Heating fixtures turn a house into a cozy home. Home heating options range from large installations to small portable stoves and come in different styles. Heaters vary in applications, what is ideal for a large ventilated space may not work for a small room. Regardless, the main differences in heaters boil down to the type of fuel used. Some of the main types of heaters are the electric heater, the gas heater and the wood heater. The pellet heater and the ethanol heater are also viable home heating solutions. Comprehensive knowledge in heater options is useful when deciding on the best alternative for your needs. It’s important to know what you are buying.
Wood heaters
Wood is one of the oldest fuels used for heating. However, its application has evolved from outdoor campfires to indoor wood heaters. Wood heaters are categorized according to their design or mode of operation. Freestanding and inbuilt heaters are the two main designs available for wood heaters. The freestanding heating option is a flexible design that can be installed anywhere in a room while the inbuilt wood heater is installed into the wall. The latter saves on space, but its installation is limited to the wall design and structure. Wood heaters either operate through radiation or convection. The former is a good option for poorly insulated, large rooms with high ceilings. On the other hand, convection wood heaters work best in well-insulated rooms with a low ceiling since it draws in cool air and heats it.
Wood heaters are economical. The installation costs and the cost of fuel are lower than some of the other heating options. The heater is also efficient and effective in warming living spaces, especially through radiant heat production. Wood fuel is carbon-neutral, and hence wood heaters are an eco-friendly heating option. The styling options also give interior designers and homeowners a variety of fireplace designs to complement their interior décor.
Gas heaters
Gas heaters are popular in many cities and areas with reliable gas lines. They come in two options; flued heaters and non-flued heaters. The former is permanently installed with a flue that extends to a given height for extraction of gas emissions. Non-flued gas heaters are good for well-ventilated rooms as the heaters are vent-free. Gas heaters come in different designs from inbuilt double-sided heaters to single-sided heaters. The heat output of the heater depends on the size and design of the build.
Gas heaters are one of the most efficient heating options. They give instant heat to a living space, and some come with a remote ignition feature. Although installation costs are high, operating a gas heater is inexpensive. In areas with good gas lines, gas heating is cheaper than electricity. Gas heating generates clean energy since there is no smoke, ash or odors produced. Maintenance is also cheap, and fuel wastage is low. A gas heater is good for any space and with the right design, you can get the performance you desire.
Electric heaters
Electric heaters are relatively new, but they are popular in many contemporary homes. The heaters are divided into radiation and convection heaters. Most users prefer electric heaters due to their convenience. Portable heaters don’t need any installation while wall-mounted heaters have an easy, inexpensive installation process. There is no need for a chimney or a vent for an electric heater to be installed in your home. As a result, it’s application is limitless. One downside to an electric heater is the reliance on electrical power. However, if you have a steady supply of electricity, an electric heater may be the best option for you. Electric energy is also safer for homes
Electric heaters are generally inexpensive and offer a great heating solution for small spaces. They do not produce any smoke and maintain the quality of the indoor air. Electric heaters are energy efficient and have good heating capacities. Since the heaters don’t need a vent, they present endless possibilities on the styling. The heaters are iconic indoor installations that look good and perform well. They combine simplicity, convenience and good aesthetics.
There are many other heating options currently in the market, ranging from ethanol heaters to pellet heaters. Although they are fairly new, they have excellent performances and give popular heating options a run for their money. For the best selection, consider your needs, your budget and the available designs. Since heaters tend to be long term purchases, it’s important to get one that not only gets the job done but also appeals to you.
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