With increasing gas and oil prices, homeowners are looking to save money on their heating bills without losing comfort. This is where space heaters come in.
They are a cost-effective way to heat the portions of your home or apartment that you use the most, rather than wasting energy heating the entire place. They are usually of many types, and a fan heater is one such kind.
They are the best option for they tend to be pocket friendly. Read ahead as we see how safe and effective, they are.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Fan heaters are generally safe, with standard safety features like overheat prevention and tip-over switches. However, users should inspect and inquire about these safety aspects before acquiring a unit.
- To maintain comfort and safety, ensure the relative humidity in your room is at least 40-50 percent when using a fan heater. You can achieve this by placing a water container in the room or using a humidifier.
- Fan heaters are cost-effective and efficient for spot heating in small spaces, making them a practical heating option, but users should still exercise caution and choose models with safety features.
Is It Safe to Use Fan Heaters?
The use of fan heaters is very safe. Overheat prevention and tip-over safety switches are standard on most models, reducing the risk of electrical catastrophes. A basic model also features a cool touch surface, which avoids harm from unintentional scalding.
Before acquiring a unit for personal use, one must however inspect and inquire about these safety aspects.
When used excessively for lengthy periods, most fan heaters can cause drying in the space. Winter air is, by definition, drier. As a result, before using a fan heater, make sure your house’s relative humidity is at a minimum of 40-50 percent.
Top tip: If the relative humidity inside the room is low, keep a big container of water inside the room while the heater is running to keep the humidity levels up, or use a humidifier for optimal comfort.
Safety Features & Tips
Before choosing a room heater, the most crucial factor to consider is safety. Choose heaters with security features like protection grills that protect the hot coils. A tip-over safety button that will immediately shut off if it has been turned over for any reason, and a cool-touch feature that can avoid accidental external burns. And most importantly, consider heaters that have been verified, tested, and approved to satisfy particular safety criteria.
Additionally, you must also choose a proper location for your fan heater. It’s best to keep them at least one or two feet away from things like furniture, beds, clothing, and rugs and put the radiator on a hard, level surface.
Furthermore, it is recommended that you do not touch the heater with damp or moist hands as that’s always a shock hazard.
What Is a Fan Heater?
A fan heater is a radiator that employs a fan to push air across a source of heat, such as a heating coil. These portable electric heaters are often portable and the plug-in kind, that operates quietly.
How Does a Fan Heater Appear?
Fan heaters are available in various forms, dimensions, intensities, and colours.
In fan heaters and fan tower heater models, the fan is by far the most significant element in the development process because they are deliberately made to blast hot air. A steel, plastic, or porcelain case surrounds this fan. Other than this, it also has additional elements which include:
- A heat source
- Radiator
- Blades of a fan
- Thermostatic fuse
- Switch for wattage selection
- Switch for tip-over
- A ventilation system; and
- cord for power
They come in various models, and you can make your pick according to your specific heating needs.
How Does a Fan Heater Work?
A ceramic heat exchanger is typically used in fan heater units, such as aluminum baffles or ceramic plates. When electricity travels through them, they become heated. After that, the fan blows air over the heat source. Thereafter, the air gets warm, and as it leaves the heater, it heats the surroundings.
The majority of fan heaters use one of two heating technologies: PTC or tungsten.
Are Fan Heaters Effective?
A fan heater will give you the most value for your money if you’re searching for a small source of warmth inside a relatively compact environment for a short period.
They are less expensive than the more advanced room heating options because of their simple design and manufacture. They are an efficient alternative for spot warming since the heat source warms up rapidly without consuming a lot of electricity.
Heat Pump Source: Reliable Heating and Cooling Solutions
At Heat Pump Source, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to serving the UK with top-tier HVAC solutions. From the efficiency of heat pumps and the cool relief of air conditioning to the warmth of boilers, radiators, and underfloor heating, our dedicated team is always at the forefront of innovation. We understand the unique needs of every household and business, and we strive to provide dependable health and cooling products and services that are tailored just for you. Ensuring your comfort and satisfaction is our utmost priority. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require support, we’re always here to assist. Please don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re eager to be of service.
Conclusion
Fan heating is a terrific technique to heat a space without putting a strain on your wallet or the environment. So, equip it at home or work as it can be effortlessly transported from one location to another.
About the Author
At Heat Pump Source, our articles are the product of a collaborative effort among a team of highly skilled HVAC experts. Our dedicated professionals, hailing from diverse backgrounds in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, contribute their extensive knowledge and experience to every piece of content. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive coverage. Our commitment is to deliver authoritative, reliable, and tailored advice to meet the unique needs of every household and business across the UK.