Oil Heaters for Homes10 Reasons the Electric Oil Heater is PopularWhen purchasing a space heater as supplemental heat during the winter season or spot heating the rest of the year, there are many choices available. Space heaters come in two basic types, electric space heaters and gas-burning space heaters. Gas space heaters are typically used outdoors and are powered by an independent source of fuel, such as kerosene, propane or natural gas tanks. Electric heaters rely solely on electricity to operate. Between the two, a residential home will be much better off with an electric spot heater in the home. So, what choices do you have when it comes to electric space heaters?
The above is a simple listing of electric space heater types. While each portable heater fulfills a specific purpose, today we'll focus on the heater that gives you the most well-balanced bang for your buck: the electric oil heater. What are Oil Heaters?
Convection heating is unique to liquids and is a common form of heat transfer in domestic space heaters. Heat itself is carried and diffused by the moving oil, which then heats the entire oil heater body. Once the heater has reached an adequate thermal point, it transfers warmth to the surrounding air via conduction. Hot air increases in volume causing it to rise and naturally disperse around the room, heating the entire space and you! The heat generated by convection is gentle on your skin, meaning you're less likely to find yourself itchy and in need of moisturizer. Now you have a basic understanding of how oil heaters work, but you might still be wondering why they're so popular. Ponder no longer! Here are 10 reasons why the oil heater is a popular choice. 1. Oil Heaters are Low WattageOil heaters are low-wattage, low-profile units so they're easy to fit under a desk or table as you work. They are ideal for both home and office settings because they use little electricity to generate maximum heat. Low-watt heaters are generally safer and less likely to overheat, even after hours of operation. They're green, safe, and won't drive up your bill! 2. Oil Heaters are Pet FriendlyUnlike many infrared or ceramic space heaters, oil heaters are a pet friendly way to warm a room. Oil heater exteriors don't become hot, making them safe to brush up against without the fear of surface burns. Oil heaters are ideal for pet and family homes with small children. 3. Allergy Sufferers Love Oil HeatersFor many allergy sufferers and asthmatics, space heaters can be a necessary evil. Keeping warm at the expense of your health should not be an option, but the reality is that fan-forced heaters kick up allergens and disperse them around the room. Oil heaters don't have fans. Rather than rely on forced air to heat an area, oil heaters use natural convection and air flow to distribute heat. If you're looking for a space heater that will keep you warm without making you sneeze, choose an oil heater. 4. How Portable Are Oil Heaters, You Ask?Many oil heaters come equipped with an integrated wheel base so you can easily transport them from one area of the house to another. If you have stairs or uneven floors, oil heaters are lightweight and can be easily lifted with one hand. Traditional electric oil heaters weigh around 20 pounds, but flat-panel oil heaters are designed at less than 10 pounds! 5. Oil Heaters Don't Generate CO2When people hear the word "oil" in oil heater they often associate it with the negative press behind carbon monoxide poisoning. CO2 poisoning is a serious, life-threatening condition that can be caused by improper use of fuel-burning heaters. Oil heaters that use kerosene do generate carbon monoxide and must be properly ventilated, as must propane and natural gas space heaters. However, an electric oil heater doesn't actually burn oil, thus it is not a CO2 threat. 6. Convection Heating is SilentOil-filled radiators use convection technology to heat spaces. Since convection is a natural method of heat transfer, it doesn't require a noisy fan or motor to distribute heat. Without the motor, oil heaters are silent operators making them great for a wide variety of applications. Nurseries, classrooms, bedrooms, offices, libraries, study rooms and other spaces that require a quiet atmosphere make great venues for oil heaters! 7. Flat Panel Designs Save SpaceAs mentioned above, oil heaters are now available as flat-panel designs. A great example of this is the NewAir AH-400 oil heater, which weighs only 8 pounds and measures a mere 3.5 inches wide! The skinny design makes these oil heaters incredibly versatile without compromising effective space heating. They don't even tend to cost more than the average oil heater. 8. Oil Heaters Work Long HoursAnother reason why oil heaters are popular is that they continue to work long after you've shut them down. How? It's actually quite simple: the sealed oil remains hot for hours after you've powered off the heating element. This makes oil heaters reliable for bedrooms, since you can safely keep warm while sleeping. 9. Fully Equipped with Digital ControlsAlthough the oil heater utilizes the convection technology of its old-fashioned predecessor - the radiator - it's certainly not as limited. As noted above, oil-filled space heaters are portable, lightweight, and eco-friendly. In addition, they also come with the digital features you want. Many oil heaters include an adjustable thermostat, optional heat settings, 1-12 hour timer, automatic safety shut-off, and even remote control convenience. 10. No Maintenance Costs!Oil heaters are generally simple, contemporary pieces of equipment. There aren't very many components, thus there are fewer things that can go wrong. Most oil heaters will never need maintenance, but come backed by generous manufacturer's warranties just in case. As noted before, the heating oil is never burned nor does it require refilling or replacement. This makes oil heaters cost effective for many years after their initial purchase - a popular feature you can't ignore! |
