The Different Types of Electric Heating
We’ve come a long way from the days of wood-burning stoves. While they still have their place in rustic cottages and family rooms, electric heat is the method of choice these days. There are three different types of heaters to choose from: convection, radiant, and fan-forced. Each type has its benefits and is worth considering for your home.
Convection vs. Radiant vs. Fan-Forced Heating
When asking yourself “Which of these is the best space heater,” you should really ask, “Which is the best for my needs.” Heaters come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to choose one that fits into the space you’re heating. But more importantly, it’s a question of how you want the heat to be distributed. Is it a room with a view that loses heat quickly? Is it a smaller room that needs sporadic bursts of warm air to keep you comfortable? Most people want to save energy, but do you want to save even more? The answer to all of these questions lies within these three options of electric heat units.
What Is Convection Heating?
Convection heaters will cycle the air already in the room to create heat. The air naturally draws into the bottom of the heating unit, where it is warmed up and re-diffused throughout the room. Heating units like the Apéro and Allegro II (available in 14, 18, and 26-panel versions) provide consistent warmth while making very little noise. Convection heating units have a flatter design, perfect for mounting on the wall in limited spaces. They’re also known for evenly distributing warmth throughout the rooms and areas where they’ve been installed.
What Is Radiant Heat?
When you hear the expression “it radiates heat,” think of a radiant heater. Just like the sun, this type of heating unit produces heat that can be felt. But unlike the sensation of a fan, the heat can be felt without any significant difference in air power. These heating units are silent and can easily be mounted on any wall. Models from the Opéra series are well known for their ability to save energy without compromising on heat production. A radiant heater will combat the loss of warmth by aiming the heat directly at you in a home that features high ceilings or large windows. Besides keeping your towels warm, radiant heat has plenty of other advantages.
What Is Fan-Forced Heating?
The name is a pretty good descriptor of how this heating unit produces warmth. Fan-forced heating units propel warm air throughout the room. They may not be as silent as the other options, but their strength lies in the ability to heat a room quickly. If you’re coming home after a weekend away, or trying to get your hats and mitts dry after a day in the snow, turn on the Calypso or the Piccolo. Both units feature timers so you can blast the heat for a few minutes and turn it off when you’re done to save energy. A model like the Soprano is designed to do its job without getting in the way, thanks to its high wall installation that’s ideal for smaller spaces. And if you want to quickly dry your towels (or sports equipment), hang your stuff on the Adagio.
Conclusion
Electric is the heat of the moment. It’s more efficient, it warms much faster, and it’s much easier to install and maintain than other heat sources. There are three types to choose from, and each one will give your home some much-needed warmth on cold days.