It's that time of year again - the bitter cold has settled in, and no matter how many layers you wrap yourself in, the chill seems impossible to shake. You know it's time for a space heater, but with all the different types out there, which one will give you the warmth you need?
Understanding how space heaters warm your room—whether through conduction or convection, can make all the difference in your decision. Stay with us as we unpack each heating method, and help you find the right heater to beat the cold.
Understanding different types of heating methods
Conduction Heating
Conduction heating is like getting cozy with a hot cup of cocoa - only it's a bit less friendly. It's all about heat traveling directly through materials when they're in contact. Picture touching a hot stove and feeling the heat right away; that's conduction in action. The heat moves from the hot surface straight into anything that is touching it.
While it works great for cooking or warming up a cup, conduction isn't the best choice for space heaters. You'd need to be right up close to the heater to feel the warmth, making it pretty impractical for heating an entire room.
Convection Heating
Convection heating is like having a warm, invisible breeze that circulates through your room. It works by using the movement of air to transfer heat: cold air passes over a heat source, warms up, and rises, creating a continuous cycle of warm air rising and cooler air sinking.
The great thing about convection heating is its ability to heat an entire room evenly, thanks to the constant movement of warm air. However, it can take a bit of time to warm up the space, and you might experience a temperature difference between the top and bottom of the room.
Fan-forced Heating
Fan-forced heating is a sleek upgrade to traditional convection heating. It combines the warm air circulation of convection with an added boost from a fan, making it a popular choice for fast and efficient room heating. This method typically uses a fan to blow warm air over a PTC ceramic electric heating element, like in the DREO Solaris 718, the plate length is extended by 200%, allowing it to heat up in just 2 seconds and provide faster, more consistent warmth throughout the room.
Convection vs. Fan-forced Heating
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Feature
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Convection Heating
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Fan-forced Heating
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Heat Transfer Method
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Uses natural air movement to circulate heat
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Uses a fan to actively blow warm air into the room
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Speed of Heating
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Slower, relies on natural convection currents
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Faster, the fan speeds up the distribution of warm air
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Evenness of Heat Distribution
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Can lead to uneven heating, warmer air rises while cooler air settles
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More even heating, the fan helps distribute warmth
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Initial Warm-up Time
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Longer, gradual buildup of warmth
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Shorter, and quick to heat up due to the fan
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Portability
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Typically stationary, less portable
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Often portable, easy to move around
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Noise Level
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Generally quiet
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Can be noisier due to the fan
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Energy Efficiency
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Efficient for steady, long-term heating
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Efficient for quick, on-demand heating
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Thermostat Control
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May or may not have built-in thermostats
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Often includes built-in thermostats for precise control
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Best Use
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Ideal for consistent, gradual heating in a room
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Great for quick warmth in various room
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Choosing the Right Space Heater for Your Needs
Whether you're deciding between a convection or fan-forced heater, there are a few key factors to keep in mind to make sure you stay warm and snug without any fuss.
1. Efficiency
Keeping those heating bills down can be tricky, but today's space heaters make it easier than ever. With their advanced tech, you get warmth without the extra cost. Take the Solaris Slim H2, for instance. It's got a nifty NTC sensor that fine-tunes the temperature from 41-95°F with pinpoint accuracy, which means if turned to ECO mode, it doesn't just keep you snug; it also slashes your energy bills by up to 40%. Cozy warmth and savings? Yes, please!
2. Speed
Winter's chill can sometimes make your bathroom feel like an Arctic expedition. To transform those frosty mornings into a warm escape, many are turning to smart solutions that offer quick warmth and reliable performance. Opt for smart model WH517S with timers, scheduling, an IP24 rating, and certified protections to effortlessly warm up your space before you even step in or out of the shower.
3. Room Size & Insulation
Heating large rooms can be a challenge, but oil-filled radiators like the DREO OH712 are up to the task. They spread heat evenly across big spaces, although they might warm up a bit slower than electric fan-forced heaters. Try placing the radiator near a window—it helps keep out the cold and makes your room feel toasty all over. It’s a smart way to stay warm and comfy!
For smaller rooms, a convection or ceramic heater is often the best choice. It delivers quick, quiet warmth—often as low as 25dB without adding extra bulk. It's perfect for keeping cozy spaces snug and comfortable.
4. Safety
Safety first! For a worry-free experience, you want a space heater that's as smart as it is cozy. The Solaris 718 fits the bill with its patent FortPlug™, cool-touch housing, flame-retardant materials, and built-in safeguards like tip-over and overheat protection. Plus, a child-lock feature is added to keep curious hands safe.
5. Personal Preference
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, modern living calls for smart solutions. Space heaters with smart controls are the perfect answer, as they offer convenience and efficiency at your fingertips. Many smart fan-forced models, like the one with the DREO WH719S Wall heater, offer effortless solutions to manage your home's warmth from anywhere. Set temperatures, schedules, and timers on the go, ensuring a perfectly cozy home no matter how busy your day gets.
Final Takeaway
Now that you're armed with the know-how on space heaters, it's time to warm up your space with ease and style. Whether you're after quick warmth, energy savings, or smart features, there's always a perfect heater for you.
Ready to snuggle up in style? Check out www.dreo.com or visit the DREO Amazon store to explore our range of heaters designed to keep you comfy and your energy bills in check. Warm up and chill out!
