There are many ways that people have tried to keep their homes warm throughout history, but none have been as effective as modern heaters. Previously, people would use hot pans to warm rubbed over their bed to toasty it at night and apart from wrapping themselves in multiple layers and sitting in front of the fire, there weren’t may other options. However, nowadays, we have so many options that people just don’t know what to do. There are electric radiators, tall radiators, and even underfloor heating to choose from. So, if you’re interested in the heaters of the modern world, keep reading to find out more.
Electric Panel Heaters
Electric panel heaters are wall mounted convection heaters that work by creating a current that pushes warm air upwards. This then helps the air surrounding it to warm up. When you use an electric panel heater, you’ll feel the heat pretty much instantly and it can really help to heat the whole room quickly. The only problem that people face with these is their running costs. This is because the heat can be very quickly lost once the heater is switched off. Unlike a radiator, they don’t retain heat or even emit it once turned off. This means that the room will very likely cool down at a rapid rate when it’s not being used. Having to have the heater on all the time will then drive your energy bills sky high, so these types of heater are only good for use in short bursts. They can be very useful if you have rooms that you don’t use that often but want to make warm very quickly. For example, a conservatory can be a great one to have one in. You may only be in the room for an hour or so, which gives the heater more than enough time to heat it. So, instead of waiting for a radiator to heat up, why not try an electric panel heater.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters are still quite a new concept, but they’re becoming more and more popular as people realise just how efficient they are. These innovative heaters convert electricity into heat, which is then absorbed by objects or people in the room. Think of it like the warmth of the sun or a crackling fire. Infrared heaters also heat up immediately and produce heat in seconds, and as the heat is absorbed by objects in the room, you’ll feel the warmth much faster too. It’s also said that the running costs of these heaters is a lot lower than other panel heaters or electric ones, so they can be a very cost-efficient alternative. One unique benefit that they have is preventing mould. This is because the heat is absorbed by whatever is in the room, helping to keep damp dried out whenever it’s in use. Choosing an infrared heater can bring lots of benefits to your home, not just warmth, so why not check them out this year.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating isn’t exactly brand new, but it’s picking up pace in the modern world for all the right reasons. These heaters are installed underneath the flooring and emit a radiant type of heat to ensure that the room is heated from the ground up. These heaters are extremely low maintenance, as once they’re installed, you can completely forget about them. They also have a very high level of energy efficiency, so you can drastically reduce your bills. Underfloor heating can either be connected to your electric or water system, depending on what type of heating you want. They can be run at much lower temperatures as they heat the whole room evenly at the same time, so you don’t need to have it up so high in the long run. Underfloor heating can be a great option for many homes and can really boost your ability to keep it warmer for longer.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are an energy efficient way of bringing heat into your home from the outside. Essentially, heat pumps use electricity to draw in warmth from outdoors and fill your home with it. The amount of heat it delivers is also much more than the amount of electricity that was used, making it very eco-friendly. There are two types of heat pump: air source and ground source, and both can be just as effective. Air source heat pumps get their heat from, you guessed it, the air outside. And ground source heat pumps get their heat from the water that’s in the underground pipes. As they produce more heat than the energy that’s used to produce it, they’re very cost-effective and can really help to reduce your bills. It is worth noting that you may need permission to have one installed. It’s not always the case, but it’s best to check just to be on the safe side.
Solar Heating Systems
As more people become concerned about their impact on the environment, many of them are turning to solar heating systems as a greener alternative. These systems work by absorbing the Sun’s heat on a panel (normally on the roof) and using it to heat hot water or your home via your central heating system. It’s been said that if used correctly, solar heating can provide you with at least 60-70% of all the hot water you need in a whole year! They also help reduce CO2 emissions by 400KG every year as well, making them a great option for those worried about their carbon footprint. They’re different from solar heaters that generate electricity, as this is passed to the National Grid and not your home.
There are lots of modern heating methods that can be used in the home, and a lot of them can be used in conjunction with each other. Lots of them are also concerned with energy efficiency, which is not only great for your wallet, but even better for the environment. So, if you’re thinking about a better way to heat your home, why not check out the ones on this list. You’ll soon see and feel the benefits!