Every year, such a time comes when many residents of our country think about which heater is better to buy for heating a room. Since the cold has already come, and the utilities eagerly refuse to acknowledge this fact and turn on the central heating. In this situation, you can be indignant or steadily develop immunity to cold in yourself, but the most optimal solution is to purchase an additional heating device. Moreover, it will serve you not only in the off-season, but will also help to warm the apartment during severe frosts.
Choosing the right device among the variety of modern models is not so simple. It is for this purpose that we consider the main characteristics of the most popular types of heaters. Then you can easily find the answer to the question, how
choose a room heater?
Content
Heating appliances and power
To understand which heater for the room to choose, you need to calculate the necessary power for a future purchase or, in other words, the amount of thermal energy generated per unit of time. It is believed that for heating 10 square meters the power of the device should be 1 kW. This will be enough to keep the room warm even in the absence of other heating elements. If you need a heater as an additional source of heat, then this indicator can be reduced by half.
It is better if the device was equipped with a power adjustment function - then you can turn it on full force only if necessary. However, no power is enough if the heat loss is high, so take care in advance of the insulation of walls and windows.
Heaters differ in power, operating principles, dimensions and other parameters. Depending on these criteria, they can be divided into the following groups:
- oil;
- fan heaters;
- convector;
- infrared heaters;
- electric fireplaces.
We will consider each of them in more detail and decide which is better.
We offer you to read the article about how to calculate the heater power.
Oil coolers
This type of heaters is most widespread in the post-Soviet space. Outwardly, it largely resembles the classic central heating system batteries, the difference is that mineral oil acts as a heat carrier. The heating element (most often it is a usual TEN) transfers heat to the oily liquid, it heats the metal walls of the device, and the air in the room is already heated from them.
Modern models have a shutdown function that stops the operation of the heating element when the temperature of the coolant reaches a critical point. Therefore, it can be left to work unattended even for several days. Oil cooler safe for use in children's rooms. The surface of the device does not heat up above the established norm. That is why, even if your child accidentally touches it, it is unlikely to get burned.
In many ways, the surface temperature depends on the number of sections in the device: the more there are, the more evenly the heat is distributed, and, accordingly, the room warms up. Therefore, pay special attention to this: if you have a choice between two heaters with the same parameters, but the number of sections will vary, it is better to choose a device with a larger area.
This is a rather bulky unit, although it is not difficult to move thanks to the presence of wheels.You should not expect an instant effect from it: on average, it takes about half an hour for the heater to reach operating temperature.
So, among the main advantages of oil heaters are:
- security;
- does not consume oxygen;
- durability;
- relatively economical (consumes little electricity after heating to operating temperature);
- do not require constant monitoring;
- can work continuously for several days;
- continues to heat for some more time after a shutdown.
Among the shortcomings can be noted:
- inertness (it takes at least half an hour for the device to reach full power);
- due to the large size it is not very mobile;
- not aesthetic.
Convection heaters
The operation of this device is based on the principle of natural air circulation: heat rises upward, and cooler layers of air come in its place. The heating element of the convectors is located inside the device. Air passes through a metal tube, heating up, and rushes up under the action of natural forces. Gradually, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the room.
In stores you can find models that are installed both on the floor and are hung on the wall. But it should be remembered that if the convector is positioned high enough, only the air under the ceiling will be heated. Therefore, if your choice fell on a convector, place it as low as possible or at least at chest level.
Using a thermostat, which most modern models have, it is easy to maintain a certain temperature in the room. Thermostats are electronic and bimetal. The latter is notable for low accuracy, since it can only be configured for several operating modes. While using an electric thermostat, you can set the temperature in the room with an accuracy of one degree, however, its cost is much higher.
Convector heater safe enough for others, the temperature of its outer surface usually does not exceed 90 ° C. To prevent the slightest likelihood of a fire, manufacturers equipped their convectors with an overheat protection function. Also, the device will turn off if there is a foreign object on its panel. Moreover, there are already models that, thanks to the sealed design, can be mounted in rooms where the humidity level is higher than the standard, for example, in the bathroom.
The main advantages of thermal convectors are:
- minimal risk of fire;
- energy efficiency
- aesthetically pleasing;
- relatively small sizes;
- You can adjust the temperature level with an accuracy of 1 degree;
- short time of heating the room;
- heating occurs evenly throughout the room;
- safe for others, including children;
- silent
- With the help of several devices it is possible to organize a heating network with a single control.
However, convectors also have disadvantages:
- burns oxygen;
- quite expensive;
- Installation requires specialist assistance.
To make the right choice between these two types of heaters, we suggest you read the article telling which is better oil heater or convector.
Fan heater
This is a relatively inexpensive, but quite effective device that can quickly heat the entire room. But the duration of its operation is small, and after its shutdown the temperature in the room drops sharply. The principle of operation is similar to a thermal convector, however, it is additionally equipped with a fan, with the help of which air enters the heating element. Thanks to its compact size, it is easy to position it in any desired place, thus directing the heat flow in the desired direction.
In new models, you can control the productivity and speed of the fan, also many fans work remotely, have a sleep timer at a set time, they can have antibacterial lamps and ionizers.In the summer, the fan heater can work to cool the room if you turn off the heater. You buy two devices for the price of one. There are models with wire and ceramic heaters, but the differences in efficiency between them are insignificant.
Among the advantages of a fan heater are:
- very high heating rate;
- There are heating and cooling functions;
- mobile;
- relatively inexpensive;
- It has additional functions (shutdown timer, remote control, built-in air ionizer, antibacterial filters, etc.).
Disadvantages:
- absorbs oxygen and dust;
- dries the air;
- relatively short service life;
- creates a lot of noise;
- heat only during heating.
Do not miss our article on what is better to choose a fan heater or oil heater.
Infrared heaters
Such heaters generate infrared rays, and they are already warming up, but not air, but ceilings, walls and things. And already from them it becomes warm in the whole room. Thanks to tightness, they are suitable for heating bathrooms. These devices are small in size, so it is not difficult to install and transport them if necessary. In addition to traditional models, where quartz lamps are used as a heating element, long appeared in everyday life wall mounted film options with carbon thread. These devices are significantly different from all previous ones, since their external design is more like a work of art, rather than a household appliance.
Benefits:
- silent
- fireproof;
- economical;
- does not burn oxygen;
- very quickly warms up the room;
- protected against moisture;
- compact;
- many design options.
Disadvantages:
- heating radius is small;
- heat only during operation
Read in our article what to choose an infrared heater or convector. Differences between IR heater and oil are described. here.
Electric Fireplaces
If you always dreamed of lying near the fireplace in a bear's skin and at the same time you have enough money, then you can realize your desire by installing an electric fireplace in your apartment. It should be understood that in this case we choose the design element of the apartment rather than a heating device. But still, an electric fireplace can heat the room if necessary.
Imitation of the flame is created using silk, metal foil, lighting and a fan. This bulky, but very attractive device will require a special attitude, since from time to time it will need to be cleaned with a special tool. But the romantic atmosphere that appears in your apartment is worth it. Many models are equipped with a built-in thermostat, so the room temperature can be maintained at the desired level. If the fireplace is not built-in, then if desired, it is easy to move it to another place.
Advantages:
- security;
- good aesthetic qualities;
- does not burn oxygen.
Disadvantages:
- large dimensions;
- high cost;
- consumes a lot of electricity.
We hope that now you know how to choose the right heater for your apartment. Remember that, despite all the degrees of safety, the use of unattended heaters can cause a fire, especially if the device itself is of poor quality. To be sure of your safety, buy only certified products from reputable manufacturers. For full and comfortable operation, it is desirable that the heater be equipped with a power regulator, a thermostat and an overheat protection system.
To facilitate your choice, we offer to see our top 20 models of heaters for home and apartment. In choosing the safest heater, our article.
