The winter season means drafts and cold. Although for some this time of year is romantic, others find it cruel and begin to suffer as early as the beginning of September. And if you're the type who likes to cuddle up to the sofa with a blanket, a cup of coffee and a book, we'll help you choose 6 reliable sources of heat: walk freely around the house and forget about the cold.
- What to consider when choosing a heater
- 1 Electric convector Advantages of a convector
- Disadvantages of the convector
- What to look for when buying a convector
- Advantages of an oil cooler
- Benefits of an infrared heater
- Pros of a fan heater
- Advantages of a ceramic gas oven
- Advantages of an oil heater
What to consider when choosing a heater
Which heater best suits your needs? To begin with, you will need to remember this ratio: 1 kW is heating 10 m2 of room. Accordingly, when choosing a heat source for a house or cottage, you need to evaluate whether it can heat it efficiently.
There are several types of room heaters available in the market. They all have different shapes, sizes, comfort and many other features. Such equipment can be divided into three main categories depending on the technology and heating method:
- 1. Infrared heaters
- 2. Fan heaters
- 3. Oil space heaters
Let's look at the main offers of heating equipment, selection criteria, pros and cons: 6 main types of heating equipment for the home.
How to choose a heater?
There are hundreds of models on the heater market that differ in power, heat output and operating principle. Some of them will fit perfectly into an apartment, others are suitable exclusively for a summer house. When choosing, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Safety
- Heating area
- Heat preservation
- Noise level
- Installation
- Price
- Economical
- Additional features
The most popular models among household electrical appliances are oil, convector, infrared heaters and fan heaters. Before choosing a heater, study the characteristics of each type.
Types of heaters
Oily
Oil radiators are considered budgetary, but in demand. They can be used for both periodic and continuous heating of the room.
Externally, the device resembles a regular battery. Inside the metal case there is a heating element and an oil filler. After turning on, the oil heats up to the required temperature. Thanks to the good heat transfer of metal, the room quickly heats up, and the heat is retained for a long time even after disconnecting the device from the network. Therefore, oil heaters are considered economical.
Radiators are quite safe, since all heating elements are hidden inside. The body itself warms up no higher than 60-80°, which reduces the risk of fires or burns. Therefore, oil batteries are also suitable for children's rooms.
Modern models have several operating modes and allow you to regulate the temperature in the room. If necessary, the built-in timer turns off the warm air supply. To warm up the room faster, some samples have built-in fans.
Oil radiators are quite massive, their weight can reach up to 10 kg. Therefore, before purchasing, it is better to initially reserve a place for the device or buy a heater on wheels.
There are wall-mounted, floor-mounted, table-top, ceiling-mounted types and even crib heaters.
Pros:
- Safety
- Affordable price
- No noise
- Possibility of permanent use
- Economical
- No odors
- Environmental friendliness
- Temperature adjustment
Minuses:
- Long warm-up
- Large dimensions
- Uneven heating
- Dryness of the room
Where to use? An oil heater is best used in medium-sized rooms, as it warms up slowly and unevenly. Often such radiators are installed in apartments and dachas as a permanent or one-time source of heat.
Convector
Convectors operate on the principle of natural air exchange. Air flows enter through the lower openings, heat up and exit through the top of the housing. The heating speed depends on the power of the device. To speed up this process, some models have fans installed.
The maximum heating temperature is 90°. If your family has children or animals, choose a model with additional protection. It does not allow the body to heat above 50° and prevents the risk of burns and fire.
Convectors are additionally equipped with a mechanical or electronic thermostat that maintains the heating temperature. Electronic ones are considered more accurate and efficient, as they operate at the slightest drop in temperature.
Convector heaters have a flat shape and small size, which makes them easy to place even in a small apartment. They look quite stylish and fit perfectly into the interior. For maximum efficiency, it is better to place them closer to the floor. But do not forget to leave a small distance between the floor and the device.
Pros:
- No noise
- Small dimensions
- High degree of security
- Temperature maintenance
- Temperature adjustment
- Efficiency
Minuses:
- High price
- Long warm-up time (models without fans)
- Fast cooling
Where to use? They are used as the main source of heating in offices and private houses with an area of up to 30 sq. m. Perfect for a summer house that needs to be protected from freezing in winter. Thanks to the safety of the housing, convectors can be left in children's rooms.
Infrared
The most efficient and economical heaters. The heating element of the device is a lamp or a quartz tube, which heats not the air, but the objects around it. They warm up the air in the room much faster. Models with a spiral made of carbon filaments consume a minimal amount of electricity.
Infrared heaters can be used in rooms with high ceilings, utility rooms and outdoor areas: garages, sheds, cafes, restaurants, verandas, loggias, balconies. They are often taken with them into nature to heat gazebos or picnic areas.
Experts say that infrared radiation is completely harmless. However, it is not recommended to place the heater in residential areas for long-term heating. If you nevertheless bought an infrared heater for the bedroom or living room, turn it so that the rays hit the furniture and walls, and not on the person. With constant exposure to radiation, the skin tends to dry out.
You need to be extremely careful with radiators of this type. They can harm not only people, but also furniture. Objects that are located as close as possible to the device heat up the fastest. Over time, furniture upholstery can wear out, and plastic appliances can begin to melt and emit unpleasant odors. It is highly not recommended to use old models of heaters in a child's room, since in addition to the risk of heat stroke, the child can get burned on the grate behind which the heating element is hidden. It is not protected by anything and has a very high temperature. More modern models are safe for humans.
The placement and installation of infrared heaters depends on the type of model: ceiling, wall, etc. When choosing, take into account the types of ceilings in the rooms, since not all of them can be attached to the device.
Pros:
- Ability to adjust heating direction
- Efficiency
- Fast heating
- No noise
- Small dimensions
- Uniform heating
Minuses:
- Impact on people and objects
- Overdrying of the skin
- Possibility of minor burns
- Efficiency depends on placement
Where to use? The optimal place for infrared heaters is large open and closed spaces with high ceilings. You should not buy it for heating living rooms if you need to warm them up constantly. For apartments and private houses they are used as a temporary heat source.
Fan heaters
Heaters of this type have a heating element as well as a built-in fan. The rotation of the blades distributes warm air throughout the room as quickly as possible and heats it up. Fan heaters are mobile and have small dimensions, which allows you to place them in any room and even take them with you.
The main disadvantages of the device are noisy operation, the spread of dust and unpleasant odors. To eliminate this problem, some models are equipped with humidifiers or air filters.
For residential premises, it is better to choose fans with ceramic heaters. They have a relatively low degree of heating. The dust settled on the spiral does not burn, and the humidity in the room remains normal.
For uniform heating, automatic rotation systems are built into the fans.
Pros:
- Heating rate
- Affordable price
- Mobility
- Compactness
Minuses:
- Noisy operation
- Dry air
- Dust
- Unpleasant smell
- Fast cooling
Where to use? Fans are not used to heat rooms around the clock. The best application is an additional source of heat for apartments and offices with an area of up to 30 sq. m, as well as local heating of a workplace or area in a room.
Convective-infrared
Heaters combine the advantages of convectors and infrared devices. Effective and long-lasting heating is carried out due to two factors: a heating device inside the housing and heat emitters. At the same time, a small amount of electricity is consumed.
Externally, the device resembles a convector with a mesh installed on the front side of the housing.
Pros:
- Fast warm-up
- Compactness
- Economical
- Multiple operating modes
Minuses:
- Dry air
- High price
Where to use? It is recommended to install a convection-infrared heater in rooms with a total area of 10 to 25 sq. m as the main or additional source of heating.
Electric fireplaces
Models can be either free-standing or built into interior items. An electric fireplace is a design solution for those who want to preserve the beauty of the room and at the same time heat it. The device perfectly imitates a real fireplace in shape and flame.
Artificial firewood, a heating unit and other parts are used as a thermal element. Electric fireplaces are safe and practical. In addition, they perform a decorative function without the need to build a chimney and clean out ash.
Pros:
- Aesthetics
- Maintenance free
- Safety
- Economical
Minuses:
- Dry air
- High price
- Just an imitation fireplace
- Low efficiency
Where to use? An electric fireplace can be installed in any living space. A variety of styles and models will allow you to choose a device for any interior. The device is not suitable for long-term heating in the cold season.
The comparison table will help you decide which heater to choose:
| Oily | Convector | Infrared | Fan heater | Convective-infrared | Electric fireplace | |
| Safety | Average | High | Low | High | High | High |
| Heating area | 10-28 sq m | 5-30 sq m | 6-45 sq m | 7-30 sq m | 10-25 sq m | 5-15 sq m |
| Heat preservation | good | Average | good | Bad | good | Bad |
| Noise level | Short | Short | Short | High | Short | Average |
| Installation | Simple (placed on the surface) | Simple (placed on the surface) | Complex (needs to be mounted to a wall or ceiling) | Simple (placed on the surface) | Placed on a surface or attached to a wall or ceiling | Depends on the model (placed on the surface or mounted in furniture) |
| Price | Average | Average | High | Low | High | High |
| Economical | Average | High | High | High | The tallest | Average |
| Additional features | Fan, thermostat, auto shut off | Fan, thermostat, case protection, auto shutdown | Outdoor heating, thermostat | Air filter, humidifier, auto shut off | Gas models (do not require electricity), auto shut off | Lighting, technology simulating a real fireplace |
Which heater is better to choose?
How to choose an economical heater for an apartment, cottage, home or office so that it is also effective? Each has its own key selection parameters, budget and place of application. It’s difficult to say with complete confidence which heater is better to buy for an apartment and which one for a dacha. Therefore, listen to advice, but always rely on your own opinion.
- For an apartment. The oil heater has proven itself best in the apartment. It is quite safe, environmentally friendly, low cost and works without unnecessary noise. When purchasing, give preference to models with a built-in timer. You can set the temperature in advance and return to a warm room.
- For a private home. Convector heaters are also good for apartments, but for private houses and cottages they will be the best choice. The fact is that they consume several times less electricity than oil-based and other models (not counting infrared). They can be used both as a single copy and for constant heating of the house, even without a heating system.
- For the dacha. A heater for summer residents should be compact and mobile so that it can be easily taken on the road or moved between rooms. In addition, the dacha does not need to be heated constantly, because living there is seasonal. Infrared heaters will cope with this task perfectly. Its radiation will not only heat the room, but also protect the furniture from dampness, mold and mildew. An additional advantage will be models with a waterproof housing that can withstand frost well.
- For the garage. Appearing in the garage is also a temporary phenomenon. To warm up as quickly as possible, use fan heaters. Since the garage is a non-residential premises, the noise of the device will not be a problem. Fans are the most compact heaters among all types, so you can always bring them with you.
- For bathrooms. In rooms with high humidity, it is better to install infrared heaters or convectors that are equipped with a moisture protection system. In addition, most models have a stylish body that will fit into any bathroom design.
- For balconies, warehouses. For non-residential premises where constant heating is not required, infrared heaters are suitable. They are mobile and quickly heat the air in the room.
- For the office. The choice of a heater for an office depends on the number of employees, the area of the premises, the activities of the organization and the requirements of the sanitary inspection for heating. Fans can be used to locally heat the workplace, but they can create a lot of noise and interfere with work.
Recommendations for choosing a heater type
So, for stationary heating of a room, you can safely choose an electric fireplace or a heat gun as the main heat source of a private building.
It is first necessary to carry out all calculations of the power and area of the room. All other models are suitable as a source of additional heat or a means for emergency spot heating of certain areas.
A thermal curtain is suitable for equipping the entrance to a country mansion if its residents actively move from the street to the house or vice versa.
As sources of additional heat in case of a centralized network failure or insufficiently high temperature in the home, we recommend purchasing convenient oil mobile radiators, convectors or safe infrared and macothermal systems.
In case of prompt injection of warm air in different rooms, we recommend purchasing a portable fan heater.
Rating of the best heaters
The best oil heaters
Mуsterу MH-7004
The model looks modern, is quite easy to use, and has wheels for easy movement. The radiator is divided into 7 sectors, the power of which can be adjusted to 600, 900 or 1500 W. Additional features include setting the required temperature, switching off when overheating, the presence of a thermostat and a fireplace effect. It is characterized by low cost and economical use.
De'Longhi TRRS 0715
The stylish heating device allows you to warm up an average room area of 15 square meters. It weighs an impressive 11 kg, but is equipped with a special handle and wheels for comfortable movement. The device has a built-in fireplace effect, frost protection, thermostat and temperature controller. The power can be set to 3 levels: 700, 800, 1500 W. The disadvantage of the device is its high cost.
Ballu Trend BOH/TR-07 1500
Inexpensive, powerful and high-quality heater, capable of heating an area of 20 sq. m. Power levels of 600, 900 and 1500 W quickly heat the room. Despite its light weight of 5 kg and compact dimensions, it is additionally equipped with wheels and a handle. Another advantage is protection against overheating.
Electrolux EOH/M-9157
One of the best models for a children's room, as it uses environmentally friendly mineral oil, has a stable body and a shutdown mode when overheated and dropped. Capable of heating a room of 20 square meters. Silent, compact and beautiful. The quality far exceeds the cost of the device.
Timberk TOR З1.1606 QT
The compact heater for 6 sections has a power of 1600 W. Capable of heating an area of 15 square meters. Thanks to the fan, the device heats up quickly and is able to heat even large rooms. Built-in thermostat, protection against falling, frost and overheating, uninterrupted operation makes the heater as safe and easy to use as possible. And all this at a low cost of the heater.
The best convector heaters
NeoClima Fast 2000
The rating of the best convector heaters opens with a model that is suitable for a summer residence. Its parameters include a thermostat, frost protection, and shutdown when overheating. The power is adjustable up to 2000 W, which allows you to quickly heat the room. It is light in weight and small in size, yet easy to move thanks to its wheels. The cost of the heater is low, which is influenced by the poor build quality. With constant operation it quickly breaks down, so it is recommended to turn it off periodically.
Timberk TEC.EZ M 2000
The model has a stylish body and several installation options: on the floor on wheels or on the wall. High power heats an area of 25 sq. m and consumes virtually no electricity. The temperature is regulated to a comfortable level, the housing is protected from humidity, and the price is affordable. The heater has several disadvantages: clicking noises are heard when heating, and it also dries out the air in the room.
Noirot Spot E-Z Plus 1500
A high-quality and expensive brand has released an efficient heater with a heating area of 25 sq. m. The only drawback is the high cost. But there are many advantages: compactness and mobility, protection of the case from frost and moisture, power and temperature control. The device heats up quickly and consumes little energy. Safety is based on the fact that the body heats up to a maximum of 60° without causing burns or fires.
Ballu BEC/EZER-1500
Among other models, it stands out due to its electronic control. It has a moisture- and frost-resistant case, protection against overheating and falling, power indication, child lock, timer and air ionizer. Ideal for children's rooms and apartments. Suitable for heating rooms of 20 sq. m. The best option in terms of price and quality ratio. But it also has disadvantages: clicks during operation, shutdown at full power, a specific smell of plastic.
Electrolux ECH/AS-2000 MR
An inexpensive model from an already reputable manufacturer of heaters. The power is set to 1000 and 2000 W to heat an area of 25 sq. m. The heater is absolutely safe and has the optimal configuration: it turns off when it overheats and falls, is protected from humidity, does not dry out the air, does not make noise, is economical, wear-resistant, and is equipped with a dust filter. The negative aspects are the inability to set a certain temperature and the risk of burns from a hot surface.
The best infrared heaters
Ballu BIHAP40.6
An easy-to-use heater with one power mode of 600 W is capable of heating a room of 15 sq. m. The set includes brackets that allow you to adjust the heating angle. Compact, thin and stylish device that is attached to the ceiling. It is protected from moisture and can work outdoors. Heats up quickly and is painted with heat-resistant paint that will not fade or yellow.
Almac IK5
The compact dimensions of the heater are capable of heating an area of up to 10 sq. m. The model is easy to install, has a small weight and size, is mounted on both the ceiling and the wall, is safe to use and quickly warms up the air. Suitable for use both in the office and at home. The only drawback is the low power.
STN NEBMNSt 0.7
A compact, mobile device with a power of 700 W quickly heats rooms up to 14 sq. m. Despite the fact that it has only 1 mode, the heating range is from 60 to 100 °. The device is protected from moisture and does not dry out the air. It has low build quality and low cost.
Ballu BIH-APL-1.0
One of the most powerful heaters in its category at 1000 W. Heats small spaces, but is very effective for heating in the cold season. The device is mounted on the ceiling. The kit includes brackets, fasteners and panels. The stainless steel body looks nice and neat.
The best fan heaters
Ballu BFH/W-201L
High-quality and convenient fan with 2 power modes: 1000 and 2000 W. Has a ceramic heating element. Mounted on the wall and controlled remotely using a remote control. It has a built-in timer and thermostat that maintains the room temperature at the required level.
De'Longhi HTF 3020
The quality and low price of the model create the perfect balance. The advantages are complemented by a stylish body made of high-quality materials and safe operation. The device quickly heats the room thanks to its high power of 2200 W. Heat is distributed evenly over the entire area. However, during operation the model creates a lot of noise.
Polaris PFH 8520
Functional and reliable thermal fan at low cost. Rapid heating of an area of up to 18 sq. m occurs due to the high power of 2200 W. Very easy to use due to the lack of additional options. The main disadvantage is the consumption and drying out of oxygen.
Electrolux EFH/W-1020
Swedish quality at an attractive price. The main advantage is the presence of a ceramic heating device with a power of 2200 W. The device also has an additional 1100 W mode built into it. The heater has overheating protection, as well as a timer and an air ionizer. The beautiful design will suit any interior style, and the display is equipped with a convenient light indication of the power button and a remote control.
Which heaters are the most economical and efficient?
In terms of efficiency, heaters can be distributed as follows:
- Infrared.
- Oil radiators.
- Inverter convectors.
- Mechanical convectors.
- Fan heaters.
The efficiency of heating directly depends on the power and dimensions of the device, as well as on the room itself. Brick walls warm up faster than concrete walls, and rooms with high ceilings take longer to warm up than rooms with low ceilings.
Fan heaters
Using fan heaters to heat an apartment, you can not only efficiently, but also quickly achieve the desired temperature in the room. To do this, you just need to choose a model of the required power.
Attention: The fan heater is a heating element that is located in a plastic or metal casing.
* Thanks to the built-in fan, air masses are mixed, and when heated, they spread throughout the room, heating it.
Among the advantages of fan heaters are:
- compactness;
- light weight;
- possibility of fast heating;
- safety;
- ease of use.
Fan heaters are available as tabletop, floor-mounted and wall-mounted. They are quite versatile and can be used not only for heating rooms, but also, for example, for drying clothes. You can use them in the summer as a regular fan. The cost of purchasing this type of climate control equipment and their subsequent operation does not require large financial expenses.
Convector
Convectors are effective and quite economical devices for heating an apartment. During their operation, air circulation occurs. Getting into the convector, cold air heats up and rises, spreading throughout the room. Among the advantages of convectors are the following:
- Uniform heating of the entire room.
- Economical use, which is achieved thanks to the presence of automatic control. When the temperature reaches a set value, the convector turns off on its own, and when the room starts to get cooler, it starts working again.
- The fire safety of the convector is at a fairly high level. When the panels overheat, it automatically turns off.
- Safety is ensured by the presence of a protective housing, the heating temperature of which does not exceed 50 degrees. The convector can be safely used in children's rooms.
- The noiselessness of the convector is due to the absence of a fan or other devices that create noise. It does not cause discomfort to household members during its operation.
- The appearance of this device is strict and attractive. The convector fits perfectly into the interior of any room. In addition, it is quite compact. Its weight is no more than 8 kg, and its thickness is no more than 7 cm.
- Ease of maintenance is another advantage of convectors. You just need to brush off the dust from the outlet and entrance grilles from time to time.
The air in this device is heated due to the presence of a heating element - a heating element, which is a curved steel wire located in a metal casing. Convectors can be of two types - stationary or portable. In the first case, this type of climate control equipment is mounted on the wall. If the convector is portable, it is installed on the floor.
