The different types of Portable Heaters
Before buying a space heater, it is essential to know how to use them and follow the safety precautions. Space heaters are safe, but that is when they are used correctly. They can cause fires if they are too close to objects that can catch fire, objects like furniture, and fabrics like curtains or carpets. The National Fire Protection Association states that space heaters cause 43% of house fires. It is imperative to read the warnings and safety precautions when using one.
Cautions: Space heaters should not be plugged into extension cords and shouldn't be left alone. Space heaters can be a fire hazard, so always read the directions and the safety precautions.
Types of Space Heaters:
Ceramic Space Heaters are electrical and have ceramic plates attached to metal coils, and as the coils heat up, the ceramic plates give off heat that warms the area. Some ceramic heaters have fans that distribute the warm air around the room faster than the heaters that do not have fans.
Pros:
- Compact in size
- Lightweight
- Oscillating
- Easy to move around
Cons:
- Not used for larger areas
- Without the fan, it takes longer to heat the area
- Must be constantly run to warm the area
- If blocked by objects, it won’t provide heat
Fan Space Heaters are heaters with fans, the coil heats up, and the fan spreads the heat around the room.
Pros:
- Inexpensive to buy
- Instant heat
- Cool-to-the-touch housing
- Portable
Cons:
- Must be on constantly for continuous heat
- Not meant for large areas
- Objects can block heat
- Most of these types come with turn-dial heat
Infrared Space Heaters are entirely different than Ceramic or Fan Heaters. They warm up spaces by emitting electromagnetic waves into the air that heats physical objects like furniture, carpeting, and walls. They can come with fans or not.
Pros:
- Heat is long-lasting and continues when the infrared heater is turned off
- Some have wood cabinet designs and look like furniture
- Some have digital thermostats
- Objects absorb the heat to disperse it so the heat cannot be blocked
Cons:
- Can be heavy
- One direction heat
- Requires physical objects to absorb heat transfers (fewer objects means less heat)
Oil-filled Space Heaters are often referred to as "radiator heaters" and look similar to them. Inside the heater is a diathermic oil that heats up and circulates through the fins. Once the fins heat up, the surface temperature rises, and the heat is released. These heaters use an internal fluid to heat their metal surface, and the heat radiates off the unit to heat the room.
Pros:
- Long-lasting heat that continues even when turned off
- Very efficient and doesn't have to run continuously
- Digital thermostats
- Portable
Cons:
- The speed of the heat cannot be controlled
- Cannot heat larger areas
- Heavier than most space heaters
- Non-0scillating
Propane Heaters are the only type of heater that does not use electricity. They are the most portable heaters because they use fuel, do not have power cords, and still work in power outages. Propane heaters work like infrared heaters, which is a good choice for outdoor heating areas.
Pros:
- It doesn't require electricity
- Hottest heat available
- Most portable
- Inexpensive to buy
Cons:
- Requires fool, so make sure you have enough fuel
- Higher risk of fire and explosion due to open flame and fuel
- Not every type can be safely used indoors
- Some emit carbon dioxide, so they must be well ventilated
Panel space heaters are a relatively new invention that is gaining popularity. They work like oil-filled heaters by letting heat radiate off them, but they use electrical currents to produce heated air. These are used to take the chill out of a room but can be mounted on a wall or the floor with the included stand.
Room heater
Pros:
- Stylish and modern looking
- It can be mounted on the wall
- Easy to use
- It can be used without fear of a fire
Cons:
- It doesn't produce much heat
- Not many controls
- Not all models come with fans
- If it's mounted, it cannot be placed from room to room
By: Tricia Cook, Content Navigator