Let's get straight to the main thing: which heater will be the most effective and at the same time power efficient?

No one will refuse such a device that would heat the air in an apartment or house more efficiently than others and at the same time consume the least electricity. Is there such a device?

Yes... But this is not quite a heater, but an inverter air conditioner with a heating feature. In fact, this is an air-to-air heat pump, which is, by default, a more expensive type of equipment. And if you are considering such an option, then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with this article “TOP-5 inexpensive inverter air conditioners with the ability to work as heaters in severe frosts”.

Modern split systems are the leading solution in terms of heating efficiency, because they are able to “catch up” with about 3 kW of heat at a consumption of 1 kWh of electricity. But air conditioners have many disadvantages/limitations:

  • significantly more expensive than heaters;
  • require professional installation, often poorly compatible with already finished renovations;
  • dry the air;
  • they are not mobile, which means that 3 air conditioners are conditionally needed for three rooms.
Among electrical appliances for heating, it is difficult to find a competitor to air conditioners.

But if a split system does not meet your needs, then you will have to choose among the heaters.

What is the most efficient/power saving among them? The efficiency of most modern heaters is high and approximately the same, even despite different operating principles (convection, forced airflow, radiation, etc.). Spending 1 kWh of electricity, they give off 1 kW of heat (but not always in the same period of time). So, if the convector and the fan heater spent the same amount of energy, then the room was heated equally. Of course, there are nuances, in the form of heating speed or the accuracy of the thermostat, but they will not give a convincing difference in efficiency/power saving.

The first rule of choice: we start from the heated area and the power of the device

It is worth immediately discarding hopes that some conditional 1000-watt convector will be able to compete with a 2000-watt IR heater. The more powerful the device, the better it will handle its main function and is suitable for a larger room.

So we come to the basic selection rule - the heater must be selected considering the dimensions of the room where it will be used. There are generally accepted standards here: a power of 40 W per 1 cubic meter of space is required, which for an average room with a ceiling height of 2.5 meters translates into a ratio of 100 W per 1 m². In other words, to heat a room of 10 m², a 1 kW heater is needed, for 20 - 2 kW, etc.

The ratio of the power of the heater to the area of the room.

Important! These standards apply to electric heaters that are used as the main (single) source of heat. They are relevant for homes where there is no central or any other heating system. If the heater is considered as an additional heat source, then the same power will be enough for a larger area: conditionally + 50-60% of what was mentioned above, but the specific figures depend on the efficiency of the main heat source.

Knowing the required power of the heating device, you can proceed to the choice of its type. And there are plenty of options here.

A wide range of modern heaters

To provide heat in the room today, you can use the following devices:

  • convectors;
  • fan heaters;
  • infrared heaters;
  • oil filled radiators.

In fact, this is not the whole range. In addition to the mentioned air conditioners, this also includes over door heaters, biofireplaces and electric fireplaces, but we will not consider them in detail.

The choice of heaters is really big.

So, various fireplaces act primarily as a decorative element of the interior, and only then as heating devices. Yep, and installation is often difficult. Bio fireplaces still require maintenance, and electric fireplaces are significantly more expensive than heaters, and sometimes even more expensive or comparable to air conditioners.

Over door heaters are more often used in commercial, administrative and industrial facilities with high throughput. The focus on large spaces is also confirmed by the power: it can exceed 10 kW, and sometimes even 20 kW.

And there are also electric sheets and blankets, but they are for a warm sleep, not for heating rooms.

Electric convectors - universal soldiers

Principle of operation: the convector provides a flat heating element (often a tubular heating element, less often spirals), which is hidden in a metal case. Natural air circulation is provided: there are holes at the bottom (for the intake) and blinds at the top (from where the already heated air comes out).

Advantages of convectors:

  • affordable price (1.5 kW models cost from £60);
  • small dimensions (flat body, moderate weight);
  • installation variability - there are both wall-mounted convectors and models that allow floor use (they usually have wheels for easy transportation);
  • silent operation;
  • huge assortment;
  • can be used as the main heating system - instead of traditional radiators, a certain number of convectors with separate regulators or even a single control system are placed in a house or apartment.
Wall convectors are similar to the usual radiators.

Cons:

  • they dry the air, as well as working central heating radiators ;
  • low-cost models often include a high-temperature open heater with all the ensuing disadvantages - even more intensive drying of air, bad smells when burning dust.

Who would want a convector? For most users, these are universal solutions for primary or additional heating in an apartment or private house. Such devices are a balanced choice in terms of price, quality and safety.

Popular convectors

Ceramic convectors - an advanced version of conventional ones

Principle of operation: the ceramic convector does not differ from conventional convectors in terms of the principle of operation. A heater and a natural principle of air movement are provided. But due to the presence of a ceramic surface, the device not only changes externally, but also “holds the heat better”, requiring a little more time to heat up.

Advantages of ceramic convectors:

  • compact (narrow) and stylish - the ceramic surface acts as an additional decoration of the interior;
  • keep the heat even after turning off;
  • give softer heating, that is, they do not dry the air so much and burn dust less even at maximum power;
  • silent operation;
  • sealed, so they can be used in wet areas, including bathrooms;
  • can be used for both primary and secondary heating.
Ceramic panel is not only a heater, but also a design element.

Cons:

  • don't heat up so quickly;
  • ceramics are more sensitive to mechanical damage than metal ones;
  • not the most mobile: floor models on wheels are found, but there are fewer of them than wall-mounted ones.

Who would want a ceramic convector? All those who are considering conventional convectors, but want to smooth out their cons and are ready to pay extra. These devices can be recommended to families with children who often suffer from acute respiratory infections (dry air increases the likelihood of exacerbation of colds).

It is worth considering that the price of the models is slightly higher than the average (devices for 1.5 kW cost from £100).

Ceramic convectors

Fan heaters - compact and fast

Principle of operation: fan heaters resemble hair dryers, because these are devices with a heating element and a fan that provides warm air flow. They are quite compact (even at high power), they can often work without heating - in the role of a conventional fan.

Pros:

  • low price - the most economical heaters on the market, 1.5 kW models cost from £12;
  • compact dimensions and ease of transportation (often supplemented with carrying handles);
  • quickly heat up the air;
  • a wide range of models.
Fan heaters are often affordable, compact and as easy to manage as possible.

Cons:

  • noisy work;
  • they dry the air more than other heaters, and the cheapest models with open coils burn dust, which causes a signature smell;
  • low cost models are not designed for long-term continuous operation and it is not recommended to leave them unattended.

Who would want a fan heater? This is a good choice for additional heating on a limited low-cost. It is suitable for a small office, garage or various scenarios where fast heating is needed. Let's say you are away from home all day, then you arrive, turn on the autonomous heating, and in order to quickly achieve comfort fast, you also use the fan heater.

By the way, for industrial needs, a forced air heaters will become a more effective alternative to a fan heater.

Heaters

The most gentle heating without air drying - oil filled radiators

How it works: an oil radiator looks like a conventional heater, only its sealed case is filled not with water, but with mineral oil. In addition to it, a heating element is also provided. The heat transfer chain is as follows - from the heater to the oil, from the oil to the radiator, from it to the air in the room. Such devices are have low operating temperatures.

The assortment of oil filled radiators is not very large, but among them you can choose an interesting interior solution.

Pros:

  • gentle heating without "drying" the air and unpleasant odors;
  • relative mobility (thanks to wheels);
  • silent operation (in low cost models, crackling of heating oil is sometimes heard);
  • retains heat even after turning off (until the oil cools down)
  • it is quite possible to use it as a conventional heating, they can be mounted on hooks installed on the wall.

Cons:

  • slow heating: the first 15 - 20 minutes are spent on heating the oil;
  • relatively small range of models;
  • a lot of weight, so it is problematic to carry the device through obstacles like steps.

Who would want an oil filled radiator? The device can be recommended for additional heating of the room to all those who are sensitive to dry air. These are small children, and allergy sufferers, and people with chronic diseases of the respiratory system.

The cost of oil filled radiators is at an average level. The price of models with a power of 1.5 kW starts from £50.

Oil Coolers

Infrared heaters - optimal for local heating

IR heaters are a worthwhile choice for spot heating in spacious rooms with high ceilings.

Principle of operation: such heaters are equipped with lamps with infrared radiation. They do not heat the air: local objects are heated, that is, those that are under infrared radiation. And the air warms up with secondary heat from the heated objects.

Pros:

  • local, concentrated heating, which is felt almost immediately (but the heating of the entire room is not the fastest);
  • affordable price (models for 1.5 kW cost from £50);
  • silent operation;
  • minimal impact on the air: it almost does not dry;
  • the possibility of effective use in open space.

Cons:

  • spot right under the IR heater can be hot and uncomfortable to be at;
  • there is a risk of getting burned if you touch the IR lamp;
  • the infrared lamp must be protected from damage (otherwise the device is considered very reliable).

Who would want an infrared heater? It is almost perfect for large rooms where you need to heat one zone (for example, a workplace in a studio apartment). IR heaters are also great for outdoor use (in the gazebo, on the terrace, balcony, patio).

Infrared Heaters

Comparison table of heaters

Type Price Mobility Heating rate Degree of air drying Other Features Cons
Standard convector low high average average no noise, great variety open coil models burn dust
Ceramic convector on top of the average below average below the average minimal no noise, stylish, airtight, keeps warm for a long time should be protected from damage
Fan heater lowest highest fast maximal a large assortment noisy, potentially dangerous
Oil filled heater average on top of the average low does not dry the air at all usually no noise, keeps warm well heavy
IR heaters low average below the average minimal no noise, local heating should be protected from damage

Additional recommendations for choosing a heater

If you have decided on the type of heating device that meets your needs, then there is still work ahead. The range of models is great, especially among convectors and fan heaters. There are many additional, significant criteria. Our recommendations will help you not to get confused in them:

1. A must for a modern heater - thermostat. It helps to maintain the desired temperature, turning off the device when it is reached, and turning it on again when the air cools by 1 - 2 degrees. More power saving and flexibly adjustable are heaters with an electronic thermostat. They provide accurate temperature control with smaller errors. This is the key to power saving.

The flexible choice of temperature is the key not only to convenience, but also to power saving.

2. Models with timers and programmers are designed to increase ease of use. And, for example, inverter control also reduces electricity consumption and increases the reliability of the device: instead of alternating on and off cycles, the power of work is flexibly changed.

3. Modern models provide reliable protective systems. They turn off when overheated, aren't affected by voltage drops. The safest models have a fall-off shutdown system or are able to turn off when windows are opened (they provide an appropriate sensor) so as not to work in vain. But keep in mind that even such devices may not be 100% safe for children.

4. Contact with moisture can be harmless not only for ceramic panels, but also for some heaters with a moisture-proof body. They can be placed in the bathroom, next to the sink in the kitchen and other humid areas.

5. Floor models do not require special installation and are often equipped with wheels for transportation. Many fan heaters can simply be placed on a table or other flat surface. Wall and ceiling heaters will take time and a tool (for example, a rotary hammer) to install. But in practice, they are more convenient - they do not interfere with movement, do not tip over (do not fall), children do not show excessive attention to them.

6. High heater power can be fraught with old electrical wiring. But an ordinary household appliance should handle the loads, you just need to plug it directly into the outlet without extension cords and other intermediaries.

By the way, if you already have an old simple heater - it can be easily upgraded. For example, you can purchase a separate thermostat for the outlet to adjust the temperature and reduce power consumption.

What kind of heater to choose?

The conclusions depend on the requirements of the user. If comfort for you in winter is exceptionally warm, then:

  • choose convectors with an electronic thermostat and power that matches the dimensions of your room;
  • if you are ready to pay more now in order to save on electricity bills later, then it is better to consider inverter air conditioners.

If comfort for you is about heat + not overdried air in the room, then these devices are not entirely suitable. So, for example, the air conditioner dries the air even more than most heaters. For people who are sensitive to the level of humidity in the room, we recommend the following devices:

  • ceramic convector;
  • oil filled radiator.

These types of heaters are well suited for the role of help to central/autonomous heating. They will help to warm up the room without additional drying and deterioration of the microclimate.