Infrared heaters vs oil filled radiators! Let us see which one is better.

Do you already hate the biting cold and chilly weather that comes with fall and spring? You might want to prepare for winter by making sure your bedroom is warm enough with usable heat even when it gets cold outside. An electric heater is an efficient, reliable, and affordable appliance that is essential for everyone who owns their own home. With space heat pumps, you can forget about the freezing cold! You can even walk around your house freely without worrying about the temperature.

There are so many different types of air purifiers out there today that picking the right one for your space can be a difficult choice to make. Essentially, people opt for infrared and oil-filled heaters. 

Are infrared heaters better than oil filled heaters? This question is commonly asked when it comes to choosing from different types of heaters. Plus, this question is crucial to consider keeping efficient heating in mind. In this post, we will see whether an Infrared space heater is better than an oil filled space heater.

First, let us talk about these separately.

What Is An Infrared Heater?

An infrared heater is a type of heater that uses infrared rays to emit heat. It works on the same principle as sunlight does. The sun emits light which is then reflected back to earth. When this happens, the energy is converted into heat. This is how infrared heaters work too. They use infrared rays instead of visible light to emit heat.

The main difference between infrared heaters and other types of heaters is that they do not produce any smoke or fumes. Instead, they emit heat through infrared rays. These rays are invisible to humans but they can easily penetrate objects like walls and windows.

Infrared heaters have been used since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians used them to cook food. They also used them to keep rooms warm during the night. However, modern infrared heaters were invented in the 1970s. Today, they are widely used in homes and offices.

Pros & Cons Of Infrared Heaters

Now that we know what an infrared heater is, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this sophisticated heater.

Advantages Of Infrared Heaters

1. Easy To Use – Unlike other types of heaters, infrared heaters are easy to operate. They require no maintenance and don’t need regular cleaning. All you need to do is plug them in and turn them on.

2. No Smoke Or Fumes – Since infrared heaters don’t produce any smoke or fumes, they are safe to use indoors. There are no harmful chemicals emitted either.

3. Energy Efficient – Because they emit heat using infrared rays, they are more energy efficient than other types of heaters. They can save up to 90% of electricity compared to other types of heaters such as gas heaters.

4. Long Lasting – Infrared heaters last longer than other types of heat with effective heat retention. They can provide continuous heat for several hours.

5. Affordable – Compared to other types of heat, infrared heaters are cheaper. They cost less than $100 each.

6. Environmentally Friendly – Infrared heaters are environmentally friendly because they don’t produce smoke or fumes. They are also safer to use than other types of heat because they don't contain any toxic materials.

7. Portable – You can carry an infrared heater anywhere you want. You can even move them around if necessary.

8. Quiet – Infrared heaters emit very little noise. They are perfect for those who live with pets or children.

9. Safe – Infrared heaters don’t cause fire or damage your property. They are also safe to use around kids.

10. Versatile – Infrared heaters come in various sizes and shapes. They can be placed almost anywhere in your home.

11. Durable – It has a durable metal body. Infrared heaters' metal grid can withstand extreme temperatures. They can survive in cold weather conditions as well as hot ones.

12. Easy Maintenance – Infrared heaters require minimal maintenance. They only need to be cleaned once every few months.

13. Low Cost – Infrared heaters cost much less than other types of heat such as gas heaters and electric heaters.

14. Can Be Used For Various Purposes – Infrared heaters aren’t just limited to heating rooms. They can also be used to dry clothes, clean carpets, and deodorize spaces, due to their immense heating strength.

15. Lightweight – Infrared heaters weigh less than other types of heating devices. This makes it easier to transport them from one place to another.

16. Heat Up Quickly – Infrared heaters heat up quickly. It takes about 10 minutes before they start producing heat and can offer longer heating periods.

17. Good Value – Infrared heaters offer good value for money. They cost less than other types of traditional heaters.

18. Can Be Controlled Easily – Infrared heaters allow you to control their temperature easily. You can adjust them manually or automatically depending on your needs. It offers precise heat management.

19. Can Save Money – If you buy an infrared heater, you will not spend too much money on electricity bills. They consume less power than other types of heat like gas heaters and electric ones.

20. Can Be Used In Any Room Of Your Home – Infrared heaters work great in all kinds of rooms including bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, etc.

Disadvantages Of Infrared Heaters

1. Not Allowed To Use On Gas Stoves Or Fireplaces (or Chimineas) – Most infrared heaters cannot be used on gas stoves or fireplaces. Only a few models can be used on these appliances.

2. May Cause Burns And Other Health Problems – Some people have complained that infrared heaters may cause burns and other health problems. However, this is rare.

3. Cannot Work With Ovens Or Microwaves – Many infrared heaters cannot be connected to ovens or microwaves.

4. Must Be Placed Away From Furniture – Some infrared heaters must be placed away from the furniture. This means that you should not put them near beds, couches, tables, chairs, etc.

5. May Damage Carpets – Some infrared heaters may damage carpeting. Make sure that the area where you plan to install the heater has been properly prepared.

6. May Take a Long Time To Warm Up – Infrared heaters take time to warm up. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes before they begin producing heat.

7. May Burn Out Faster Than Expected – Infrared heaters burn out faster than expected. The lifespan of most infrared heaters is between 3-8 years.

8. May Produce Smoke – Some infrared heaters produce smoke when they are turned on.

9. May Have A Short Lifespan – Infrared heaters may have a short lifespan. Their lifespan depends on how often they are cleaned.

10. May Break Down Over Time – Infrared heaters break down over time. They may stop working after several months.

11. May Get Hotter Than Normal Temperature – Infrared heaters get hotter than normal room temperatures. This may make you feel uncomfortable if you use them in a cold environment.

12. May Need Regular Maintenance – Infrared heaters need regular maintenance. This includes cleaning, replacing filters, checking the batteries, etc.

13. May Require Professional Installation – Infrared heaters require professional installation. You may need help from professionals to do it correctly.

How Much Do Infrared Heaters Cost?

Infrared heaters come at different prices. Here are some examples:

• 100-200 pounds – These are affordable infrared heaters. They are suitable for small spaces such as bedrooms, offices, etc.

• 300-500 pounds – These are mid-range infrared heaters. They can be used in large areas such as living rooms, dining rooms, etc.

• More Than 1000 pounds – These are high-end infrared heaters. They offer more features and better performance compared to lower-priced infrared heaters.

What Is An Oil-Filled Heater?

An oil filled heater is one of the best options available today.  These heaters are very efficient and provide excellent heating performance. Wondering, how they work, let us find out.

How Do Oil-Filled Heaters Work?

Oil-filled heaters consist of two parts: a burner unit and an oil tank. When you turn on the heater, the burner heats up the oil inside the tank. As the oil gets heated, it expands and pushes the air around it. The hot air then rises and circulates throughout the room.

Pros & Cons Of Oil-Filled Heaters

Now, let us consider the pros and cons of oil-filled heaters for a better understanding. 

Advantages Of Oil-Filled Heaters

1. Very Efficient – Oil-filed heaters are very efficient. They consume less energy than electric heaters with quick heating.

2. Easy To Install – Installing an oil-filled heater is easy. You don’t need any special skills to install it.

3. No Electricity Required – There is no electricity required for these powerful heaters.

4. Can Be Used In Any Room – You can use these heaters in any room as they are ideal for indoor home heating. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. You can also find mini oil heaters as well as it comes in a variety of sizes.

5. Safe For Pets – Pet owners love using oil-filled heaters because they are safe for pets.

6. Low Noise Level – Oil-filled heaters produce low noise levels.

7. Good Value For Money – Oil-filled heaters cost much less than other types of heaters.

Disadvantages Of Oil-Filled Heaters

1. Requires Regular Maintenance – Oil-filled heaters require regular maintenance. You will need to clean them regularly. If you fail to maintain them, they could become dirty or clogged. This would reduce their efficiency.

2. Not Suitable For Cold Environments – Oil-filled heaters cannot be used in cold environments. They won’t function properly at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Cannot Be Used With Gas Stoves – Oil-filled heaters cannot be used with gas stoves. They only work with electric ones.

4. May Cause Fire Hazard – Oil-filled heaters may cause a fire hazard. They should not be placed near flammable materials such as curtains, carpets, furniture, etc.

5. May Become Dirty Quickly – Oil-filled heaters tend to get dirty quickly. They must be cleaned frequently.

6. Oil filled heaters can freeze

How Much Do Oil-Filled Heaters Cost?

You can buy oil-filled heaters online for anywhere between 100-500 pounds. However, there are some brands that sell this safe heater for under 50 pounds.

Are Infrared Heaters Better Than Oil Filled?

Now, it is time to know are infrared heaters better than oil-filled heaters. Let us compare them side by side.

Infrared Heaters Vs Oil-Filled Heating

The main difference between infrared heaters and oil-filled heaters is that the former uses infrared rays while the latter uses convection. Both technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages. So, which one should you choose? 

You need to look into the pros and cons of both heater types during the selection of models. Plus, budget plays a key role as well when picking a space heater. Look for a lightweight heater. There are fundamental differences between these two heater types in terms of these factors.

In essence, Oil-filled heaters have many advantages over other types of heaters available today. It is a cheaper option. On the other hand, an infrared is an expensive option. So, if you want to enjoy all these benefits, go ahead and purchase oil-filled heaters from good heater stores. We offer them at affordable prices. There are other heater types as well, such as convection heaters. You can look into them as well.