Fanless convection heater versus oil filled heater

In summary, electric heaters are highly efficient at converting electric power to heat and do not consume oxygen or produce any combustion byproducts. They may have a low power setting which reduces heat output but also lowers operating costs. Fans and infrared heaters can also help distribute heat more evenly in a room. In terms of air conditioning, there are differences in efficiency ratings. As for reports of convectors making rooms stuffy, it is possible that this is simply a perception and not a result of the heater itself. The extreme heat of the coil may not have a significant impact on the air compared to an oil based heater with a larger surface area for heat projection.
  • #1
Twinbee
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Both are near silent and 100% (in)efficient, but does the convection heater (with the electric coil where heat rises naturally) make the room more stuffy as I've sometimes heard, or perhaps even deplete oxygen?
 
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  • #2
All electric heaters are virtually 100% efficient at converting electric to thermal (heat) power...no electric heater consumes oxygen and as there is no combustion, there are no combustion byproducts...a 1500 watt electric heater (meaning it uses 1500 watts of electric power) in an hour produces about 5120 BTU's..."low cost" electric heaters usually means they have a low power setting which reduces the hourly cost of operation but also the heat output. A fan does move the warm air around the room more so if you sit across the room you might be warmer as a result...or warm more quickly...Ditto for infrared heaters as well.

In cooling, that is, air conditioning, there are differences in efficiencies of conversion quoted as EER or SEER ratings.
 
  • #3
Would you put the reports of the convectors making the room more "stuffy" down to people's imagination? I don't know, I guess there's a chance of that. I was just thinking the extreme heat of the coil might do something to the air, unlike the oil based heater which obviously has a bigger surface area to project the heat.
 

FAQ: Fanless convection heater versus oil filled heater

What is the difference between a fanless convection heater and an oil filled heater?

A fanless convection heater uses natural convection currents to circulate heat, while an oil filled heater uses oil as a heat reservoir and a heating element to warm the oil, which then radiates heat into the room.

Which type of heater is more energy efficient?

In general, fanless convection heaters are more energy efficient than oil filled heaters. This is because they do not require electricity to heat the oil, and instead use the natural flow of air to distribute heat. However, the specific energy efficiency of a heater will depend on its size, power output, and usage patterns.

Are fanless convection heaters quieter than oil filled heaters?

Yes, fanless convection heaters tend to be quieter than oil filled heaters. This is because they do not have a fan or heating element that can produce noise. However, some models of fanless convection heaters may make some noise as air passes through the heating element.

Which type of heater is more suitable for larger rooms?

Oil filled heaters are generally considered more suitable for larger rooms. This is because they have a higher heat output and can maintain a constant temperature for longer periods of time. Fanless convection heaters may struggle to heat larger spaces, especially if there are drafts or poor insulation.

Can both types of heaters be used in rooms with children or pets?

Both fanless convection heaters and oil filled heaters can be used in rooms with children or pets, but precautions should be taken to ensure safety. Fanless convection heaters do not have exposed heating elements, making them safer for children and pets to be around. However, oil filled heaters can get very hot and caution should be taken to prevent burns or accidental tipping over.

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