Room heaters are available in different sizes, shapes, cost, style and other features. Choosing the best option among them is not an easy task.
To choose the right option, you need proper information and which factors to consider while analyzing the models.
If you are unaware of this information, then check out the ultimate guide for room heaters in this article.
Here, we will explore the different types, their features, the technology used, and other aspects.
By the end of this discussion, you will be able to choose the right Room heaters that is best for you.
What Are The Types Of Room Heaters?
Below are the different types of room heaters available in the market based on their operation, technology, and other features.
- Convection Heaters
- Radiant and Infrared Heaters
- Ceramic Space Heaters
- Micathermic Space Heaters
- Fan Space Heaters
- Oil-filled Space Heaters
Let us discuss about each type in detail along with the pros and cons.
1. Convection Heaters
Convection heaters are those kinds of heaters that are familiar for heating single rooms.
Construction
The convection heaters are designed in a unique way to warm the air in the room. They work on the principle of convection technology where they use a heating element for heating. This element could be a coil or wire or a panel. They have a thermostat to regulate the heat.
The convection heaters disperse the heat through the natural airflow. When said that, they work by producing hot air that rises to the ceiling. This makes the cool air at the ceiling fall to the floor, thereby, circulating the air in the room.
Most models, these days, come with a fan to circulate the hot air across the room.
Significant Feature
The most significant feature of convection heaters is that they are capable of heating the rooms for a long time.
Maintenance
They require low maintenance. Moreover, you do not have to clean them regularly.
Price
The convection heaters are very inexpensive and usually come around Rs.2000 to 3000.
Ideal For
Convection heaters are ideal for heating in single rooms, especially bedrooms. They do not heat the room quickly, but their effect spreads slowly.
Pros
- The convection heaters provide better coverage areas in comparison with the radiant room heaters.
- They warm the room quicker than the radiant heaters.
- These heaters require low maintenance.
- You do not have to clean the convection heaters regularly.
- They are very cheaper than the oil-filled space heaters.
Cons
- The convection heaters are not very energy-efficient. They consume around 2000 watts of energy.
- The other limitation of a convection heater is overheating.
- These heaters tend to be noisy when operating.
- Because they push hot air up, there is high energy wastage.
2. Radiant & Infrared Heaters
Unlike other room heaters, the radiant heaters work by transmitting heat directly to the people sitting nearby than the entire room.
Construction
The radiant and infrared heaters work by the principle of infrared radiation. They work by emitting electromagnetic waves into the air. However, instead of warming up the air in the entire room, they heat the objects and persons that are nearby. These room heaters are powered by electricity.
The radiant and infrared heaters basically come in two types.
- With Fan
- Without Fan
These room heaters do not contain any heating element since they use only electromagnetic waves. Some models do not come with a fan.
A few other models that include fan help in speeding up the heating process.
Significant Features
The radiant and infrared room heaters heat objects within their proximity and not the air. Hence, they are the most suitable option for people who are susceptible to dust allergies.
Maintenance
The infrared heaters are easy to maintain and clean.
Price
The radiant and infrared heaters are less expensive than the oil-filled space heaters.
Ideal For
The infrared heaters are ideal for offices, bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.
Pros
- The infrared heaters have high energy efficiency.
- They are silent when operating.
- The objects do not block the heat but absorb it.
- Even after you turn off the heater, the heat continues.
- The infrared heaters come in various models like wood cabinet designs that look like furniture.
- They are a perfect option to keep beside during a chilling night.
- Some models come with a digital thermostat and automatic temperature control features.
- They emit heat at whatever level you place them. That said, there is no wastage of energy.
- They have a cool touch surface.
- You can easily move these room heaters around as they have either wheels or handle.
Cons
- The infrared heaters are not children and pet-friendly.
- They can be heavy.
- These heaters do not provide instant heat.
- They disperse heat in a single direction.
- They are not suitable for large spaces or rooms.
- The radiant and infrared heaters are expensive than the ceramic and fan heaters.
3. Ceramic Space Heaters
As the name says, these heaters feature ceramic plates.
Construction
The ceramic space heaters contain ceramic plates that come attached to the metal coils. These heaters run on electricity.
This is how a ceramic heater works. When electricity passes through the metal coils, the ceramic plates get heated. As these plates continue to absorb electricity, they release the heat into the air, making the space warm.
Just like the radiant and infrared heaters, even the ceramic space heaters are of two types:
- With Fan
- Without Fan
In the ceramic heater models that come with a fan, this fan helps in blowing air over the ceramic plates. This allows quicker distribution of warm air inside the room.
In the ceramic heater models that do not contain a fan, the hot air distribution may take more time.
Significant Feature
The most significant feature you can find in ceramic space heaters is that they warm up the room instantly. It will take very little time for you to feel the heating effect inside the room. Moreover, these types of heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
They have several features like heat oscillation, remote control, digital thermostats, multiple fan settings, etc.
Maintenance
The ceramic space heaters are easy to maintain.
Price
The ceramic space heaters are very cost-effective.
Ideal For
The smaller heaters are ideal for offices. The larger models from the ceramic heaters are most suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, etc.
Pros
- The ceramic space heaters are compact in size.
- They often come in lightweight designs.
- The ceramic space heaters warm up the room instantly.
- These heaters are energy efficient.
- They come with a heat oscillation feature.
- The heat continues to radiate from the ceramic plates for some time after you turn off the heater.
- They have a cool-touch exterior.
- These heaters are easy to move around.
- Some models come with features like digital thermostats, overheat protection, wireless remote control, etc.
- They are available in different sizes and shapes.
- The ceramic space heaters are children and pet-friendly.
- These heaters are less expensive than infrared heaters.
Cons
- The ceramic space heaters are not suitable for large spaces or rooms.
- The ceramic heater models that do not contain a fan take more time for the distribution of hot air.
- Since these heaters run on electricity, they require electrical energy to deliver the heat.
- The physical objects within the proximity of the ceramic heater may block the heat from getting dispersed.
- These heaters tend to be noisy when operating.
- They are a fire threat to flammable materials when you place them near the heater.
4. Micathermic Space Heaters
Micathermic space heater is one of the efficient types of heaters.
Construction
These room heaters are a combination of convection heaters and radiant heaters. That said, their functionality or working mechanism is a combination of convection heating and radiant heating.
These heaters have heating elements similar to the convection ones. However, the only difference is that these heating elements are panels covered in mica sheets.
This is how a micathermic space heater works. When electricity passes through the heating panels, the mica sheets get heated. When mica gets heated to a certain temperature, it starts emitting electromagnetic rays that heat up the room. They provide soothing and radiant heat just like radiant heaters.
Significant Feature
The micathermic space heaters heat up the room faster than any other space heaters. They are capable of heating up a larger room without the assistance of a fan or blower.
Maintenance
Although the micathermic space heaters are safe to use, they are not easy to maintain.
Price
These heaters are a little expensive.
Ideal For
The micathermic space heaters are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
Pros
- The micathermic space heaters are safer than the other heaters.
- They often come in lightweight and compact designs.
- The micatheric heaters keep the air from dehumidifying by retaining moisture.
- These heaters are highly energy efficient.
- They are quiet when operating.
- They come with built-in overheat protection.
- These heaters facilitate better distribution of heat.
- The micathermic heaters come in wall-mountable models.
- They are the most suitable option for people who are susceptible to dust allergies.
- The micathermic space heaters are very portable.
- These heaters are environmental-friendly as they do not emit any toxic fumes.
- They are easy to install in closed and open rooms.
Cons
- The micathermic space heaters are not children and pet-friendly.
- They have a limited coverage area.
- They are not easy to clean.
- They are a little expensive than the other space heaters.
5. Fan Space Heaters
Fan space heaters are very similar to ceramic heaters.
Construction
Although these room heaters are similar to ceramic space heaters, they do not have ceramic plates. Instead, they have a heating element (metal coil). When electricity passes through the metal coils, they get heated. As these coils continue to absorb electricity, they release the heat into the air, making the space warm. They feature a fan that blows air over the metal coil and distributes hot air in the room.
Significant Feature
These fan space heaters come with a variety of functions like remote control, digital controls, timer, heat oscillation, and a carrying handle.
Maintenance
The fan space heaters are easy to maintain.
Price
The fan space heaters are very cheap.
Ideal For
These heaters are ideal for smaller rooms and bedrooms.
Pros
- The fan space heaters are compact in size.
- They often come in lightweight designs.
- The fan space heaters warm up the room instantly.
- They come with a heat oscillation feature.
- They have a cool-touch exterior.
- These heaters are easy to move around.
- Some models come with features like the digital thermostat, wireless remote control, etc.
- These heaters are less expensive than the other heaters.
Cons
- The fan space heaters are not suitable for large spaces or rooms.
- The heat stops getting transferred once you turn off the heater.
- They are very inefficient and consume a lot of electricity.
- Since these heaters run on electricity, they require continuous electrical energy to deliver the heat.
- The physical objects within the proximity of the ceramic heater may block the heat from getting dispersed.
- These heaters tend to be a little noisy when operating.
- Most models include turn-dial thermostats only. That said, you only choose a precise degree.
6. Oil Filled Space Heaters
An oil-filled space heater is also known as a radiator heater as they look similar to the old radiator heaters found majorly in older homes.
Construction
These are electricity-powered heaters that contain an internal fluid called diathermic oil inside. Whenever electricity passes through the heater, the oil gets heated up it starts circulating through the fins of the device. As the hot oil continues to circulate, the fins get heated up and the surface temperature starts increasing. As a result, the heat gets released into the air.
These oil-filled space heaters do not contain a fan as they use the internal fluid or oil to heat up the large exterior metal surface. They use the principle of heat or thermal convection to radiate the heat of the unit.
Significant Feature
These oil-filled radiator heaters come with a variety of functions like adjustable thermostats, programmable timers, ECO modes, caster wheels, and silent heating.
Maintenance
The oil-filled space heaters are easy to maintain.
Price
These space heaters are very costly.
Ideal For
These heaters are ideal for large rooms and all-night usage.
Pros
- The oil-filled space heaters are compact in size.
- You will not have to replenish the oil in it.
- They have high energy efficiency.
- The heat continues to get transferred for some time even after you turn off the heater.
- The oil-filled space heaters are very efficient as they consume less electricity.
- They do not have to run continuously to provide heat.
- They are less noisy and quiet when operating.
- They are ideal for all-night usage.
- They are silent when operating.
- These heaters are most suitable for newborn babies.
- They come with a digital thermostat and programmable timers.
- They come with built-in safety features.
- Since they have caster wheels, they are easy to move around.
- The oil-filled space heaters are children and pet-friendly.
- These heaters do not alter the oxygen and humidity level inside the room.
- They work extremely well in larger rooms.
Cons
- You cannot control the speed of the heat in the oil-filled space room heaters.
- They make the house get very hot.
- These heaters are very costly.
- They are heavier than the other room heaters.
- The oil-filled space heaters do not warm up the room instantly. They take about 15 minutes to heat the room.
- They do not come with a heat oscillation feature.
Comparison Of The Room Heater Types
Here is a comparative analysis of the different types of room heaters. This table will help you decide easily.
| Parameters | Convection Heaters | Radiant and Infrared Heaters | Ceramic Space Heaters | Micathermic Space Heaters | Fan Space Heaters | Oil-filled Space Heaters |
| Energy Efficiency
|
No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Children-friendly | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost-effective | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Low Time To Heat | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Silent Operation | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Conclusion:
I hope this article gave you complete insights into the different types of room heaters available in the market. This ultimate guide on heaters should answer all your questions related to them. With all the necessary information provided, choosing the right type of heater should no longer be a daunting task.
Now that you know everything about the room heaters, choose the right type of heater that is best for you. Let us know your choices by posting your answers in the comments.
Write to us if you feel this article helped you clear your confusion and provided all the information related to room heaters. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to let us know. We would try our best to answer your queries at the earliest.
We welcome your feedback. Please feel free to let us know if we missed out on any points or if you have any inputs to add. We accept your suggestions and would love to hear from you.
Stay healthy and stay safe!!!
