Make yourself cosy: Heat properly with heaters
Brr, pretty chilly? You can easily change that: (mobile) heaters provide the instant heat – especially where there is no traditional heating. Infrared or convection, mini electric heater or fan heater? We'll check your heaters, give you tips on the right heating, and show you how to banish the chills economically and efficiently.
Heaters: Which model can do what?
Freezing is no fun. That's why heaters were invented. They generate heat energy that is intended to hit objects or people. This definition includes not only traditional heaters for district heating, but also electric heaters, ovens and power tools such as hot air blowers, etc.
In practice, the term heater mainly refers to easily installed electrical devices with a power plug that make rooms without heating cosier or provide you with an additional source of heat when you need it. There are two main types:
- Fan heaters and heating-ventilating units are a mix of heat modules and fans. They heat the air they draw in and distribute it throughout the room via the fan unit. This heating of the air molecules is called convection heat. Because the basic fan technology is already built in, you can usually use fan heaters for heating and cooling.
- The radiant heaters are infrared heaters that emit heat directly. They are available as compact wall-mounted radiant heaters or as large heating panels. The infrared heat warms the objects and people around it rather than the air. This heat is perceived as more intense.
In a somewhat broader sense, the radiator thermostats are also considered the heating devices. They are mounted on a traditional radiator and ensure that you heat properly and save a lot of money at the same time. Their clever programs, for example, turn on the heat at specific times or detect the open windows.
Fan heater vs. radiant heater: What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Fan heaters, radiant heaters, etc. all have the same function. They are designed to warm rooms where there is no traditional radiator or fireplace, or where you are still shivering despite having the heating and a warm blanket. The following applies to all mobile heaters:
They generate heat in a targeted manner and are intended to heat up their immediate surroundings. They are neither as efficient nor as powerful as a traditional wall heating system for district heating. Similar to air conditioning units, they are most effective when:
- you place the device close to your desk, bed or directly on the workbench.
- you keep windows and doors closed during operation and remove unnecessary barriers.
- you only use the device for as long as you need it for your warmth sensation.
But which type of mobile heat generation suits you better? Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages:
Convection heat with fan heaters | Infrared heat with radiant heaters |
|---|---|
+ Fast heating | + Direct and pleasant warmth |
+ Affordable and compact | + Heat is retained longer |
+ Flexible and mobile use | + Silent operation |
- Heat is lost more quickly through room air | - Only for local heating |
- Higher power consumption | - Higher power consumption |
- Audible fan | - More expensive than fan heaters |
Generally speaking: Fan heaters are a good choice for the workshop, your living space or even the garden shed, as you can easily take them with you and set them up anywhere. Radiant heaters have proven their worth in typical cold rooms such as hallways, guest toilets or garages.
Heating correctly: What should I look for when buying the heaters?
When it comes to heating, you should pay particular attention to safety when purchasing appliances. The heat production causes the device itself to become hot. That's why every useful product must have the following safety features:
Automatic switch-off: When the heater reaches a certain temperature, it switches off automatically. Operation is also stopped after a certain period of time. Additional safety devices – for example, to prevent tipping – are even better.
Covers: A protective grille in front of the heat source is essential to protect you and your family from injury. However, risks may still occur. That's why you should always place or install heaters out of reach of children.
Protection class: The IP code tells you in which rooms and environments a heater may be used. This code indicates protection against dust and water. If a fan heater has the IP20 code, it is protected against dust and larger dry particles, but not against water. It may therefore only be used in the living room, workshop or bedroom. If the device has the IPX4 code, it is only protected against splash water and may be used in bathrooms that are too cold or in clean rooms, subject to certain safety precautions.
In addition to safety, (mobile) heating is of course also about efficiency. Fan heaters should have at least 2,000 watts of power so that the heating element does its job quickly and produces enough heat to make you comfortable. Using the heating levels, you can decide whether you need a lot of warmth in a short time or whether you just want to treat yourself to a little more cozy comfort using the Eco mode.
Since you want to warm up yourself and not just the room, it should be possible to control the heat flow. With fan heaters, this can be done using adjustable slats; with radiant heaters, usually using an adjustable angle of inclination.
