Winter is officially here and most of us are starting to feel the chill in the air. Of course, with so much extra time spent at home, it’s essential that we focus on keeping our homes warm and toasty during this time. Investing in a good heater is pretty much a necessity during these long winter months, but with so many models on the market picking the right one for you can seem daunting. So, to help make your decision a little easier we’ve put together a handy guide to buying a heater in South Africa.
Consider the type of heater you need:
The first factor to consider before buying a heater is what type of heater you need for your space. While there are numerous styles of heaters, there are essentially only four types of heating technologies most electric heaters use: namely radiant, convection, micathermic, and fan-forced.
Convection heaters provide even, whole-room heating; radiant heaters deliver quick, spot heating in small spaces; fan-forced heaters use an internal fan that blows across a heating element; and micathermic heaters offer fast, widespread heat while saving space. Choosing the right type of heater for your space and needs is the best way to ensure you stay warm and get the most out of a heater during winter.
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How big is the space you want to heat?
The size of the space the heater will cover is the most important factor to consider when buying a heater. This is determined by the heater wattage rating. Generally, a room heater uses 10 watts of heating power to heat one square metre of space. So a typical 1,500-watt heater will cover a room as large as 150 square metres.
Think about the space you want to use the heater in. If you need a heater that quickly warms a small space, opt for a fan heater, as it keeps the air moving, instead of allowing build-up near the ceiling. If you need to heat a bigger room for longer periods of time, opt for an oil or a column heater as this will disperse heat in large spaces slowly and steadily.
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Gas versus electric
It’s also important to consider energy efficiency when buying a heater. Should you opt for a gas heater or an electric heater? If you’re concerned about conserving energy and keeping your electricity bill low then a gas heater may be a better choice for your home. Gas is a relatively inexpensive form of energy and is also kinder to the environment than electricity, generating around one-third of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
If you opt for an electric heater then choosing it’s important to choose the right energy efficient eater for your needs and the size of your space. Features like energy-saving modes, adjustable thermostats, low wattage, and programmable timers help minimise power usage of a heater in your home.
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Stay safe
Of course, it’s also important to choose a heater with the right safety features. If not monitored properly, portable heaters can easily become fire hazards. Many electric heaters these days are equipped with cool-to-the-touch surfaces and other advanced safety features to significantly reduce the risk of fires when in use. Some electric heaters feature an internal switch that automatically shuts off the power if the heater is accidentally tipped over or knocked down while others boast overheat protection, featuring a switch that serves as a sensor that automatically turns off the heater if the internal components reach an unsafe temperature.
Oil heaters are the safest to use around children and babies, as there is no actual flame, simply oil that heats inside the columns and circulates into the air. They’re often the most suitable option for rooms where a heater will need to be on for a long period of time, like bedrooms.
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