Frico

10 things you need to know about radiant heaters

An electric radiant heater is more energy-efficient as a result of all the heat being focused on heating up the surface, which, in turn, reflects heat back.

 

1. An electric radiant heater is more energy-efficient as a result of all the heat being focused on heating up the surface, which, in turn, reflects heat back. With a gas heater, some of the energy is used to heat up the surrounding air, and this energy just disappears.

2. An electric radiant heater is safer to run than a gas heater. This is because there is no handling of flammable gas bottles, which always involves some risk. There is also no open flame as in a gas heater.

3. The burning gas in a gas heater is also sensitive to draughts. Unlike an electric radiant heater, which can be installed even where it is exposed to wind and weather.

4. An electric radiant heater requires minimal maintenance, unlike gas heaters, where the gas supply runs out and must be replaced from time to time. Hoses and valves must also be cleaned regularly to ensure that the apparatus functions properly. This is not necessary with an electric radiant heater.

5. An electric radiant heater begins heating as soon as you press the button. You don’t have to wait for the bottled gas to heat up the system before you feel the result.

6. In some locations, such as glazed-in terraces and balconies, the oxygen supply may be too limited to allow use of a gas heater. As gas burns, it consumes oxygen to keep the fire going.

7. Burning bottled gas gives off carbon dioxide and contributes to the greenhouse effect. You avoid this with an electrically-powered radiant heater.

8. Modern electric radiant heaters are very efficient, even small ones. This makes positioning easy, and they won’t restrict space on the terrace.

9. There are also electric radiant heaters that can be sited directly under an awning or a parasol. This is impossible with a gas heater, as the open flame is hazardous in the vicinity of textiles or other flammable material.

10. Operating costs are also more favourable with electric radiant heaters. A standard-size gas bottle will generally be sufficient for up to half a day and must then be replaced. This can be compared with energy-efficient electric radiant heaters, which use minimal electricity in proportion to the heat given off.


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