What’s the best way to keep yourself warm during those cold winter months? Heaters, of course! But there are many types of heaters out there, from space heaters to radiators to electric heaters, and all have their own pros and cons. This guide by us at Las Vegas AC Repair will go over the eight different types of heaters you’re likely to encounter this winter, as well as what they’re best suited for, how they work, and any extra precautions you should take when using them to improve your indoor air quality.
1) Radiant Heaters
Some types of radiant heaters require ventilation because they give off invisible infrared radiation that warms objects directly in front of them. These are ideal for warming up a single room without heating an entire house, though you’ll still want to make sure there’s good airflow. Some radiant heaters can be controlled remotely, which is especially useful if you’re not always home. Popular brands include Dr. Infrared and Lasko. If you live in a particularly cold climate, or just need supplemental heat on cold days or nights, radiant heaters are an excellent choice.
You can also use one as a supplement to your central heating system during extreme weather events like blizzards or ice storms when power outages might keep your furnace from working properly.
Pros of Radiant Heater
Quiet and clean so you never hear it.
No maintenance as they are warrantied for years.
Energy-efficient.
Cons of Radiant Heaters
Flooring must be replaced for installation.
Slightly elevates the flooring height.
The cost to install is not cheap.
2) Fan Forced Radiators
Fan forced radiators are a type of heating system that can heat up large areas relatively quickly. The fan pushes hot air outwards and into the room, so you have more control over where you place your heater. This is particularly useful if your home has uneven temperatures. Fan forced radiators are often found in older homes because they’re cheap and easy to install. However, their look might not appeal to everyone. If you want something more modern, consider an electric underfloor heating system instead.
Pros of Fan heaters
Heating Time is quick.
Easy installation process.
Fan heaters are less likely to break down.
Cons of Fan heaters
Super noisy.
Can cause leaky ductwork.
Potential health risk since it’s pushing particles through your home.
3) Convection Heaters
Convection heaters use a fan and a heating element from the heat pump to circulate warm air throughout your room. If you’re looking for a quick and efficient way to keep yourself warm all winter, convection heaters are your best bet. These are typically more affordable than other forms of home heating, but they do have their drawbacks—they’re usually noisier than space heaters and they don’t work well in smaller rooms or rooms with poor ventilation. However, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use heater that won’t break your budget, a convection heater is probably right up your alley.
Pros of Convection heaters
Excellent at heating an entire room over some time.
Costs less than radiant heating systems.
The warm air up quickly due to the air moving.
Cons of Convection heaters
Objects anywhere near this heater can block airflow.
Higher energy is lost as they push hot air into the ceiling.
These use fans so if the fans stop working then the system can overheat.
4) Infrared Heating
Infrared heaters use infrared radiation, which is why they are often referred to as infrared heaters. This type of heater is commonly used in dry saunas and may also be used for other types of therapy such as heated water beds or electric blankets. Because most infrared heaters utilize ceramic space heaters, they can usually be left on continuously without overheating or damage to anyone’s part. However, it’s important to remember that although these heaters do not produce a flame, they do still generate some level of warmth that could cause burns if touched directly. If you have children or pets in your home, it’s best to keep them away from these space heaters when they are turned on. If you have an infant who requires constant supervision while sleeping (such as a newborn), you should avoid using an infrared heater unless it has been approved by a doctor first.
Pros of Infrared heaters
They provide instant heat.
They are surprisingly quiet.
These use the same kind of heat that the sun uses.
Cons of Infrared heaters
It will lose heat as soon as you turn it off.
Some of the units only provide a limited warranty.
It doesn’t provide the whole room with the same amount of heat.
5) Electric Underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating, also known as electric heating or radiant heat is a popular option for households. The system works by having an electrical current pass through thin wires installed under your floorboards, with a thermostat regulating and controlling the temperature in each room. This type of heating is especially useful if you have hardwood floors. If you don’t have access to mains power at home, there are also portable versions available that can be plugged into a standard wall socket. These portable heaters are easy to transport around your home and can be used in any area where space allows it. They come in many different shapes and sizes depending on their intended use but they all do one thing: keep you warm!
Pros of Electric Underfloor heating
Energy-efficient.
Super easy to run.
Works with all floor coverings.
Cons of Electric Underfloor heating
Installation cost is not cheap.
The floor height might be a bit off.
Time for installation can take a bit.
6) Pellet Stoves
These modern stoves burn small, dried pellets made from compressed sawdust. If you’re looking for a way to avoid using traditional firewood or propane, pellet stoves are an excellent choice. They’re also easy to operate and tend to be very energy efficient. One drawback is that they can cause indoor air pollution when not installed properly. Most models are fairly expensive as well, with an average price tag of $600-$800. But if you live in an area where wood is scarce, these stoves could save you hundreds on your heating bill each year.
Pros of Pellet Stoves
Easy to use and set up.
Clean burning means the air is cleaner.
Automated fires so a click of a button will start it up.
Cons of Pellet Stoves
The size is a little too big.
Needs constant electricity.
This heater is super heavy so moving it will be a pain.
7) Gas Fires
These are a great choice for immediate heat and tend to be less expensive than other options. However, gas fires may not be safe or practical in all environments. If you choose a gas fire, be sure that you have an adequate ventilation system, as well as glass doors on your fireplace. Also note that if you’re using natural gas, it’s important to have a professional install your fireplace. Natural gas can build up inside wall cavities over time and cause deadly explosions if ignited by pilot lights or open flames.
Pros of Gas Fires
Cheaper than its electric counterpart.
Easier to hire a professional to work on it.
Cleaner air as it doesn’t use wood for fuel.
Cons of Gas Fires
Professionals are needed for maintenance.
Smaller flame means doesn’t heat up a super larger room.
Pretty much a fake fire which leads to people not feeling that cozy feel.
8) Wood Burning Fireplaces
There’s no more charming way to heat your home than with a roaring fire. Burning wood is an economical and environmentally friendly way to stay warm, but you need a fireplace and chimney in order for it to work. The best part about burning wood? The smell! The worst part? Cleaning up after a long day of burning logs. But if you want to keep warm all winter long, there’s no better option. Fireplaces are also a great place to gather friends and family around during those cold nights. If you don’t have one already, here are some pros and cons of installing one: A pro of having a Fireplace is that they can be very affordable. Because they use real wood as fuel, rather than gas or electricity, they tend to be cheaper on average over time compared to other types of heating systems. They can be especially cost-effective if you have access to free or cheap materials nearby like fallen branches or lumber scraps from local building projects.
Pros of Wood Burning Fireplaces
Get authentic sounds and smells from this.
It’s a real fire so the flame is depending on you.
Your family can cook smores or hotdogs on this.
Cons of Wood Burning Fireplaces
Takes time and effort to get it going and keep it going.
More heat is lost up the chimney so not the greatest heater.
These produce more emissions than gas so it’s a bit worse for the environment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a heater that works for you is an important decision. Some heaters are better suited for smaller spaces, while others can be used in larger areas. If you’re shopping for a heater, keep your home’s size and layout in mind. The most important consideration should be safety, so always ensure that any heating equipment you use has been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (UL or ETL). When it comes to keeping warm and cozy over winter, proper preparation and education are key! You can always contact us at Las Vegas AC Repair for all your heater needs.
