What is better – oil heater or fan heater: choose and compare

When winter comes, many people in our country rely on portable heating devices to keep their homes warm. In this article, we will explore the advantages of using a powerful fan heater versus a modern oil heater as a source of heat.

General requirements for heating the room

The primary factor to consider when choosing a heating device is its power output. Only an expert can provide an accurate answer regarding the required power for heating a specific room. They will take into account various factors such as the room’s volume, heat loss through walls and windows, natural air leaks, glazing area, number of doors, construction materials, and local climate conditions.

If you want to calculate the required power for heating equipment yourself, you can use the following algorithm: for every 10 m2 of heated area, you will need 1 kW of heat energy, as long as the ceiling height does not exceed 3 m.

According to the heating element design, there are three types of electric models: spiral, glass-ceramic, and TEN.

Here is an image of a spiral fan heater:

And here is an image of a TEN fan heater:

Lastly, here is a ceramic model of a fan heater.

There are two types of coil heaters: open and closed. The first one utilizes a spiral made of nichrome, kantal, fehral or stainless steel on a ceramic core as its heating element. In the open version, the spiral is exposed to external influences, while in the closed version, the coils of wire are enclosed in a glass bulb. The open coil heater has the advantage of fast heating up to 1000 °C, low cost, and good maintainability. However, it is also prone to fire hazards and can produce an unpleasant odor due to the combustion of dust on the exposed heating element.

On the other hand, the closed coil heater uses a glass-ceramic element that can only reach a maximum temperature of 150 °C. However, it has a larger surface area compared to the spiral design. This particular design solution offers numerous advantages, such as high efficiency and safety during operation. The only downside is the higher cost associated with glass-ceramic models.

A heating element is a cylindrical component composed of a coiled wire inside a metal tube. The space between the tube walls and the wire is filled with a material that conducts heat. This type of heating element, known as a Tubular Electric Heater (TEN), is capable of reaching temperatures of up to 500 °C, providing a longer lifespan compared to traditional coiled wire elements.

There are different types of heating devices available, categorized by their design and functionality. These include:

1. Stationary models: These include floor, wall, and ceiling-mounted models.

2. Mobile models: These include portable and desktop versions.

Ceiling fan

Wall-mounted version

Floor model
Portable fan heater

Many modern heat fans come with advanced features and additional devices to enhance their functionality.

• A rotating base;
• Safety system that automatically stops power supply to the heating element in case of overheating or tipping over;
• Thermostat with the ability to maintain the desired temperature range;
• Humidifier and air purifier functions;
• Remote control capability.

Additionally, most modern models offer multiple speed settings to adjust the fan’s performance.

1. Affordable price;
2. Simplicity in design;
3. Compactness (even in stationary models);
4. Quickly heats up the room;
5. Can be used as a regular fan;
6. Wide selection of models available.
7. Noisy operation;
8. Directional airflow that can cause discomfort and lift dust from surfaces.

Users have reported that the absence of inertia is the primary drawback of heat fans. Once the device is turned off, the heating and temperature maintenance in the room cease.

In order to determine the superior choice between a portable heat fan and a stationary heater, a thorough examination of the design and operational principles of oil radiators is necessary.

Principle of operation and design of an oil heater

The construction of this apparatus encompasses multiple components, including a thermostat-controlled heating system and a sealed steel container filled with transformer oil, also known as "spindle".

1. There are two versions of the tank: a flat panel version and a radiator version;
2. Most models have installed heating elements;
3. The coolant in the radiator is oil, which has a high heat capacity coefficient and a long cooling period;
4. The control unit consists of a thermostat, a temperature regulator, and a power switch.

The device operates based on the principle of convection. When voltage is applied to the device, the heating elements heat up the oil in the radiator. Once the user-defined temperature is reached, the thermostat switches off the heating elements. When the coolant temperature drops by a few degrees, the heating elements are switched on again to heat it up to the set temperature.

There are different types of oil radiators based on how they are attached:

• Wall-mounted;
• Floor standing;
• Table-top;
• Ceiling;
• For children’s beds.

The floor model The unit with a built-in fan is a wall heater.

To improve the efficiency of heating the air in the room, some models come with a fan that evenly distributes the heated air.

1. These radiators have a large heat exchange area due to their shape and size;
2. They are noiseless, except for models with a fan, as they do not have any mechanical components;
3. Devices are environmentally friendly as they do not have any negative impact on air quality and do not emit any unpleasant odors;
4. These devices are designed with safety in mind, featuring a sealed container and relatively low surface heating temperature, making them completely safe to use;
5. They are cost-effective due to the high heat capacity of the coolant, which allows the heating elements to be switched on less frequently, resulting in significant energy savings;
6. The devices are known for their reliability and durability, as they do not have any moving parts that could break. Additionally, the sealed tank prevents corrosion by not allowing oxygen to come into contact with its inner surface;
7. One drawback is the long initial heating time;
8. The devices can be quite heavy, but this is not a major issue as each floor model is equipped with wheels for easy mobility.

Comparison of the parameters of the fan heater and oil heater

In order to determine whether it is more beneficial to purchase a heater or a fan heater for room heating purposes, it is essential to compare and evaluate the parameters and characteristics of these two devices.

Energy consumption

In order to heat and keep the air temperature within the specified range, a fan heater needs to operate continuously. To put it another way, it constantly uses electricity.

Conversely, an oil radiator functions for a set period of time, at which point it turns off and releases the stored heat into the air. Put simply, this device operates intermittently.

If the operating rules are adhered to, the service life of an oil cooler typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, with the only factor that can impact its longevity being the depressurization of the oil reservoir as a result of a drop or mechanical harm.

Modes

Most heating devices nowadays come with multiple operating modes. Typically, these include 50% and 100% power settings. Almost all heaters also have a ventilation mode that operates without generating heat. However, in oil heaters, this feature is only available in models with an integrated fan.

Safety

Many thermal fans for home use have plastic and lightweight cases, which can crack and break into pieces if dropped. This exposes the current-carrying components and the heater, which can become extremely hot. However, more advanced models come with a position sensor that automatically shuts off the unit if it is dropped. Unfortunately, most budget models do not have this safety feature.

An oil heater, on the other hand, is a large and heavy device made of steel, which makes it much more difficult to drop or break. However, the surface of the housing on most models is not protected, so it is still possible to get burned if it comes into direct contact with the heater.

In addition, it is common for heaters to have plastic casings, whereas oil heaters are typically made of steel.

Microclimate

Which one is better for creating a healthier microclimate, an oil radiator or a domestic fan heater? There is a misconception that fan heaters dry the air and deplete oxygen, however, this is not accurate. Fan heaters do not have an open flame that burns oxygen. The humidity level in the air actually increases as the temperature rises. If there is a water source in the room, the air will naturally absorb water vapor from it, resulting in higher humidity. If there is no water source, then our own bodies become the source of moisture. As a result, we may experience a sensation of dryness, dry mucous membranes, and dry skin.

The room’s comfortable microclimate is established through the attainment of the essential air temperature, humidity level (40-60%), and appropriate air circulation (once per hour). Properly positioned and programmed devices can both generate a pleasant microclimate in the heated room. However, there is one downside – the smell of burnt dust that adheres to the heating elements of the air heater and the airflow that might cause discomfort to individuals in the room. On the other hand, oil heaters do not encounter such issues.

Cost

The cost of heaters is determined by factors such as the power of the heating elements, functionality, level of safety, and brand. Currently, an oil radiator can be purchased for as low as 1500 rubles. Electric heaters, on the other hand, start at a price of 500 rubles.

For heat fans, the starting price is 500 rubles. An oil radiator, on the other hand, has a starting price of 1500 rubles.

Recommendations on the choice

When it comes to heating your living space during the off-season, you might find yourself choosing between a bulky oil heater or a compact fan heater. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on the specific conditions in which the equipment will be used:

1. If you need to quickly raise the air temperature in a small room, and the noise produced by the fan is not a concern, then a heat fan may be the way to go. However, if your goal is to maintain a constant temperature in your living room, then you should consider heaters with an oil coolant.
2. When deciding on a heat fan, it’s important to not only consider the power of the heating elements, but also the performance of the fan itself. The fan should have a capacity equal to twice the volume of the room you are trying to heat. This will ensure that air is evenly distributed and that your dwelling heats up rapidly.
3. If the oil heater is large in size and lightweight, the manufacturer has cut corners on materials, which can greatly diminish the lifespan of the appliance;
4. Opt for models that are made up of 6-8 sections. This is sufficient for heating medium-sized rooms.

Lastly, having a timer on any heating device will enable you to schedule the activation and deactivation of the appliance, greatly streamlining its usage.

Check out this video that demonstrates the testing of various heater models.