Getting a central heating system can be expensive and redundant for a lot of people. Although winters are coming, not every place in the world faces temperatures low enough for a house-wide heating system to be installed. Other areas may only have winter for two-three months a year. People may also feel as though central heating isn’t enough to keep them warm. The solution to all these issues? Room heaters!
Room heaters are versatile in nature. Whether you are a college student looking for something to heat up your dorm room or a family looking to have a portable solution to their cold problems, there’s a room heater for everyone. Available in many shapes, sizes, and functionalities, you can buy one as per use.
Historically, room heaters have been around since the 1890s. Multiple inventions and discoveries of metals and alloys that can withstand high heating led to the first-ever heating contraptions. They had a copper backing to help radiate the heat produced by these alloys into the room. In 1912, these heating contraptions evolved into a more accessible heating device shaped like a desk fan that could be utilized for personal use. Following the second world war, electric appliances saw a boom in the markets and became commonplace in households across the world.
1950 onwards, radiant bar heaters became the norm in homes. These kinds of heaters are popular even today, and you may have seen them around (or might even have one in your storage locker). Initially, they posed a fire risk as they didn’t come with enough safety equipment. People lacked knowledge on how to remain fire-safe when dealing with electrically heated equipment and would leave their clothes to dry on these heaters. Clothes would catch fire and put users at risk. Over time, as heaters became more common and safety information became widespread, fire safety became less of an issue.
In the 90s and 2000s, heaters have seen a huge change, hand in hand with the boom of the digital age. Like everything else, heaters started becoming available in many forms, including automated or remote-controlled. The temperature of heaters can now be easily controlled, something that older versions could not achieve. Some variety of heaters also have technology that allows you to connect to them using your mobile phone and adjust the temperature, switch them on and off, etc.
As winter arrives, most people are hurrying to find the best room heater for home use. As mentioned above, they come in varying shapes, sizes, and types. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re investing in a room heater:
- Size: Are you a student who needs extra heating in their dorm? Or are you looking for a heater to keep your family extra cozy during wintertime? Depending on the size of your room and how many people you wish to keep warm, you will need heaters of varying sizes.
- Portability: This feature is especially necessary if you live in areas that don’t have long winters. Storing your heater shouldn’t be a hassle as that can be an added chore to your winters. Additionally, moving your heater around the room can be essential to get optimum heat.
- Energy Efficiency: In the modern-day, energy efficiency is a must-have for electric gadgets. Energy-efficient gadgets are pocket-friendly and, thanks to their use of lesser energy, environment-friendly. Since heaters are the kind of gadget that is utilized for long periods in a day, this is an important feature to consider.
- Heating Capacity: Depending on their size and make, heaters have varying heating capacities. Heating capacity is an important aspect of a heater, and the ability to control it is equally important. Your heater should have a dial that gives you the ability to control how hot it gets. Also notice how hot it can get and, depending on how cold your environment gets, choose appropriately.
- Safety Features: As mentioned previously, heaters can be a fire hazard if they are not built properly. Let’s learn from the mistakes of our ancestors! Ensure that the heater you intend to buy comes with essential safety features such as a cut-off feature when it starts to overheat and a heat-proof cover.
- Light Levels: Heaters can be very bright when used, especially heaters that are similar to radiant bar heaters. When using these heaters at nighttime or when you’re napping, the light can be a hassle, hence this feature is essential to consider when buying a heater.
- Timer: Like a lot of products that are used for a long time in a single day, having a timer is very useful. If you have a tendency to fall asleep whenever your room is heated up, this feature is especially useful for you. Just set up a time for when you want the heater to switch off and nap away.
- Type: There are many kinds of heaters available. Based on size there are personal-sized, small-sized, and large-sized heaters among others. On the basis of type, there are electrical and oil-based heaters. Their pros and cons vary, it is recommended you consider each one carefully before investing in a heater.
If you are someone looking to buy a heater or other home appliances for the first time or are going to update your old heater, the stans tips recommends you to remember to consider all the factors mentioned above. With a room heater to keep you comfortable during wintertime, you will be one of many, many people across the globe who swear by this incredible gadget.
