Function

• Convection heaters heat the enclosed space in which they are operated through the basic principle of convection. In this convection system, cold air passes over an electrically-powered heating element, making the air hot around the heater. Because hotter air is less dense, it subsequently rises, falling once again as it begins to cool. This continual rising and falling of heated air creates a system of circulation called convection.
  
  

Convection Heater Types

• Different models vary in function, size, efficiency and price. Two popular types of convection heaters are panel heaters and oil-filled heaters. Panel heaters are mounted on the wall, while oil-filled heaters are plugged in and sit on the floor of the room, such as the highly efficient upright column model. Panel heaters are better at providing background heat for larger spaces, but may often use more electricity than oil-filled heaters. Some heaters can get quite hot on the surface; the oil-filled models are especially popular today because of their relatively low surface temperatures.
  
  

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Convection heaters provide many advantages over other types of electric heat. Portable fan heaters and radiant heaters are better for directional heating but are not as good at circulating air as convection heaters. For larger rooms and open spaces, electric heat pumps are provide better distribution of background heat than convection heaters; however, as outside temperatures get colder, heat pumps become less cost-efficient.
  
  

Additional Considerations

• Convection heaters have a number of features that allow the consumer to customize his purchase for his heating needs. Some additional features increase heating efficiency in costlier heaters. Thermostats and fans, for example, provide higher heating precision and better heat distribution, respectively. Timers may be set to shut off and shut on the heat at pre-set times. With automated timers, you may enter a room when it is already at the perfect temperature; in addition, timers reduce heating costs by heating only at the precise times when needed.
  
  

Safety and Warnings

• Convection heaters may be dangerous to small children and pets during normal use; in addition, they may present an electrical fire hazard if not positioned properly. Larger, top-heavy heaters, for example, may easily be knocked over; for this reason, it may be worth the extra money to buy a more stable model, especially when heaters must be placed in precarious locations and/or in children's rooms. In the cases of all heaters, sustained skin contact can cause burns. Some models have protected heating fins and/or produce less surface heat (such as oil-filled models), presenting less dangers for burns or fires. Never drape clothes or other items over a convection heater, as this also presents a fire hazard.