How To Choose An Indoor Heating Method For Your Home
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Time to read 4 min
STAY WARM THIS WINTER WITH OUR WIDE SELECTION OF SPACE HEATERS
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to heat with one source?
The reality of living in this climate is that we often need to boost the temperature in our homes and workshops to stay comfortable during the winter months.
Space heaters are a versatile option to supplement your heating source. You can move them from room to room to provide extra heat where you need it.
The two most common types of space heaters are radiant heaters and convection heaters and I’m often asked by customers to explain the difference. Both are effective but operate very differently and it's useful to know the difference so you can choose the best one for your space.
Here is a list of questions I will typically ask to help you make the decision:
• What is your budget?
• Do you need to heat the entire room or a specific area?
• Is energy efficiency important?
• Does portability matter?
• And most importantly, how large is the space you need to heat?
Silent Comfort with Electric Convection Heaters
Convection heating evenly circulates warm air throughout a room, making it ideal for long-term use. Options include baseboard and wall-mounted panel convection heaters.
Pros:
- Circulates warm air evenly.
- Great for offsetting drafts, especially under windows.
- Space-saving design.
- Silent operation.
- Self-regulating temperature.
TIP
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need 10 watts of heating power for every square foot in a room. To calculate, simply multiply the square footage of the room by 10 to determine the wattage.
Ceramic Fan-Forced Room Heaters
Utilizing a ceramic heating element and an internal fan, these heaters distribute warm air throughout the room. Popular and versatile, they come in various sizes and styles, suitable for offices and living rooms, though they may be noisy for bedrooms.
Pros:
- Provide instant heat.
- Suitable for use on a table or floor.
- Effective for smaller spaces.
- Easy to move around.
- Many have a cool-touch surface for safety.
Tips:
- Consider an oscillating ceramic heater for wider heat distribution.
- Match the wattage rating to the room size.
- Explore non-fan-forced options like baseboard heaters or oil-filled radiators for silent bedroom operation.
Electric Oil-Filled Heaters
Utilizing convection heating, these heaters are low-maintenance and easily portable.
Pros:
- Low maintenance, no need for refilling.
- Easily portable for convenient use.
Radiant and Infrared Heaters
Radiant Heaters
Work like the sun, providing a concentrated beam of heat that directly heats the objects and people in its vicinity.
These types of heaters tend to be more energy-efficient and require little time or energy to achieve target temperatures.
The advantages of radiant heaters are that they are quiet, they deliver heat directly to you and do so more quickly than convection heaters. They are ideal for providing targeted heating and are generally more efficient if you’re only going to be in a room for a few hours. Employing infrared rays, these heaters mimic the sun's warmth, with differences between radiant and infrared options:
Radiant Heaters:
- Suited for smaller spaces.
- Heat disperses mainly in one direction.
- Ideal for spot heating.
Infrared Heaters:
- Capable of heating entire rooms.
- Often stylish, enhancing decor.
- Generally more expensive than radiant heaters.
Indoor Gas Heaters
Utilizing radiant heating, gas heaters provide instant warmth and are suitable for garages and workspaces. Ventilation may be required.
Pros:
- Delivers instant heat.
- Compact and easily portable.
Enhance Ambiance with Indoor Fireplaces
Indoor fireplaces not only provide warmth but also add cozy ambiance to your living space.
Wood Stove Fireplace:
- Adds traditional charm, radiating heat from multiple sides.
- Less expensive to operate but more costly to install.
- Some function as multi-functional wood/cook stoves.
Electric Fireplace:
- Operates by heating coils with electricity.
- Look for energy-efficient models.
- Various styles available, such as freestanding or wall-mounted.
With so many indoor heating options, finding the ideal solution to ward off the cold is a breeze.
Keep your home warm and inviting throughout the year with the perfect indoor heater for your space.
Explore our selection of indoor heaters to ensure your family stays cozy regardless of the season. If you have any further questions, please visit us in the store and ask me!
Sincerely, Roger
STAY WARM THIS WINTER WITH OUR WIDE SELECTION OF SPACE HEATERS
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to heat with one source? The reality of living in this climate is that we often need to boost the temperature in our homes and workshops to stay comfortable during the winter months.
Space heaters are a versatile option to supplement your heating source. You can move them from room to room to provide extra heat where you need it.
The two most common types of space heaters are radiant heaters and convection heaters and I’m often asked by customers to explain the difference. Both are effective but operate very differently and it's useful to know the difference so you can choose the best one for your space.
Without getting too scientific, here’s a simplified explanation of heater options:
Radiant Heaters:
Work like the sun, providing a concentrated beam of heat that directly heats the objects and people in its vicinity. These types of heaters tend to be more energy-efficient and require little time or energy to achieve target temperatures. The advantages of radiant heaters are that they are quiet, they deliver heat directly to you and do so more quickly than convection heaters. They are ideal for providing targeted heating and are generally more efficient if you’re only going to be in a room for a few hours.
Convection Heaters:
Have a heating element that warms the air that it connects with, and then that air circulates through a room, creating a current of warm air. Many convection heaters include a fan to speed the circulation of air and distribution of heat. Ceramic space heaters are a type of convection heater. Convection heating is ideal for heating an entire room for a long period of time. They take longer to heat up but once they do they offer efficient and comfortable warmth throughout the space.
