The Ultimate Guide to Staying Warm
As the temperature drops, finding the right heater to keep your home cozy becomes a top priority. With a variety of heaters available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which type is best suited to your needs. In this guide, we'll break down the different types of heaters, essential features to consider, and must-have heater accessories to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Heaters
Choosing the right type of heater depends on your specific needs, room size, and personal preferences. Here's a look at some of the most popular options available:
Oil Column Heaters
Column heaters, reminiscent of traditional radiators, are known for their affordability, low operating noise, and suitability for prolonged use. These heaters excel at retaining heat, making them ideal for keeping your room warm even after they're turned off. While they can be slower to heat up, their excellent heat retention means you can enjoy warmth throughout the night.
- Pros: Excellent heat retention, quiet operation, affordable.
- Cons: Slower to heat up, heavier and bulkier than other portable heaters.
- Ideal For: Prolonged use in bedrooms and living rooms.
Product: Harvey Norman - DeLonghi 2400W Dragon4 Pro Oil Column Heater
Radiant Heaters
Radiant heaters provide quick, efficient heating and come in various sizes to fit different room layouts. They offer fast heat-up times and are available in both freestanding and wall-mounted models.
- Pros: Quick heating, easy to set up, various sizes available.
- Cons: Exposed heating element can be unsafe for homes with young children.
- Ideal For: Rapid heating in living rooms and offices.
Product: Bunnings - Mistral 2400W Radiant Heater
Electric Fire Heaters
Electric fire heaters mimic the comfort and ambience of a real fire without the need for a chimney. They come in classic and modern styles and can be freestanding, wall-mounted, or inset to suit your décor.
- Pros: Creates a cozy ambience, various styles available, can operate without emitting heat.
- Cons: Often more for aesthetics than powerful heating.
- Ideal For: Living rooms and bedrooms where ambience is important.
Product: Barbeques Galore - Dimplex Atlantic Electric Fireplace
Panel Heaters
Panel heaters are slim, stylish, and can be wall-mounted to save floor space. They work primarily through convection but some models combine convection and radiant heat for improved efficiency.
- Pros: Space-saving, low-profile, efficient heating with some models offering combined convection and radiated heat.
- Cons: Generally less powerful than some larger heaters.
- Ideal For: Small to medium-sized rooms and spaces where design is important.
Product: Harvey Norman - Nobo 2kW Compact Panel Heater with Timer & Castors - White
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters use a ceramic block to absorb and radiate heat, making them safe and effective. They are particularly quiet and are ideal for homes with young children or workplaces.
- Pros: Safe, quiet operation, effective spot heating.
- Cons: May not heat larger areas as effectively as other heaters.
- Ideal For: Families with young children and workplaces.
Product: Bunnings - De'Longhi 2000W Electronic Ceramic Heater Tower HFX65V20
Fan Heaters
Fan heaters provide fast and effective spot heating and are often equipped with both heating and cooling functions. They are ideal for quickly warming up specific areas within a room.
- Pros: Quick heating, affordable, dual-functionality (heating and cooling).
- Cons: Can be noisy, may dry out skin if used in close proximity.
- Ideal For: Small rooms and areas needing quick, temporary heating.
Product: Harvey Norman - Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde Purifying Fan Heater - White/Gold
Heater Features to Consider
When selecting a heater, consider the following features to ensure you choose the best model for your needs:
Heat Output
Understanding the required heat output is crucial. Generally, a heater with a power range of 2000-2400W will suffice for most rooms. Larger homes or rooms without insulation may require more powerful heaters.
- Tip: Higher heat output usually means higher running costs, so opt for the most efficient model within your budget.
Heater Functionality
Modern heaters come with a range of features to enhance usability and efficiency:
- Castors: Essential for portable heaters, allowing easy movement between rooms.
- Digital Controls, Thermostats, and Timers: Provide precise control over room temperature and operating times.
- Built-in Filters: Beneficial for asthmatics and allergy sufferers, preventing dust and allergens from circulating.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount when choosing a heater. Look for models with:
- Tip Over Protection: Shuts off the heater if it falls over, crucial for exposed heating elements.
- Automatic Cut Out: Prevents overheating and reduces fire risk if the heater is left on.
- Drip Protection: Essential for bathroom use to prevent accidents from water exposure.
Other Heating Essentials
Heated Throws and Blankets
For customisable comfort and rapid warmth, a heated throw is perfect to cozy up on the couch for movie nights during winter. Perfect for keeping warm in bed, heated blankets are affordable and can help alleviate muscle pain.
Product: Harvey Norman - Beurer Super Cosy Heated Throw - Charcoal
Outdoor Heaters
For those who love outdoor dining, outdoor heaters are a must. They keep your guests comfortable and extend your outdoor entertaining season.
Product: Bunnings - Jumbuck Cast Iron Chimenea
Heated Towel Rail
Heated towel rails not only keep your towels warm but also help maintain a comfortable bathroom temperature. Available in various styles, they add both functionality and luxury to your bathroom.
Product: Bunnings - Forme Daytona 6 Bar Round Heated Towel Rail
When shopping for a heater, prioritise safety features, consider portability needs, and match the heat output to the room size. With this guide, you can confidently select the perfect heater to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the colder months. Visit Taylors Lakes Homemaker Centre to explore our wide range of heaters and find the one that best suits your needs. Stay warm and enjoy the comfort of a well-heated home!