Types of electric heaters
The cold season can start much earlier than the heating season, so it is worth considering buying an additional heat source. An electric heater will not only be able to heat the room in autumn, when the centralized heating has not yet been turned on, it can also become a design element of the interior. Manufacturers produce five types of electric heaters:
- Oil radiators.
- Convectors.
- Infrared radiators.
- Air curtains and fan heaters.
- Electric fireplaces.
Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Oil radiators
Oil cooler it takes time to warm up. The heating element heats up and transfers heat to the oil in the housing. Further, thermal energy is transferred to the radiator body, and only then the room begins to heat up. Manufacturers produce devices with a different number of sections. The smallest radiators consist of five sections, their plus is the rapid heating of the case. You can buy a 13-section radiator, such devices cool down more slowly, which means they give off heat longer.
Convectors
Unlike oil radiators, convectors start heating the room immediately after switching on. Electricity consumption is on average 25% lower than that of oil coolers. Also, convectors are equipped with thermostats that allow you to adjust the heating power.
Infrared radiators
The principle of operation of an infrared radiator is fundamentally different from the previous two. Such a heater does not dissipate heat throughout the room, but has a directional effect. Objects collect infrared radiation and heat up. Moreover, only 5% of the accumulated heat energy is spent on heating the air. An infrared radiator is perfect for heating the work area.
The disadvantage of such a heater is the high operating temperature. For safety reasons, infrared radiators should not be placed at a distance of less than one meter from synthetic surfaces and PVC, as there is a high risk of fire.
Air curtains and fan heaters
Such devices are used to combat draft. They are placed over a door or large window. Air curtains are equipped with fans and can work without heating, which is very helpful in hot weather.
When choosing a thermal curtain, pay attention to the width of the device. For normal operation, the heater should be slightly wider than the window or door opening.
Thermal fans work on the same principle. Their main plus is portability.
Electric fireplaces
Electric fireplaces, in addition to their main function, also perform decorative. In addition, unlike a conventional fireplace, such a heater is safe. It can become a "highlight" of your interior.