When we talk about an electric heating, we are actually talking about a large family of very different radiators. Indeed, there are many types that do not have the same performance and do not target the same needs. So, which radiator to use?
Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice and save money.
Overview
Electric radiators do not necessarily have a good reputation. They are generally regarded as energy-intensive with a limited field of action. Which is no longer necessarily true as they have progressed in recent years under the pressure of ecological considerations and consumers who are more vigilant about their energy expenses.
The electrical convector
The convector is a little apart in the world of electric heaters. Its principle is simple: it heats the air that enters from the bottom of the appliance with the help of an electric resistance and the heat thus generated is discharged through a grille at the front, which heats the room.
Advantages
- Space-saving and easy to install, it is an interesting model in a small room where it is not necessary to heat all day long, such as a bathroom for example. It ensures a rapid rise in temperature in small spaces.
Disadvantages
- Its performance is limited and it is not really economical. If possible, it should be discarded in favour of a more efficient inertia radiator.
The inertia radiator
This model is based on the principle of radiation. A radiant panel located inside the radiator is heated by electrical resistances and thus emits heat that it releases progressively. This type of device diffuses thermal comfort and is designed to heat a room over time. A living room, for example, can be equipped with it.
Advantages
- it is efficient and offers more often an adjustment according to the ambient temperature, which avoids unnecessary electricity consumption. It does not consume too much energy if the home is well insulated and is therefore also a viable solution in the long term.
Disadvantages
- a free space must be kept around the radiant heater, including above it, so as not to interfere with heat transfer.
The storage radiator
The storage heater can be considered as the ancestor of modern inertia radiators. This type of apparatus is based on the principle of storing heat inside very dense refractory bricks, in order to restore it later on.
Advantages
- the storage heater is economical in the sense that the heat radiated during the day does not use electricity.
Disadvantages
- An off-peak option must be taken out for its use to be relevant. On the other hand, this type of radiator is generally heavy and cumbersome. It is therefore a somewhat outdated model, as constraints tend to outweigh the advantages.
The idea here is to store calories during off-peak hours and thus benefit from cheaper electricity.
The oil-bath radiator
The oil-bath radiator is a favorite of lovers of gentle warmth, and it is an electric auxiliary model. It is usually equipped with wheels that allow it to be transported from one room to another and it is connected to the power mains.
Advantages
- the temperature rises quickly and the oil-bath radiator can quickly become very hot. Be careful not to put your hand on it accidentally! It also takes a very long time to cool down, so you can turn it off and enjoy its warmth several hours later.
Disadvantages
- This type of heating tends to consume a lot of electricity when the temperature rises and is more of a backup solution.
It is filled with a heat-transfer fluid which, gradually heated by resistors, allows the body of the radiator to radiate heat.
Usage:
It’s not really designed to heat a room on its own, but rather to be used as a reinforcement when it’s cold, or the room in question needs to be really modest in size.
The Fan heater
The blowing radiator is not intended to heat a room permanently. It is an auxiliary model that works on the same principle as the fan, except that it blows hot air.
The air in the room is captured by the unit, which heats it with an electrical resistance and then blows it out the front.
Advantages
- effective for a small room to be heated quickly.
Disadvantages
- it's an add-on appliance that usually consumes a lot of electricity.
The towel warmer
While it is becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms, the electric towel warmer is proving to be no more and no less than a variant of other types of electric radiators.
There are fluid inertia models, which embody a heat transfer fluid like the oil bath radiator, but there are also dry inertia models, such as the radiant heater.
Design:
This type of heater is wall-mounted and has a design that allows towels to be dried after use, and to enjoy a warm towel when getting out of the bath or shower.
Note:
Note that this heater can advantageously replace another heater in the bathroom, which is usually a small room and therefore fairly easy to heat.
An electric radiator for every situation
Of course, electric radiators are not necessarily the most economical solution for heating.
But it is still possible to optimize their consumption and save energy by choosing models with adjustable intensity that continue to heat the room even after being turned off.
The right model for the right room
It is also essential to choose the right model for the right room. Avoid the electric convector in the living room and use the blowing radiator sparingly. By finding the right balance, you will be warm in winter without spending too much money, especially if your home is well insulated.
BONUS:
If you want to save energy and precise the way you heat your home, the connected heating is what you absolutely must have!
