Types of heaters

Investing in a heater

Heaters are vital systems that you should invest in for your commercial or residential property. Investing in heaters allows you to raise the temperatures of equipment, space, items, or materials. There are different types of heaters on the market. The kind that you opt for is highly determined by the application. This article aims to look at the different types of heaters that you can use for both commercial and residential properties.

Fan heater

A fan heater usually operates by fanning the heated air that is circulated over its heating element into a room. These heaters are generally small, portable, and work effectively in small spaces. They are also more efficient if used for shorter duration.

One of the most significant features of fan heaters is that they have both cooling and heating functions. This makes them highly versatile to use regardless of the season. You can opt for a fan heater if you are working on a limited budget, want to heat just a tiny area, or want a heater that offers instant warmth within a small room.

You will like fan heaters because they are more energy-efficient, fast to heat up, and the heat produced can be oscillated. However, this heater is not for you if you want to heat a large room or enjoy a heater that can continue to radiate heat even when you turn it off.

Radiant bar heater

These are electric heaters that radiate heat outward using infrared rays. The heat is usually generated by several bars that are integrated into the heater. Radiant heaters generally transfer heat to people or objects that are close to them. As a result, they are not the most reliant type of heater to invest in if you want to heat an entire room. As you shop for a radiant heater, you will notice that the bars are numbered. For instance, you will find two or three bar heaters.

Unlike fan heaters, radiant bar heaters do not work by circulating the heated air using a fan. Therefore, you can expect them to operate silently. They are small, portable, and an excellent option for personal use. You can use these heaters to heat your small bedroom or office.

Radiant bar heaters are more energy-efficient, quieter than most conventional heaters, and available as either wall-mounted or free-standing units. However, they only provide targeted heating and have exposed heating elements making it unsafe if you have kids or pets in your home.

Convector heater

Convector heaters are also referred to as convection heaters. They are powered by electricity and work by drawing cold air over the heating element before passing it back to the room. These space heaters can heat your entire room and not just a targeted area. Therefore, they are the best option if you want to invest in a heater for shared living spaces, such as your dining or living room.

They operate silently, making them a good option if you enjoy silence. For better results, you should invest in convector heaters featuring a micathermic panel. This panel usually absorbs and releases heat, thus providing the advantage of both radiated and convection heat. Convector heaters come in a wide range of sizes and shapes; the choice is yours. You can also buy this heater at a range of prices depending on your budget.

Convection heaters warm up quickly, heat a large room, have no exposed heating elements, and are less costly than radiant heaters. However, they can overheat if the fan fails. Moreover, they are not as energy efficient as fan heaters, and they take longer to heat your room if there is a cold draft.

Oil-filled heater

Oil-filled heaters, also referred to as column heaters, emit radiant heat. When you plug in this heater, the oil inside gets heated and circulated to all its columns producing heat. The fact that oil retains heat allows the heater to continue producing heat for a longer period once you turn it off. This type of feature makes it possible for you to switch it off before resting in bed and still get the necessary heat the whole night.

Oil-filled heaters are powered by electricity and are available in different sizes and shapes. Like the convector and radiant heaters, they operate silently. They are, however, bulkier and heavier to carry than most of the other portable heaters.

Most of the contemporary models feature casters making it possible for you to move them around. Column heaters are also more expensive than both fan and radiant heaters. They offer long-lasting heating, can heat a big room, and operate quietly. However, oil-filled heaters are hot to touch, expensive to repair, not portable, and take longer to heat up than portable heaters.

Gas heater

If there is natural gas available in your area, you can opt for a gas heater. However, if you do not have natural gas, an LPG heater is also a great option. Gas heaters usually provide either radiant or convective heat. They are a viable option for electric heaters.

They are either flued or unflued. This means that you can fix them using a flue pipe to direct emissions out of your home. Because unflued gas heaters directly produce emissions into your home, you should research and know all the potential adverse effects before you buy one. Gas heaters are costlier compared to the electric options listed in this article.

Whether they are more cost-effective to run depends on other economic factors. Given that they operate on gas, you can continue using a gas heater even if there is a power hitch because it is not affected. Gas heaters heat fast, generate more heat for a large room, are more eco-friendly, and with proper maintenance can go for up to around twenty years.

They are, however, more expensive, pose a safety risk if carbon monoxide leaks, need professional installation, and produce vapour that can lead to mould and condensation in your house.

Reverse cycle air conditioner

This is a great heating system to invest in since it provides cold air during hot weather conditions and heat during cold weather conditions. It is dual-functional and energy-efficient. You will find several variations that are perfect for different environments and homes.

They are more expensive than most other types of heaters but offer savings on electricity costs in the long run. Reverse cycle air conditioners are more energy-efficient than portable heaters. They have a dual cool and heat functionality that helps in air purification and can last for more than twenty years with the right care and maintenance. On the other hand, they are costlier than portable heaters and should be wall-mounted. Moreover, when using this heater, you should close the windows and doors to enhance their efficiency.

Propane heater

This is another type of heater that offers a more efficient way to heat your room fast. It is easy to use, cheap to refill, small in size, and affordable to buy. If you use it correctly, you can use it both outdoors and indoors. It is portable and uses a conventional propane tank to supply the required fuel to the heater.

This heater is safe to use and runs silently. However, it can be costly to run in the long run when compared to other portable heaters. It also does not allow any temperature control because there is no option to turn it on and off. Keep in mind that a propane heater creates humid air, creating excess moisture in your house.

As a safety risk, you should never try to move it when it is on and running. If you are looking for a heater to use outdoors, this is the best option. You can use it to heat your patio or deck during cold weather conditions.

Kerosene heater

A kerosene heater is a great option among many people since the fuel source is cheap. It also produces a great deal of heat and energy. The heater is available in different sizes and is a perfect choice to use both outdoors and indoors. Most of these heaters are portable and small, making them a great option for many applications.

Seeing as it is lightweight, you can easily move it from one part of your room to the other. Compared to a propane heater, it burns hotter and lasts longer. You can run this heater without supervision because kerosene is usually safe. If it features a ventless design, you can use it safely as you sleep.

However, note that you cannot control its temperature. This means that the kerosene heater runs at one temperature while it is on. Moreover, if you have a small space, the heater can produce excess heat for the room.

Ceramic heater

This is another type of heater you can invest in for your property. It uses electricity that runs through the ceramic elements creating heat that is then distributed through your room. Ceramic heaters are small and portable, making them perfect for small rooms in your home or office.

The heater gets hot immediately but also gets cold instantly when you turn off the power source. Most ceramic heaters have an internal fan that helps blow and distribute hot air throughout your room. It also features an internal thermostat that makes it easy for you to adjust your room’s temperature.

Infrared heater

This type of heater uses infrared technology to transform electricity into infrared heat. This technology is new and popular among many property owners because of its many benefits. You can use an infrared heater to heat a large outdoor area or a small space. It is also clean and operates silently, just like an electric panel heater.

To use an infrared heater, you need to plug it into an outlet to get it to convert electric power to infrared heat. It is very efficient, less expensive, eco-friendly, and sustainable. Therefore, if you desire to reduce your carbon footprint, this is the best option for you.

You have the option to choose the style of the infrared heater you want, depending on how and where you want to use it. If you want to use it to heat your outdoor space, you need to get a bigger one. However, this heater is unsafe because the coils that radiate heat are hot to touch. It is therefore advisable to place it out of your pet’s and children’s reach.

Heater services for your property

If you are not sure about the type of heater to invest in for your home or business, you can ask for advice from the best electricians in your area. Since they know how the different types of heaters work, they can guide you to make a more informed choice.

In addition, professional electricians also help perform high-quality installations to ensure that your heater works efficiently. They also help do repairs and maintenance to guarantee your preferred heater’s longevity and functionality.

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