Central heating is not enough to heat a house in harsh winters. Which heater is better to choose for a home so that it quickly gives off heat and does not consume too much energy? This question is relevant for any family. Nowadays, there are many different types of heaters that differ in the principles of their work. Before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the types of devices, their advantages, disadvantages and other nuances.

The main types of heaters

Most domestic heaters are powered by electricity. To minimize energy consumption and at the same time stay warm, you need to know how these or those devices are arranged and which one will be most effective for certain conditions. For example, the choice of a heater for a summer house will differ significantly from the choice of a device for heating a living room in an apartment.

So, we will consider the main types of heating devices, their pros and cons.

Fan heater

Fan heaters are large and small. They are very popular due to their affordable price and effectiveness. As a heating element in such devices, a metal spiral, a tubular heater or ceramic plates are used. A fan is installed behind. When you turn on the heating element quickly reaches a high temperature, and the fan actively blows out warm air.

Due to convection, the room is heated very quickly. Already after 15-20 minutes you can feel the increase in temperature in the room. Most models are equipped with a power and temperature controller, and also have a fan shutdown function if necessary. More expensive devices have the option of ionization and humidification, the ability to remotely control, a timer, a rotary mechanism.

Modern heaters of fan heater type are presented in a variety of designs: horizontal, vertical, oval, square, rectangular, floor and wall. The case of most devices is made of plastic.

The advantages of fan heaters

  1. Inexpensive.
  2. In the assortment there are small models that can be placed under your feet (for example, working at the table), on tables and tables for local heating.
  3. Almost all models have a protection function, and the device turns off when it falls or flips to the side.
  4. Light weight makes it easy to carry the device from room to room, take it with you to a country house.
  5. It is impossible to burn yourself with such a heater outside: all the elements are reliably protected, and the blown air does not exceed a temperature of +43 degrees.
  6. A huge variety of designs allows you to choose a model for the interior.
  7. Small devices have a power of the order of 1-1.5 kilowatts and consume not so much energy.

fan heater

disadvantages

  1. During operation, the fan makes a noise. If you turn on such a device at night, then you can not fall asleep due to the hum.
  2. Quickly dry the air.
  3. Hardly suitable for heating a large room. The larger the device, the more it absorbs energy and makes more noise.
  4. They break more often and faster than other types of heaters (the weak point is the heating elements, which simply burn out during frequent and prolonged operation).

Despite some drawbacks, a fan heater will never be superfluous in the house.It is ideal for quickly heating small rooms and certain areas. But as a heating device for continuous operation in the cold season, it is not suitable. There are more practical and quieter types of heaters for this.

Oil heater

For those who are looking for energy-efficient heating appliances, oil heaters will be the best choice.

The design of such devices is similar to central heating radiators and is designed for floor installation. Inside the sections there is a thermostat and mineral oil, which can retain heat for a very long time. Models can have a different number of sections. Thus, everyone can choose the optimal size unit.

Among the assortment you can find devices with built-in fans located on the side of the case. All modern models are equipped with multi-stage temperature controllers. There are devices equipped with timers and other "chips".

To use oil heater possible at any time of the day: it is completely silent.

Pros of oil type heaters

  1. Durability. Such devices serve long enough without breakdowns, do not require any maintenance. All you need to care for is just to brush off the dust from them.
  2. Silent work.
  3. Economical energy consumption. The oil keeps heat for a long time, and after maximum heating, you can lower the temperature to medium, the radiator will remain hot for another 30 minutes. Even after a complete shutdown, the unit will be warm for a long time.
  4. Despite the bulkiness and impressive weight, the devices are equipped with wheels and easily move on the floor.
  5. Suitable for long-term operation and heating of large rooms. The heater can be kept turned on almost constantly, it is designed for long continuous operation.

oil heater

Minuses

  1. It warms up for a long time. For maximum heating, at least 20 minutes will be required.
  2. No burn protection. The body, made of metal, is not protected by anything and when touched it can be easily burned.
  3. Due to the size and heavy weight, the oil heater is not so easy to transport. For example, to take him to the cottage, you will definitely need a car with a trunk.
  4. High price. Good oil coolers are not so cheap, although they can not be called very expensive either.
  5. Dries the air. This minus is inherent in many heating appliances. The problem can be solved using automatic humidifiers or simply by placing a container of water near the unit.

Despite all the disadvantages, an oil heater is the most profitable of all if additional heat is needed constantly.

If you do not know which of these two to choose, we suggest you read the article in which you will learn which is better fan heater or oil heater.

Convector

These types of heaters are similar in their principle of operation with fan heaters. The convector makes air intake from the outside, passes it through the heating element and expels it already warm. The devices consist of a rectangular case with openings at the top through which air circulates.

The difference with a conventional fan heater is that the air flow in the convectors is due to the process of natural convection. Most manufacturers try to use a ceramic heating element that does not burn oxygen and dust so much.

Convectors silent by themselves, but there are models with built-in fans. When the fan is running, noise is inevitable. Units can be floor, wall or combine both that and other type of installation. The case of the convectors is narrow, so they look great on the wall, without hiding the space.

Many modern inverter-type models are electronically controlled with timers and other convenient options. In terms of energy consumption, they are not much different from oil heaters.

The advantages of convectors

  1. Evenly warm the room.
  2. Compact, suitable not only for floor, but also for wall placement.
  3. Silent work.
  4. Lots of adjustments.
  5. High security. The case does not heat up to the extent that it burns when touched. Also in convectors there is protection against overheating.
  6. Aesthetic appearance.
  7. Affordable price.

convector

Minuses

  1. Warming up takes a long time.
  2. Burns a lot of oxygen.
  3. You can choose a heater for a convector type apartment for those who lack central heating. It will also become a practical solution for installation on insulated loggias, where there is no way to hold pipes. Convectors can be hung right under the windows and they will replace the batteries.

If you don’t know what to choose, read the article on what is better to buy a convector or oil heater.

IR heater

Infrared heaters - devices of a new generation. They have a completely different working principle. The device does not heat the air itself, but objects, including walls, as well as the body. Items transfer heat to space, due to which the temperature in the room rises.

An infrared heater has a halogen, carbon or quartz lamp that generates and emits infrared waves. The devices have a different design, dimensions and mounts. Unlike all other types of heaters, infrared can be mounted not only on the walls, but also to the ceiling. There are even infrared heaters in the form of a carpet on the floor, connected to the mains.
The most practical are now considered infrared carbon heaters (a carbon fiber spiral is installed inside). Their wavelengths are much longer and their power consumption lower.

Benefits

  1. Absolutely silent work.
  2. Due to the fact that the air does not heat up, the device does not raise dust.
  3. High security.
  4. Economical energy consumption.
  5. Instant warm-up.
  6. Can be used in open space.
  7. Large selection of designs and mounting methods.

disadvantages

  1. High price. Today it is the most expensive type of heaters.
  2. Only those objects that are in the zone of infrared waves are heated.
  3. It is not always pleasant to be under such a device for a long time: the body can overheat.
  4. Halogen and quartz flasks are fragile and can easily break.
  5. Electric fireplace heater
  6. A home electric fireplace heater is a great alternative to a real fireplace. Such devices are presented in a variety of modifications. There are built-in models, mobile, with wall mounts.
  7. According to the principle of operation, these can be TEN designs and infrared ones. Many fireplace heaters have a convector heating system.
  8. Their difference is only in a decorative form that imitates a real fireplace.

IR heater

Our article will help you. decide between infrared heater and convector.

Which heater is better to choose

In order to choose the right heater, it is necessary to determine exactly for which room it is needed.

Apartment heater

When choosing a heater for a small apartment, factors such as:

  1. The area of ​​the rooms.
  2. The number of windows.
  3. Power and serviceability of the central heating system.
  4. The number of residents in the apartment.

For a small apartment with sealed windows and with poor central heating, a convector or oil heater is suitable. It should be taken into account that 100 W of device power is spent on heating 1 sq / m area. Therefore, if the room is 10 sq / m, for its heating you need a device with a capacity of at least 1 kW.

If 1 or 2 people live in the apartment, you can choose a fan heater or an infrared heater.

Home heaters

For a large house, one device is unlikely to be enough. Convectors are the most effective choice for private homes. They can be hung in different rooms, they will not violate the aesthetics of the interior and will not “eat” too much energy.

For heating one specific room An oil cooler is also quite suitable. If the house has a veranda, an infrared device will allow you to enjoy fresh air, feeling warmth and comfort.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our rated best heaters for home and apartment.

To give

In summer cottages, as a rule, they do not spend much time in the cold season. Practical solution for suburban areas heaters or infrared heaters will become. They give heat almost instantly and quickly heat the room.

For those who live in the country for a long time, an oil device can be recommended. It will gently warm the air and, if there is a timer, it will not require too much energy.

For children

Directly to the nursery or for an apartment with a small child recommended wall convectors. They are as safe as possible: do not burn, do not roll over, do not make noise. The devices have multiple settings and will allow you to adjust the temperature at any time of the day or night. This is the best choice for a home in which there are children.

For bathroom

The bathroom has high humidity, and this is a non-residential premises. So, we need a device that quickly warms up and reduces the level of humidity. For this purpose, fan heaters will do best.

For the bathroom, it is worth choosing models with a high degree of tightness and isolation of the electrical system.

Which heater warms best?

The properties of a home heater in terms of heating depend not so much on its system as on power. Therefore, it is impossible to answer exactly which heater warms better.

Although if we compare oil and infrared devices, then they really have a completely different principle of operation, but this does not affect the degree of radiated heat. On average, for a living room up to 10 sq.m. with good thermal insulation, a 1.5 kW heater will suffice. If the apartment is cold, with high ceilings and concrete walls, then you should choose a more powerful device (up to 2-2.5 kW).

Our article will help you. correctly calculate the power of the heater.

The best manufacturing companies

For those who think which company to choose a heating unit, we present the rating of manufacturers.

The best manufacturers of oil heaters:

  1. Ballu
  2. Electrolux
  3. Vitek.
  4. DeLonghi.
  5. Vitesse.

The best manufacturers of convectors:

  1. Timberk.
  2. Noirot Spot.
  3. Electrolux
  4. Roda Delux.
  5. Alpine Air.
  6. Nobo

The best manufacturers of infrared heaters:

  1. Ballu
  2. Polaris
  3. Zenet
  4. Neoclima.

The best manufacturers of fan heaters:

  1. Ballu
  2. Vitek.
  3. Aeg
  4. Timberk.

Which heaters are the most economical and efficient?

By efficiency, heaters can be distributed in this way:

  1. Infrared
  2. Oil coolers.
  3. Inverter convectors.
  4. Mechanical convectors.
  5. Fan heaters.

The heating efficiency directly depends on the power and dimensions of the device, as well as on the room itself. Brick walls warm faster than concrete, as rooms with high ceilings require more heating time than rooms with low ceilings.

Top heaters

We present a brief overview of popular heaters with good characteristics, perfectly suitable for residential buildings and apartments.

1. Timberk TOR 21.1507 BC / BCL

Timberk TOR 21.1507 BC / BCL
Oil model with heating power of 1500 watts. The unit is able to heat up to 20 sq.m within a couple of hours. living space. The radiator has 7 sections, an adjustable thermostat, protection against overheating and falling. Type of accommodation - floor. The average price of a heater is 2300 r.

2. Polaris CR 0715B

Polaris CR 0715B
Another good floor type oil heater with a maximum power of 1500 watts. It also has 7 sections, several stages of temperature control. Outside there is a light on indicator. A convenient compartment for storing the cord is located below, there is a handle on top for comfortable movement. The design is made in dark color. Estimated cost - 1900 p.

3. Noirot Spot E-5 1500

Noirot Spot E-5 1500

This is a convection model with electronic control, power up to 1500 watts.The unit can be mounted on the wall or mounted on the floor. The thermostat has a high degree of protection against power surges, overheating, and moisture. The LED display shows the selected settings. An excellent model in all respects - it is better not to find a home. Buy Noirot Spot E-5 1500 can be for 8000 p.

4. Timberk TEC.E5 M 1000

Timberk TEC.E5 M 1000

The compact convector heater is designed for a room of no more than 13 m / sq. It can be installed on the floor or mounted on the wall. Type of control - mechanical. The case has protection against moisture, and the heater is protected against overheating. The model is suitable for children, as it is safe for the child. The device has an economical price - 2300-2500 p.

5. Electrolux ECH / R-1500 EL

Electrolux ECH / R-1500 EL

The convector heater is designed for an area of ​​up to 20 m / sq. The model has an electronic control display. The indicator light lights up when turned on. The tight case reliably isolates electric elements from moisture. When overheating, the unit shuts off automatically. You can place the convector on the wall or install it on the floor by attaching wheels to it. The average cost of the model is 7500 p.

6. UNIT UOR-123

UNIT UOR-123
The 2500 W oil heater has 11 sections and is designed to heat a room with an area of ​​up to 25 square meters. meters. For ease of movement, the device is equipped with wheels and a convenient handle. The model has several degrees of protection and an adjustable thermostat. There is a light indicator and mechanical switches on the case. When heated, the unit does not produce the slightest noise. You can buy UNIT UOR-123 within 2800 p.

7. Noirot CNX-4 2000

Noirot CNX-4 2000

The electric convector is also focused on heating a large area - 20-25 m2. A monolithic case protects internal mechanisms from moisture. Electronic control allows you to customize the heater as you wish. The device has 2 forms of placement - on the floor and on the wall. The model is suitable for a large apartment, a house. The average price is 9000-9500 p.

8. Ballu BEP / EXT-1500

Ballu BEP / EXT-1500

The convector-type heater is made in a black case. The model is equipped with electronic control, remote control, display, light indicator. The power level of the device is 1500 watts. The appliance will quickly heat a room of 15-18 m2. The device provides moisture protection from frost and overheating. The cost varies between 4600-5000 p.

9. Stadler Form Anna Little

Stadler Form Anna Little

The fan heater is available in several colors and has a power of 1200 watts. The compact rectangular case does not take up much space. You can install the device on the floor or on a pedestal. The model has overheat protection. The temperature level is adjustable. In summer, you can use the device as a regular fan. The average price is 4000 p.

10. Nobo C4F20

Nobo C4F20

Our rating is completed by another convector model with a capacity of 2000 watts. Of the advantages, it is possible to note such options as shutdown during overheating, several steps of temperature control. Moisture-proof housing allows you to place the heater even in the bathroom. Installation, like most convectors, wall and floor. Estimated price model - 10000r.

We hope that the review will help you choose the most optimal heater for your home. Before buying, be sure to ask the seller for a fire safety certificate for a specific model and warranty card.

Absolutely any heater will dry the air in an enclosed space. If you intend to operate the heater frequently, a smart solution would be to purchase an automatic air humidifier. Low humidity is harmful to health and is especially contraindicated for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

Timberk TOR 21.1507 BC / BCLPolaris CR 0715BNoirot Spot E-5 1500Timberk TEC.E5 M 1000Electrolux ECH / AG21000EFUNIT UOR-123Noirot CNX-4 2000Ballu BEP / EXT-1500Stadler Form Anna LittleNobo C4F20
TitleTimberk TOR 21.1507 BC / BCLPolaris CR 0715BNoirot Spot E-5 1500Timberk TEC.E5 M 1000Electrolux ECH / R-1500 ELUNIT UOR-123Noirot CNX-4 2000Ballu BEP / EXT-1500Stadler Form Anna LittleNobo C4F20
Type ofoil radiatoroil radiatorconvectorconvectorconvectoroil radiatorconvectorconvectorfan heaterconvector
Heating area20 sq.m20 sq.m20 sq.m13 sq.m20 sq.m23 sq.m25 sq.m20 sq.m15 sq.m20 sq.m
Heating power1500 watts 1500 watts1500 watts1000 watts 1500 watts2300 watts2000 watts1500 watts1200 watts1200 watts
Protective functionsfrost protection, shutdown when overheatingoverheating shutdownfrost protection, moisture proof housingmoisture proof housingshutdown at an overheat, moisture protective caseoverheating shutdownmoisture proof housingfrost protection, shutdown when overheatingshutdown when overheating, shutdown when capsizingshutdown at an overheat, moisture protective case
Pricefrom 2400 rub.from 2100 rub.from 8500 rub.from 2850 rub.from 5000 rub.from 3300 rub.from 8100 rub.from 4600 rub.from 4700 rub.from 11200 rub.