TYPES OF SPACE HEATERS
With the cold weather approaching, you’re probably thinking of ways to stay warm this winter, and if you’re here, you have settled on the space heater. There are several types to choose from, but how will you know which one will suit your needs best? Don’t fret.
This article will guide you through the different types of electric space heaters on the market, and the best position in your home they’ll work best.
CONVECTION SPACE HEATERS
Convection space heaters are the rulers of the heating world, especially when it comes to heating large spaces. They are low maintenance, easy to clean and don’t need refilling.
They use a thermostat to regulate heat which is then dispersed through a room by natural airflow or in some cases a fan, which is much faster and comes with the heater. It is a good choice for heating rooms with multiple people in it, or when you need heat around a room as you move around.
However, they are not recommended for families with small children or pets as their surfaces tend to get hot to the touch. They’re also not energy efficient, and those with fans are often noisy.
RADIANT SPACE HEATERS
This is the oldest artificial heating method. They are more energy-efficient than convection heaters as they heat objects directly instead of the air. This way, you don’t waste heat in areas of the room that are unoccupied.
They are a good option for heating a particular spot that has to stay warm. This could be your favorite reading spot or your preferred chair facing the TV. Also, since they direct heat towards the floor instead of the ceiling, they are great for use in drafty areas of the room, uninsulated rooms and rooms with very high ceilings.
MICATHERMIC PANEL HEATERS
This is a unique type of heater as it is a hybrid of the convection and radiant heaters. They release at least 80% convection heat and 20% radiant heat. They are conveniently lightweight, and a lot of models on the market can be mounted on the wall.
Like convection heaters, they are silent as they use natural airflow in the room to circulate heat. They are, however, hot to the touch thus not recommended in rooms with children and pets.
CERAMIC FAN-FORCED HEATERS
These are the most versatile and most popular heaters on the market. Their versatility includes:
- Oscillation – This means that the heaters can either remain stationary to heat a specific spot or can be set to change back and forth to disperse heat throughout the room.
- Timing – Some have timers which can be set to let the heater run for a certain amount of time then automatically turn off.
They come in different sizes and shapes, and they have many uses. Smaller ones are perfect for studies and offices, while larger ones are perfect for heating larger rooms like living rooms or bedrooms.
Their surfaces are cool to the touch; hence they are safe where children and pets are present. On the downside, their fans make so much noise, so I wouldn’t recommend them for the bedroom.
Space heaters a sensible option for keeping your family warm this winter. Choose the type that suits your needs perfectly, and enjoy your winter.