either be portable or fixed with a flue pipe. These heaters are expensive in comparison to electric heaters. They may be cheaper to run in the long run which is a welcome advantage. However, it all depends on different economic factors.

In addition, before purchasing a gas heater, you should research potential side effects as they emit gas directly into your living space. Other than that, your heater will never be affected in case there is a power blackout.

Pros

• They quickly heat up.
• They generate a lot of heat enough for the whole house.
• They are eco-friendly.
• With regular maintenance, they can last for more than 25 years.

Cons

• They are the most expensive heaters.
• It would help if you had an electrician for installation.
• They are risky, especially if there is a carbon monoxide leak.
• They can cause mould as they produce water vapour.

Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners

These air conditioners give you cold air in summer and heat in winter. In addition, they are energy efficient. You can get them in different types suitable for different homes; therefore, it is prudent to consult a professional before purchasing.

The reverse cycle air conditioners are expensive than most heaters, but they save on electricity costs in the long term.

Pros

• They have a dual functionality of heating and cooling.
• They save more energy than portable heaters.
• The best in air purifying.
• Can last for more than 15 years with regular maintenance.

Cons

• More expensive than portable heaters.
• Require an expert for installation.
• For maximum efficiency, you need to close your windows and doors.

Tips For Using Heaters Safely

Regardless of the type of heater in your home, these tips will help you safely operate your heater.

• Never use a space heater on an uneven or raised surface. Always use it on the floor.
• Never use a space heater in wet areas such as the bathroom or kitchen as a combination of water and electricity is dangerous.
• Never leave any space heater unattended.
• Always unplug or switch off your heater before going to bed or leaving a room.

Important Tips When Purchasing A Heater

• When buying a heater, it all comes down to your budget. A cheap and portable heater is the best option for short-term use. However, for long-term use, an expensive heater will save you some dollars in the long run.
• To help the heating process to be more efficient, make sure that your home is adequately insulated and get the right heater for your needs. It is essential to shop around, research and talk to experts before settling on one.
• Always check that the heater you are buying has all the required safety features.
• If you plan to use your heater in different rooms in your home, choose a light heater or one with castors to aid with portability.
• Match the heat production with the size of the room you are heating.
• To know the unit size of the heater required to heat your living space, multiply your building’s length by its width by the ceiling height.

Choose The Right Heater For You

Heaters are the ideal solution for winters. Unlike gas, firewood, or solar heaters, electric heaters are the most common and easiest to use. They only need a socket, and you don’t get to worry about ventilation.

Some heaters are mounted on the wall, therefore, saving on space by freeing up floor space. This, however, does not mean you cannot move them freely. If you need a portable heater for your home, get a freestanding one to make your life easier.

Once you know the right heater for your household’s needs, make sure you buy it from a reputable seller. Check the seller’s return policy on faulty products, warranties, customer reviews, and feedback on their website. Hopefully, this article has helped you narrow down the best type of heater to purchase for your home.