October 2021

Portable Heating Stockist - Bristol

Now we are moving firmly into Autumn and Winter's colder, darker days are on the horizon, we wanted to discuss our extensive range of portable heaters guaranteed to take the edge off the long days of winter.

The world of portable heaters is a confusing one with varying aesthetics, outputs, contol options, sizes, colours and of course budgets! We always try to keep a full range of good quality, reliable heaters which will not break the bank.

Features we’d suggest looking out for when shopping for a portable heater can include digital displays, timer functions and remote control functionality, all of which make it easier to crank up the heat without having to emerge from your blanket or bed.

We will also discuss the differnet types of heating and the pros and cons.

 

Oil Filled Radiators - Such as the Warmlite 2kW Portable Oil Filled Radiator

Pros:

 

• Oil heaters warm up spaces gradually and consistently over time, so they don’t draw heavily on electricity and therefore are quite economical.
• Because the hot oil is sealed inside the panels of the heater, it’s a very safe option.
• It’s efficient enough to use for long periods of time, like overnight in bedrooms.
• The heater will stay warm for some time after it is switched off as the oil retains heat well.

 

Cons:

 

• Oil heaters can take quite some time to heat up, so it may be a while before you feel the effects.
• They only operate well in a small, closed room – if you’re trying to heat a large, open zone, this is not an effective option.

 

Fan Heaters - Such as the WarmLite 2kW Upright Fan Heater

Pros:

 

• Fan heaters work instantly, so if you’re desperate to thaw those fingers and toes right now, this is a good alternative.
• They’re very energy efficient, and hence rather inexpensive if used for a short amount of time (one hour or so).
• The units themselves are generally quite affordable.
• They generate a precise heat that can be directed straight onto you.

 

Cons:

 

• The fan can be quite noisy and distracting.
• There is a small risk of a fire starting if the heater comes into contact with fabric and furniture.

 

Convector Heaters - Such as the WarmLite 3kW Turbo Convector Heater

Pros:

• They are excellent at heating an entire room over an extended period of time.
• They warm a room much more quickly due to air moving constantly.
• Their heating element is covered by other parts, so even though these heaters get hot, they can’t burn you.
• They usually cost less than radiant heaters.

 

Cons:

 

• These machines act in response to moving air. If a cold draft comes into the machine, then it takes longer to heat a room because the re-circulated air will not be as hot as other air in the room.
• Because they use fans, these heaters can overheat if the fan fails. If you have a model with any plastic in it, it will melt if overheating occurs.
• Objects anywhere near this heater, especially above them, can block the air flow in and out of them.
• There is higher energy loss with these machines because they push hot air up to the ceiling.

 

Infrared Heaters - Such as the Oscillating 1kw Carbon Heater

 

Pros:

 

• Infrared heaters warm up objects directly via electromagnetic waves and hence waste no energy trying to heat large volumes of cold air. They’re therefore the most efficient type of heater, and thus the most cost-effective to run.
• This heater category works instantly and emits heat rapidly, so if you come in from outside ice-cold, this option is great for helping you defrost quickly.
• Certain makes give off very little visible light, so save even more energy and cash.
• Infrared units give off a very healthy, eco-friendly heat – they don’t release any gasses and don’t burn up anything to produce warmth, so the air in the room retains a good amount of oxygen and moisture.

 

Cons:

 

• Because infrared heaters warm up objects and not air, they won’t actually raise the temperature of the room. You, therefore, have to be very close to the unit to feel the effects.
• They can be dangerous as the elements inside do get very hot.
• Once turned off, this type of unit will lose heat instantly and you’ll be back to cold in no time.

 

Downflow Heaters - Such as the Black & Decker 2kW Digital Downflow

Pros:

• Fast Heating output, comes up to temperature quickly.
• Projects heat well and quickly heats up smaller rooms.
• Easy Installation. When mounted above a door this unit also frees up floor and wall space and eliminates any trip hazards.

Cons:

• Loses heat quickly once turned off.
• Not the cost most efficient heating system.
• May struggle to reach desired temperature in poorly insulated rooms.

 

And Lastly.....

Outdoor Heating - Such as the Tansun Rio

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Plug into standard home outlets
• Very safe for smaller patios
• Whether you have outlets located outside or just inside a door nearby your patio, electric heaters can be placed almost anywhere you like, be it beside your favorite chair, in a corner, or elsewhere. Considered very affordable, you can usually find an electric heater to meet your patio’s needs for less than £250.

Cons:

• Slow heating of patio area
• Limited placement areas
• High electric usage
• If you are like many homeowners who use electric patio heaters, you are likely to find they are somewhat slow to heat up the surrounding area, which is a distinct difference between them and natural gas or propane heaters. Also, since you’ll need an electrical outlet for the heater, you may be limited as to where your heater can be placed. However, the biggest drawback may be your electric bill, since these heaters use high amounts of electricity when run for long periods of time.