Space Heaters Electric 
Sales and Technical 01751 411965
Simple guide to electric space heating Electric space heaters use the passage of an electric current through a conductor to generate heat (the Joule effect) and transfer heat from the heated element to the surrounding space. The key differences between different types of heater relate to how the heat is transferred to the surrounding space and the options for locating and controlling the heat output. Infrared heaters are designed to transfer as much heat as possible by thermal radiation without heating the surrounding air and are especially useful in draughty, exposed or outdoor locations where it would be impractical or uneconomic to attempt raise the temperature of the air. Radiant heaters achieve this by using high temperature elements, the most radiantly efficient type (quartz) operating at temperatures in excess of 2000ºC. Convection heaters transfer heat by the bulk movement of warmed air, this movement either being due to buoyancy forces ('natural convection') or an electric fan ('forced convection'). Convection heaters operate at much lower temperatures than infra-red radiant heaters. In practice, most electric heaters designed for homes and offices utilise both thermal radiation and convection to heat their surroundings, and the choice is often driven by practical considerations such as thermostat and timer controls, portability, physical size, aesthetics and cost. In larger areas a more comfortable environment is generally provided by distributing a number of lower powered units rather than using a few powerful ones.

Infrared heaters are designed to transfer as much heat as possible by thermal radiation without heating the surrounding air and are especially useful in draughty, exposed or outdoor locations where it would be impractical or uneconomic to attempt raise the temperature of the air. Radiant heaters achieve this by using high temperature elements, the most radiantly efficient type (quartz) operating at temperatures in excess of 2000ºC

 Panel heaters are usually compact in size and wall mounted, and can either be used as a simple solution to provide localised heating for short periods in areas such as bedrooms or conservatories or alternatively to provide whole-house heating. Panel heaters have a thermostat to control the room temperature, and often have a 24 hour or 7 day timer. In an oil filled radiator the electric element in not in direct contact with the air, but is used to heat a low viscosity thermal fluid within the body of the radiator. This results in a balanced mix of radiant and convected heat and provides comfortable warmth which is ideal for background or boost heating in homes, conservatories and offices. Convector heaters transfer heat using an electric element to heat air which is spread through the room by an electric fan ('forced convection'). Frost protection heaters are generally low powered and are designed to prevent excessive dampness and frost damage.

Infra-Red
Radiant Heat

Panel Heaters
Slim Wall Mounted

Oil Filled Radiators
Wall Mounted & Portable

Convectors
Wall Mounted & Portable

Frost Protection
Low Level Heat