There are many different heating devices on the market, so it is not so easy to cope with the selection of a suitable 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 fan, and in some cases it will require the installation of a warm floor or infrared heater.
Advantages and disadvantages of room heating appliances
Electric heaters have several advantages over other devices:
- They can work in those houses where there is no gas, and electricity is delivered to the most inaccessible and remote settlements.
- High efficiency of electrical appliances. Almost all energy consumed is given off as heat.
- High safety of electric heaters allows you not to worry about explosions and fires. Effective protection is triggered 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.
- Installation does not require special permissions from local authorities.
- A wide variety of models of different capacities makes it easy to choose the product in accordance with your needs.
Like any other heating devices, they have several drawbacks and the most important of them is a large consumption of electricity and, as a result, high electricity bills. In large houses, this method of heating is impractical.
An unstable supply of electricity to sparsely populated areas can also be a great difficulty in providing heat to a home. Some models burn oxygen, and dry air can cause many diseases in humans.
Further, the main types of electric heating appliances.
Oil heaters
The most popular thermal electrical appliances are similar in appearance to ordinary water heating radiators. The work is based on the circulation of the coolant (here mineral oil acts in this capacity) 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, which automatically turns off the device when the specified temperature conditions are reached. These models effectively cope with space heating, but due to the high energy consumption they are not used as a constant source of heat.
They are good when the central heating is intermittent 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 device will overheat without free access of air, a fire may break out from this.
Electric convectors
The operation of the heater is based on constant air circulation. The heating elements that are installed inside the device warm the air masses located nearby. Then warm air is sent up the room, and cold air comes in its place. Continuous convection leads to uniform heating of the room, the heat is stored for a long time.
These models are used in residential and office premises. Very convenient for giving electric convectors with a temperature regulator. An ordinary stove cools by morning and it becomes cold in the house. A 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, a low heating rate of a room with high ceilings can be distinguished.
Infrared heaters
From infrared radiation coming from the device, all objects in the room are heated. Then they give off thermal energy to the air. These heaters are considered very effective, they quickly warm up the room and retain heat for a long time. They are characterized by low energy consumption, optimal heat distribution and high safety.
Due to the wide variety of models have a wide scope. They are used in the domestic sphere, construction, car service, agriculture, public and commercial institutions.
Of the shortcomings, a high cost is noted (they are more expensive than other devices of the same power). If the heaters are not installed correctly, then a long stay in the infrared zone can cause a headache and a decrease in immunity.
Warm floor
Warm floors are not the main type of heating, but are used for additional heating of the room. Their installation is often provided even at the stage of construction of the house. The complexity and high cost of installation does not allow them to be used everywhere.
A special heating cable made of dense polymer 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 (for different sections you can set your temperature). The heat-insulated floor is mounted practically under any covering.
The material is compact and does not reduce the usable area, it is very important in apartments with low ceilings. The system evenly warms up the room and does not leave cold spots. Underfloor heating is often equipped in the kitchen, in the bathroom, bedroom, in the children's room and hallway.
Among the shortcomings are high power consumption and complicated installation.
Fan heaters
Common heating appliances, but most often used for local heating of a small room. Small sizes allow you to put the fan on a table or on the floor under your feet. There are many models with diverse functionality:
- mechanical and electronic control;
- adjustable temperature;
- different intensity of blowing;
- different power.
Fan heaters are purchased for residential, administrative and office premises, used for quick heating in the cold room of a country house.
These devices have significant drawbacks. They significantly change the air humidity, burn oxygen, attract dust and spread it around the room, can not cope with the heating of large areas.
Electric Fireplaces
The device consists of a housing, a heating element, a protective screen and decorative parts. Externally, it is a portal and a hearth. The portal is made of metal, ceramics, stone, plastic.
The illusion of a living fire is created with the help of a built-in fan heater, which takes cold air, passes it through the heater and gives off heat to the room. The intensity of heating depends on the power of the device.
Fireplaces are equipped with thermostats that can hold a set temperature, which ultimately reduces energy costs. The device turns off when the required air temperature is reached.
Heated electric fireplaces are notable for their affordable price, ease of operation and maintenance. The devices are fireproof, work silently, look spectacular, create comfort in the apartment. Chimney equipment is not required for their installation, it is possible to transfer the structure to another room.
Continuous operation of the fireplace can contribute to dry air and lack of oxygen, but this problem is solved by installing high-quality ventilation.
Heat generators
They are large fan heaters with high power. Due to this, they can be used for heating large rooms: warehouses, basements, industrial premises and large offices. The same heating devices are used to remove excess moisture during the construction of houses. In residential premises they are not used due to the high energy consumption. The advantage of heat generators is high performance and a large scope. The disadvantage is noise during operation.
Selection recommendations
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 underfloor heating (in the nursery, bathroom and kitchen). These models are also suitable for those who constantly live in the country.
For temporary operation for a period of short interruptions in the operation of central heating, it is enough to purchase a fan heater or an oil heater.