Electric heaters are one of those inventions that put a smile on my face. Mostly because I love warmth, especially during winter months, and if you don’t have a radiator, yet you have electricity, these little boys can provide enough heat for an entire room.
However, one is not like the other and there are many types of electric heaters. Here we will take a closer look at them, their features and what are their ups and downs.
6 Electric Heater Types
If I’ve done my research correctly, there are six different types of electric heaters that you can buy from a retailer.
1) Infrared Heaters: The Invisible Warmth Providers
Infrared heaters are like secret agents of the heating world. They emit invisible infrared waves that directly heat objects and people in their path, rather than warming the air. They’re perfect for those seeking instant gratification in the form of heat.
They are also a great choice for eco-friendlies, since their energy consumption is lowest among electric heater types.
Here’s why you might love them:
- Fast and direct heating
- Energy-efficient
- Silent operation
Just don’t expect them to heat your entire room. They’re specialists, not generalists.
2) Ceramic Heaters: The Warm Embrace of Ceramic Coils
Possibly the most common electric heating element is a ceramic coil. Ceramic heaters combine the best of both worlds: they’re compact, yet they can still warm up a whole room. How? These little geniuses use ceramic coils to distribute heat evenly. And don’t worry, they won’t burn your fingers – they’re cool to the touch. Some benefits include:
- Consistent, gentle heat
- Energy-efficient
- Overheat protection
If Goldilocks were to choose a heater, this might be her “just right” pick.
3) Oil-filled Radiators: The Old-School Charm
Don’t let their retro appearance fool you: oil-filled radiator heaters are still popular for a reason. These silent giants slowly heat the oil inside, which then radiates warmth throughout your space. Perfect for those who crave:
- Long-lasting, consistent heat
- Energy-efficient performance
- Whisper-quiet operation
- No breeze in your face
Patience is a virtue, especially when waiting for an oil-filled radiator to work its magic.
4) Fan Heaters: The Blowing Enthusiasts
Fan heaters are like the drama queens of electric heaters. They make their presence known by blowing hot air around the room, demanding your attention. If you’re looking for a heater that can:
- Heat a room quickly
- Double as a fan during warmer months
- Provide a little white noise
Then look no further. Just remember that their attention-seeking ways might also mean higher energy consumption.
5) Panel Heaters: The Wallflowers of Heating
Slim, sleek, and often wall-mountable, panel heaters are for those who prefer their heating devices to be seen and not heard. They provide gentle, consistent heat and are perfect for:
- Supplementing an existing heating system
- Maintaining a consistent room temperature
- Saving space
The Mona Lisa of heaters, if you will – a subtle masterpiece that gets the job done without drawing too much attention.
6) Convection Heaters: The Air Movers
Convection heaters are like the nerdy kids in class – they’re all about physics. They rely on the natural movement of air to distribute heat throughout a room. If you’re a fan of:
- Even heat distribution
- Energy-efficient performance
- Little to no noise
Then you might just have found your heating soulmate.
In Conclusion: Choose Your Electric Heater Wisely
As I have mentioned at the beginning, one is not like the other. Each space heater type has its pros and cons and it ultimately comes down to your preferences.
If you care about energy efficiency, then infrared space heaters and compact ceramic space heaters might be the right choice for you. You can also consider fan heaters, but they are usually a bit more expensive.
If you don’t want warm air blowing in your face and you just prefer to increase the overall warmth of the entire room by a few degrees, then oil-filled radiators and even convection heaters might be the best choice.
If you don’t mind spending a bit more money and you also prefer the modern and stylish design, panel heaters will win here.
Well, I guess that’s all she wrote. Now that you are familiar with space heater types, it’s time to choose your winner.