All electric heaters convert electrical energy into heat, but their methods of doing so vary greatly. The convection method will warm the air in a room and then circulate it with a fan to warm the people and objects in there. They depend on the warm air rising to heat the higher elements in the room. The infrared radiant heater makes use of electromagnetic waves to warm the objects in a room, which then emit heat that warms the air. So now we will explore infrared radiant heaters vs. space heaters. Which is better?
Electric space heaters do a fine job of warming the entire area of a small closed room. The greatest warmth will be near the ceiling. These convection units come in all prices, shapes and sizes. They might have only a heating element, or they may also include a fan with several settings. They turn off automatically when the room reaches the temperature set by the unit or by you. They will go on again as the room cools.
The infrared radiant heaters do not heat the air in a room. They are composed of thin, flat plates, designed to cover a large area.. Wide, tall infrared heaters will generally do the best job. The long wave infrared radiation is not absorbed by the air. Rather, it hits something solid in the room (object or person) and changes the radiation into heat. So it stands to reason that radiant heaters are more efficient at quickly warming a person. The heater hasn't got any moving parts, is silent, and cannot be affected by air movement. That makes it excellent for warming you in an outdoor situation. The infrared heater uses less energy and requires less repair.
Both types of heaters are safe to use, as long as you follow the directions of the manufacturer. Almost all of them have automatic shut-off in case of overheating or if the unit gets knocked over. No portable heater should ever be left on when nobody is home and using it. It is wise to check for the Underwriters Laboratories seal of approval when shopping for your heater. In fact, you should always do some research before you purchase, and read some of the comments made by people who own them, to find out the operating cost and dependability of each model you are considering.
