There are many different heating appliances on the market, so it is not so easy to cope with choosing the right model. All of them differ in principle of operation and functionality, but each of them allows you to quickly warm up the room and does not require large installation costs. To choose the right model, you need to know all the advantages and disadvantages of electrical appliances. Sometimes it is much more profitable to purchase a convector or a fan, and in some cases it will be necessary to install a warm floor or an infrared heater.
Advantages and disadvantages of space heating appliances
Electric heaters have a number of advantages over other appliances:
- They can work in those houses where there is no gas, and electricity is carried out in the most inaccessible and remote settlements.
- High efficiency of electrical appliances. Almost all of the energy consumed is given toheat.
- The high safety of electric heaters allows you not to worry about explosions and fires. Effective protection is activated if the appliance falls to the floor.
- They do not require any knowledge and skills to install, just plug the device into a power outlet.
- No special permits from local authorities required for installation.
- A wide variety of models of different capacities makes it easy to choose the product according to your needs.
Like any other heating devices, they have several drawbacks, and the most important of them is the high consumption of electricity and, as a result, high electricity bills. In large houses, this method of heating is impractical.
Unstable power supply to sparsely populated areas can also become a big difficulty in providing heat to the house. Some models burn oxygen, and dry air can cause many diseases in people.
Next about the main types of electric heaters.
Oil heaters
The most popular thermal electrical appliances, outwardly similar to conventional water heating radiators. The work is based on the circulation of the coolant (here mineral oil acts as this) inside the heater body. Devices consist of several sections. And the more of them, the higher the power of electrical equipment.
Energy-saving oil heaters are equipped with a built-in thermostat that automatically turns off the device when the set temperature is reached. Thesemodels efficiently cope with space heating, but due to high electricity consumption they are not used as a constant source of heat.
They are good when the central heating works intermittently and it is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. For convenience, the devices are equipped with an on and off timer. Some owners use an oil heater to dry clothes, which is strictly prohibited. The appliance without free air will overheat, which may cause a fire.
Electric convectors
The operation of the heater is based on constant air circulation. The heating elements that are installed inside the device warm up the air masses located nearby. Then warm air is sent up the room, and cold air enters in its place. Continuous convection leads to uniform heating of the room, the heat is retained for a long time.
These models are used in residential and office premises. Very convenient for giving electric convectors with a thermostat. An ordinary stove cools down in the morning and it becomes cold in the house. The device with a temperature sensor maintains a constant temperature.
A wide variety of products of various capacities allows you to choose a model based on your preferences and financial capabilities. Safe appliances are easy to mount on the wall. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the low heating rate of a room with high ceilings.
Infrared heaters
From infrared radiation emanating fromappliance, all objects in the room are heated. They then release heat energy into the air. These heaters are considered very efficient, they quickly warm up the room and retain heat for a long time. Features low energy consumption, optimal heat distribution and high safety.
Due to the wide variety of models, they have a wide range of applications. They are used in household, construction, car service, agriculture, public and commercial establishments.
Of the shortcomings, there is a high cost (they are more expensive than other devices of similar power). If the heaters are not installed correctly, prolonged exposure to the infrared zone can cause headaches and lower immunity.
Heated floor
Heated floors are not the main type of heating, but are used for additional space heating. Their installation is often provided for even at the stage of building a house. The complexity and high cost of installation does not allow using them everywhere.
Special dense polymer heating cable is laid on the subfloor or concrete. It is located between two layers of polyurethane. The system is equipped with a thermostat that controls the degree of heating (you can set your own temperature for different areas). Underfloor heating is mounted under almost any coating.
The material is compact and does not reduce the useful area, this is very important in apartments with low ceilings. The system heats the room evenly and leaves no cold spots. Warm flooroften equipped in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, children's room and hallway.
Disadvantages include high power consumption and difficult installation.
Heaters
Common heating devices, but most often used for local heating of a small room. The small size allows you to put the fan on the table or on the floor under your feet. There are many models with various functions:
- mechanical and electronic control;
- adjustable temperature;
- different blowing intensity;
- various power.
Fan heaters are purchased for residential, administrative and office premises, used for quick warming up in a cold room of a country house.
These devices have significant drawbacks. They significantly change the humidity of the air, burn oxygen, attract dust and spread it around the room, and cannot cope with the heating of large areas.
Electric fireplaces
The device consists of a body, a heating element, a protective screen and decorative parts. Outwardly, it is a portal and a hearth. The portal is made of metal, ceramics, stone, plastic.
The illusion of a living fire is created using a built-in fan heater that takes in cold air, passes it through the heater and releases heat into the room. The intensity of heating depends on the power of the device.
Fireplaces are equipped with thermostats capable of holdingset temperature, which ultimately reduces energy costs. The device turns off when the required air temperature is reached.
Heated electric fireplaces are affordable, easy to operate and maintain. The devices are fireproof, operate silently, look spectacular, create comfort in the apartment. Their installation does not require chimney equipment, it is possible to transfer the structure to another room.
The constant operation of the fireplace can contribute to dry air and lack of oxygen, but this problem is solved by installing good ventilation.
Heat generators
They are large fan heaters with increased power. Thanks to this, they can be used for heating large premises: warehouses, basements, industrial premises and large offices. The same heating devices are used to remove excess moisture during the construction of houses. They are not used in residential areas due to the high energy consumption. The advantage of heat generators is high performance and a wide range of applications. The disadvantage is the noise during operation.
Recommendations for selection
For those who plan to install a heating device as the main source of heat, it is recommended to opt for infrared ceiling or wall heaters. For greater effect, you can combine them with warm floors (in the nursery, bathroom and kitchen). These models also fitthose who permanently live in the country.
For temporary operation for a period of short-term interruptions in the operation of central heating, it is enough to purchase a fan heater or an oil heater.
