Electric Heaters

About Electric Heaters

Heaters are a convenient addition to homes and offices during cold days. These devices are typically used to heat a small to medium sized area, as a support to the central heating - or even as its replacement. They can be electrically powered or fueled by propane, oil, natural gas, or wood pellets.  

Electric heaters are easy to use and maintain. Although initially affordable, they are less cost-effective in the long run than other types of space heaters. However, their convenience often makes them the best choice for heating small rooms, dorms, offices, and similar spaces. 

Types of Electric Heaters

The correct application is the best way to ensure efficient performance. For that reason, one of the key factors in choosing a space heater is determining the right type. Three principal technologies are utilised in space heater design: convection, radiant, and fan-forced. 

Convection units can easily warm the whole room with even heat distribution, while the radiant models serve best to deliver a fast, targeted heat. Fan-forced type is designed to blow the hot air around the room. 

Electric Fan Heaters

Electric fan heaters belong to the convection heaters category. They consist of a heating element and a fan that blows air across the heating element to spread the warmth across the room. Many models available on the market are portable and use a standard outlet plug.

Electric Infrared Heaters

Also known as electric radiant heaters, these units generate radiation through the infrared side of the spectrum. Rather than heating the air, electric infrared units focus on the people or objects in front of them. 

The available range includes wall panel heaters and portable units. The latter ones can also be used outdoors as electric patio heaters, for as long as an available electric outlet is in proximity. On average, infrared heaters are more energy-efficient than other space heating options.

Oil Column Heaters

These models work by heating the oil sealed inside them and then transferring the heat to the casing to release it into the air. Their main advantage is safe and silent operation. The surface of the oil column heater is not getting extensively hot, allowing for unattended operation. They are also heavy and can’t be turned over easily. 

For those reasons, these units make an excellent choice for nurseries, children’s rooms, bedrooms, and similar.

Micathermic Heaters

Micathermic or mica heaters are similar in shape to the oil column design, only thinner. They feature a heating element covered by layers of mica stone sheet, allowing them to function as both convectors and radiators. Heated mica stone generates thermal radiation in a way the infrared models do, while the convection transfers heat to the air without a fan. These energy-efficient space heaters are silent and relatively fast to warm up the room. 

Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic heaters are available in both convection and radiant forms. These models feature a ceramic panel as a heat distribution element and a system that prevents it from over warming, controlling the unit’s temperature at all times. Ceramic models are often attractive looking, convenient and safe to use. 

Electric Baseboard Heaters

Electric baseboard heaters carry a resistive heating element that warms up by electric current flows passing through it. The surrounding air is then heated by convection. Most models are hardwired and permanently attached to the electrical system of the building; however, portable versions are also available on the market. 

Kickspace Heaters

Also known as toe-kick heaters, these models are designed for use in specific limited areas, such as available, such as underneath cupboards or inside small storages. They feature an electric heating element and a motorised fan that distributes the hot air.  

Electric Floor Heaters

Electric floor heaters comprise electric heating cables or floor-embedded wires to heat the space through convection and conduction. It’s an energy-efficient solution that delivers and maintains steady, evenly distributed heat across the room. However, installation on existing floors can be challenging. 

Electric Fireplaces

A modern alternative to the traditional wood-burning counterparts, electric fireplaces use radiant heating units sometimes accompanied by a fan. They mimic a real fire by an electric simulation to visually enhance the ambience without the hassle of wood supplying and cleaning. Some models also feature LED lights and remote control units. 

Portable Personal Heaters

Mini heaters are designed to deliver in a narrow range and can’t heat the whole room efficiently. Some models are excellent for dorm or office use, with a USB cable connecting to the computers or laptops. Although lightweight and portable, these units can be quite strong, with the power exceeding 2000W. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Electric Heaters

• Cord storage is a convenient feature when the heater is not in use.
• The timer allows the user to heat the area in advance.
• A set of castors will improve the mobility of the device. 
• A thermostat is an essential tool for maintaining a steady temperature for a long time. 
• Panel and convector models are the easiest to clean and maintain. Oil-column heaters can be more challenging. 
• Tilt switches are useful for added safety. They will turn the unit off in case of turning over to minimise the risk of fire.
• A built-in thermal cutout is another safety essential - it turns the unit off when overheated. 
• Some models come equipped with a detachable clothes drying rack.
• The right heating capacity depends on the size of space the unit needs to cover. A 1,500-watt unit should suffice for an average-sized room, but the actual performance can vary between different manufacturers and models.
• Noise levels can be significant factors for some users. On average, portable heaters can be loud. Non-fan models such as cadet baseboards or radiant heaters offer more silent operation.