How to warm the dank evenings when the central heating has not yet turned on or the utility company has a breakdown on the line? The most popular heating appliances in America today are oil radiators.
How to calculate the capacity of a radiator?
Calculate the necessary power of the radiator is easy – 1 kW heats about 10 m² at a ceiling height of 3 m. Almost all modern devices have a power regulator for easy heating of different rooms. The power step is 500 watts.
The ingenious thing is simple
The oil radiator is considered the most fireproof electric heater, because the air in it is heated by the mineral oil inside the radiator and its temperature does not exceed 150 ⁰C. Thanks to the oil the heating element is cooled more effectively and the heat is transferred to the environment, which increases the overall heater efficiency. The rapid cooling significantly extends the lifetime of the heating element. In addition, this type of radiators almost does not dry the air.
Cost-effectiveness index is also higher than that of open type heaters, since mineral oil has a higher thermal conductivity than air. And the oil radiator is almost silent.
Why does the oil cooler need a fan??
The oil radiator takes 20-30 minutes to heat up to operating temperature, and then some time to warm up the air. That is why almost all modern radiators are equipped with a fan. It serves for faster heating of the room and constant air circulation. If for some reason you do not need the fan at the moment, you can turn it off, but not all models have this option.
Responsible for degrees
Almost all modern oil radiators are equipped with a thermostat, a stepless temperature regulator, overheat protection system, light indication and two-or three-position switch operation modes.
The thermostat is usually installed inside the radiator and measures the temperature of the oil, making it much easier to operate the unit. The radiator is set at the optimal power level for the room. But since the thermostat measures the temperature of the oil, you have to adjust the room temperature manually, although there are expensive models with adjustable outdoor thermostat.
Some models are equipped with a 24-hour on/off timer, and you can program the radiator on/off to your liking.
For comfort
If during the operation of the radiator you feel dry air, then you should pay attention to radiators with a humidifier – a small removable tank where you can refill the water. Radiators with a humidifier are produced practically by all firms-manufacturers. As a rule, this feature has almost no effect on the price of the device.
Weight of oil radiators, depending on capacity, ranges from 10 to 30 kg.
A radiator is a type of heating/cooling system in the form of a vessel filled with a liquid water, oil, heating oil, etc. . d. which circulates to heat or cool, depending on the temperature of the fluid.
Pleasant details
For oil radiators there is a huge number of all sorts of accessories. Your task is to choose exactly what you need.
Not a bad addition to the standard equipment – a special cover-nozzle for drying laundry. For those who like to warm clothes in the morning before putting them on, this attachment will be indispensable. It also disperses the heat more evenly around the apartment. And also it serves as a good protection for children, who often get burnt on the oil radiator. Also available with special guards to protect against burns.
Sometimes there is a towel dryer, which is the same, but it has smaller dimensions. Some models have a built-in air ionizer, which is a very useful addition.
There are radiators with a fireplace effect. They differ in specific heat distribution and high speed of heating of the room. The heat is first laid on the floor, gradually rising upwards, simulating the work of the fireplace. This effect is achieved thanks to the special pyramidal shape of the radiator, additional heating element and fan system.
Many models are equipped with castors and special handles for easy movement in the room. And to make the electric cable not to get under your feet, the device is equipped with a device for winding the cord, and expensive models have a cable winding device like a good vacuum cleaner.
Hot Crumbs
Oil skirting heaters are used to heat small rooms such as bathrooms, balconies or huts. They are distinguished by their small size and accordingly low power. They attach directly to the baseboard, and look like a narrow, long panel.
What to watch when choosing
– Appliance capacity.
A 1 kW appliance can easily heat a space of about 10 square meters. But unfortunately they don’t make radiators more powerful than 3kW, so you’ll need several units for rooms over 30m².
– Timer.
This option will turn the appliance on/off by itself, and you will come to a warm room.
– Humidity function.
– The fan heater.
– Dimensions.
Please also note the following options
:
– Narrow sections.
It saves energy, but takes longer to heat up.
– If a heater weighs a little when large, it means it’s made of thin metal or has a little oil in it. Do not buy this type of appliance.
– Black radiators are more efficient to heat.
Can someone please provide their opinion on the efficiency and effectiveness of oil radiators for heating during the winter? I’m considering investing in one, but I’m not sure if they are worth the money. How well do they distribute heat and are they cost-effective in comparison to other heating options? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!