Heaters for an apartment: features, types, choosing the best option

Fan heaters

The fan heater is one of the most budgetary and convenient options. With its small size, it quickly reaches the desired temperature in the room. For use in an apartment, the most convenient option would be a fan heater powered by electricity.

A heating element is installed inside the fan heater, which is blown with air using a fan. Some models have the function of a conventional fan, when the heating element is turned off. Achieving a quick result is due to the possibility of constant operation of the device, unlike other types of heaters.

Pros:

• Compact size,
• Effective work,
• Mobility,
• Little weight,
• The lineup starts from inexpensive options.

Minuses:

• Noisy,
• Dries the air
• Absorbs oxygen,
• Unpleasant odor (in models with a heating element in the form of a nichrome wire spiral).

In the photo on the left - electronic system with a control panel,on right - mechanical control system.

Types of fan heaters:

• desktop,
• outdoor,
• wall-mounted,
• ceiling.

The portable type is the most compact and noisy, it is simple and convenient to use in an apartment. Floor-standing and wall-mounted fan heaters have a high performance and can function as a heat curtain in hallways from the street.

Infrared

The effect of an IR heater is different; the air in the apartment is heated in the direction of wave radiation. The structure consists of a housing, a heating element and a reflector. The principle of operation is to generate waves that have the property of heating objects, which in turn heat the room of the apartment.

Pros:

• Doesn't dry the air
• Fast effect,
• The ability to work outdoors,
• Economical.

Minuses:

• High price,
• Not shockproof.

Views:

• outdoor,
• wall-mounted,
• ceiling.

Unlike stationary wall and ceiling heaters, the floor unit is mobile and makes it easy to move around the apartment from one room to another.

Mechanical or electronic thermostat will help maintain the desired temperature.

Heating element types:

• carbon,
• quartz,
• halogen,
• micathermic.

The least practical is the quartz heater, the heating element consists of a glass tube and a coil, which will break easily if dropped. The service life, like that of the carbon type, is only two to three years. The halogen type "wins" in terms of cost. During operation, the lamps glow, and therefore it is rarely used in the bedroom. The best option for an apartment would be a micathermic heater, it excludes the possibility of getting burned and uses energy economically.

Convectors

Convenient and safe type of heater for use in an apartment. It works on the principle of air passing through the heating element, which at the outlet rises upward pushing cold air to the bottom.

Pros:

• Silent,
• Safe,
• Has no unpleasant odor,
• Eco-friendly,
• Precise temperature control,
• Does not "eat" oxygen.

Minuses:

• High energy consumption,
• Location only near the outlet.

Heating element types:

• needle,
• monolithic,
• dry heating elements.

The needle type is characterized by fast heating and low cost, but such a heating element does not tolerate water and high humidity.

Tubular heaters (TEN) are durable and not so afraid of moisture, but they should not be installed closer than 1 meter to the water source. Unlike the needle type, the elements do not heat up so much.

The heating element of the monolithic type is distinguished by its durability, quiet operation, as well as minimized heat loss.

Thermostat

The thermostat helps to maintain the most comfortable temperature in the apartment. After a certain period of time, about a minute, the sensor measures the air temperature and if it is below normal, the heating element turns on. The cost of an electronic thermostat is higher than a mechanical one, but this type is accurate and quiet. A mechanical thermostat does not have the ability to accurately determine the temperature.

In the photo on the left - electronic thermostat, on right - mechanical.

Types by design:

• wall-mounted,
• floor.

The floor version is convenient for mobility, it is easy to move it around the apartment. When purchased, as a rule, the set includes a wall mount and a stand for floor use. The wall-mounted version saves space in the apartment and looks neat, the device is mounted 10-15 centimeters from the floor.

Useful options: Modern compressors are packed with additional features such as overheat cut-off, cut-off on cut-off, ionisation and air filtration. These functions will secure the apartment and maximize comfort.

Oil

The oil cooler is a metal housing filled with mineral oil. The apartment is heated by heating the liquid, warm air from the heated walls of the device naturally spreads through the room.

Pros:

• A budget option,
• Does not "eat" oxygen,
• Silent,
• Safe.

Minuses:

• Heats up slowly
• Heavy,
• Bulky,
• Does not tolerate high humidity.

Most often, oil heaters are used floor-standing, this is the most convenient option for use in a city apartment, the device has a mobile base. They also make models with wall and ceiling mounts, table and for a children's bed.

Economical and energy saving heaters

An important aspect when choosing a heater for an apartment is the economical consumption of electricity during operation. Energy-saving options include an infrared heater, a convector, devices with a micathermic heating element.

The most economical option can be considered a ceramic panel, energy consumption for a room of 20 squares is only 1 kW per hour of operation. In addition, this option has a stylish design and will look good in the interior of the apartment, as well as it is durable.

Use in various rooms

Features of choosing a heater for a family with a small child

In an apartment with children, it is important to choose the best and safest option.

The body should not be very hot, and the air flow should burn.

The best option would be models with wall and ceiling mounts. For example, a wall-mounted convector or a ceiling-mounted infrared heater. They do not make noise, do not deprive the apartment of oxygen, save you from possible contacts and burns. Heaters can be controlled using the remote control.

Floor heaters should be ruled out due to the possibility of overturning. The oil heater is very hot in operation, the fan heater has a hot air flow, and the infrared heater is too fragile.

Heater fireplace

The electric fireplace fits well into the interior of the living room or bedroom, has a spectacular appearance in different variations. Visually, an electric fireplace simulates the flames of fire and embers. A heating element is built inside the structure in the form of a tubular electric heater and a reflective reflector. Thanks to the built-in thermostat, the heating function is switched off when the desired temperature is reached.

Pros:

• Variety of choices,
• Matches different styles,
• In addition to the direct function of heating the room, it is an element of decor,
• The ability to disable one of the functions.

Minuses:

• Low heat production,
• Dries the air (if the humidification function is not provided).

There are several types of electric fireplaces: corner, wall and isolated. The latter option can be placed anywhere in the room.

Comparative table of characteristics of heaters

Before choosing the most successful option for yourself, it is worth considering all the necessary parameters. If there are children in the apartment, then it is better to give preference to ceiling and wall models, and in rooms with high humidity it is worth staying at the safest option. A properly selected heater will be harmless and will quickly fill the apartment with warmth.