Electric heaters are heating devices that use electrical energy to produce heat. They operate by converting electrical energy into thermal energy, which is then emitted into the surroundings to heat residential, office, industrial, or other spaces.
Currently, one can choose from many different types of electric heaters, so selecting the appropriate model tailored to needs should not pose problems for anyone.
In the following entry, we present types of electric heaters and give tips on what to pay attention to in order to choose the right device that will meet your expectations.
Familiarize Yourself with the Types of Popular Electric Heaters
The most popular electric heaters available on the market are:
- convector heaters: this is one of the simplest solutions, allowing for a quick and efficient heating of a room. This type of heater operates on the principle of convection, based on the natural circulation of air in the room, caused by temperature differences. This mechanism relies on two physical phenomena: warmer air is less dense than colder air, so it rises, while cooler, denser air sinks;
- oil heaters: these are devices that contain special oil inside, which, when heated, transfers energy to the walls of the heater. Such heaters are relatively safe to use, evenly emit heat, and remain warm for a while after being turned off;
- ceramic heaters: operate on a similar principle as oil heaters – the ceramic insert inside heats up and gradually radiates heat to the outside;
- halogen heaters (radiators): utilize the phenomenon of infrared radiation. Their advantage is that they heat up quickly. They are suitable for small spaces.
The type of heater you choose mainly depends on the size of the room and how quickly you want to heat it.
Differences and Similarities in the Operation of Electric Heaters
Before choosing a specific heater, it is worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the differences that exist between them. This way, you will be able to buy the best electric heater suited to your needs.
Proceed further and learn what distinguishes individual types of heaters.
Operation of Individual Heaters
Here’s how individual types of heaters operate:
- convection – a convector heater heats the air flowing through the device. It may have a built-in fan that efficiently blows out warm air;
- radiation of heat – the oil and ceramic heaters first warm themselves and then gradually emit heat into the environment;
- radiation – halogen heaters warm the filament, which emits heat in the form of infrared light, thus heating the surroundings.
Heating Time of Electric Heaters
If you want to feel pleasant warmth immediately after turning on the heater, various types of radiators will be the best choice. The red-hot heating element emits warmth instantly.
A convector heater works similarly: gravity air flow means that within literally a few moments of turning it on, you will feel warm air. In this way, you can quickly heat a small room, such as a bathroom.
Ceramic and oil heaters need a little more time for their heating elements to reach the appropriate temperature - this takes from 30 to 60 minutes. Once they warm up, they will emit pleasant warmth for a long time.
A Few Words about the Technical Parameters of Electric Heaters
Individual electric heaters differ not only in their mode of operation. Before purchasing them, it is also worth paying attention to the most important technical parameters that influence the efficiency of the chosen device.
On the packaging of each electric heater, you will find the following parameters:
- power: the higher the power of the device, the faster and more effective the heating will be, but this also translates into significantly higher electricity consumption;
- built-in thermostat: allows for free regulation of temperature, which in turn allows for energy savings, as the heater operates at full power only when it is really needed. The thermostat allows you to adjust the heater's operation to the expected temperature;
- purpose: which type of heater you choose mainly depends on where it will be used, that is, the area of the room. A small electric heater will work as an additional element wherever there is already standard heating;
- additional functions: some heaters have additional functions, such as timers, remote controls for operating the device, and even window opening detectors. Such solutions certainly increase the comfort of using heaters;
- size of the device: electric heaters are available in many sizes to choose from. However, during shopping, it is worth noting that a large electric heater does not necessarily have to have more power;
- length of the power cord: contrary to appearances, this is quite an important feature, especially if we are buying an electric heater that will not be permanently attached to the wall or floor. The ability to move the device freely without needing to unplug it allows you to quickly warm up a chosen area of the room;
- construction of the heater: this determines whether a given heater can be moved conveniently to another room or whether it will be permanently attached. In the case of portable devices, it is necessary to check whether they are equipped with a convenient handle, and in heavier models, wheels.
How to Choose an Energy-Efficient Electric Heater?
The main advantage of electric heaters is their efficiency and ease of use – you just need to plug them in. The biggest disadvantage is the cost of electricity consumption.
The factor that largely determines the amount of electricity consumed is, of course, the power of the device. However, there are also additional aspects worth remembering.
- matching the heater's power to the size of the room and the actual heating demand. Before you choose a specific model, learn how to choose an electric heater for a room, calculating the heating power requirement;
- correct use of the thermostat – the heater used for heating rooms does not need to operate non-stop. Set the thermostat - choose the optimal temperature for yourself, and the device will turn on automatically when it drops;
- ensuring that heat does not escape from the heated room – you should remember to close doors and windows while the device is operating. During the colder months, set the windows to winter mode;
- when using electric heaters, good insulation of the building is especially important. The better it is, the shorter the heater has to work, and consequently, the demand for electrical energy will decrease.
If you are considering buying an electric heater that will be responsible for maintaining a constant temperature, it is worth thinking about choosing the right electricity tariff. This is especially useful in the case of oil or ceramic electric heaters.
The Best Electric Heaters
Our online store Mexen could not miss out on heating devices designed for specific rooms. You will find both bathroom heaters and room heaters here.
Bathroom Heaters
The widest category consists of bathroom heaters, which allow you to maintain optimal thermal comfort in the bathroom, and they can also serve as a towel dryer.
This type of heater works by heating water or a special fluid contained in the arms. Devices of this kind heat up quite quickly and emit warmth after the device has been unplugged.
An undeniable advantage of the products available at Mexen is the large selection of types and models of heaters in many colors. Thanks to this, you can choose a device that will not only meet your heating expectations but also become a decoration for your bathroom.
Room Heaters
In this category, you will find a classic electric radiator (panel heater) designed to be hung on the wall. Electric heaters are made of aluminum, which heats up very quickly and radiates temperature to the surroundings.
The models available at Mexen come in various sizes and power, allowing you to select an electric heater tailored to individual needs. You can choose models in white or black.
Which Electric Heater to Choose?
The final decision on which electric heater to choose must be made by you. This will depend on many factors we had the opportunity to mention earlier.
To fully utilize the potential of a given device, it is necessary to match the power of the electric heater to the size of the room.
When deciding on a specific model of the heater, it is especially important to pay attention to its power - higher electricity consumption translates into higher electricity bills.