Space Heating Systems

•1 Categories Of Space Heaters

1.1 Convective heaters

1.2 Radiative Heaters

•2 Types Of heaters

2.1 Halogen space heaters

2.2 Electric heaters
2.3 Propane space heaters

•3 Safety Issues
 Categories Of Space Heaters

Convective heaters

In convection heaters, a fan circulates air around heating elements in order to

warm it. This type of heater is useful for heating an area quickly.

Radiative Heaters

A radiator is a heating device which consists of a series of connected pipes

through which steam or hot water is circulated and radiates heat into the
surroundings. Radiative heaters work on the principle of a radiator. In
radiative heaters, liquids such as diathermic oil are used to produce heat
and then radiates into the room. These types of heaters are more efficient
than convection type of heaters. However, it can become less efficient if the
heat is not radiating into the room freely due to any blockage and if the
heater is far away from the person. They are best for spot heating.
Types Of heaters

Halogen space heaters

Halogen heaters are one of the latest types of heating equipment, using light
from an energy efficient halogen bulb to produce heat. They are light weight,
efficient converting about 85% of the input power to the output source of
energy. Also, due to its halogen light based emission, it efficiently transfers
the heat to the object despite of any atmospheric conditions. However, they
are not among energy star products.

While central boilers that heat buildings and houses heat space, the term
space heater is normally used to refer to relatively small heaters, especially
those that are portable or wall-mounted. These space heaters may use
natural gas or propane, but they are most commonly electric. Electric heaters
are safer because there is no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. They are
also cheaper to buy. However, they are often far more expensive to operate,
because electricity is typically more expensive per unit of heat energy
produced than gas or propane.
Electric heaters

Modern electric space heaters usually have ceramic

heating elements rather than nichrome wires that
were in wide use in the past, and are often fan-forced
with a blower . These distribute heat fairly evenly, and
allow them to be encased in plastic, reducing the
chance of burns or fire. Window or wall-mounted
units, often seen in hotel rooms, are permanent space
heaters.
Propane space heaters

Propane space heaters are generally one of two types, radiant

(infrared) or circulation-type space heaters. Infrared propane
space heaters function to heat objects which in turn heats the
surrounding air whereas circulation type space heaters heat the
air directly using a fan or convection. Additionally, propane space
heaters are either vented or unvented.

Unvented space heaters are low capacity heaters used to heat

living areas but are not allowed in bedrooms, bathrooms or
confined spaces due to fire danger and the possible accumulation
of flue gases at high levels.
Safety Issues

Space heaters are known for providing inexpensive and portable source
of heating. Due to rise in energy costs many people are forced to rely
on space heating.

However, space heating is also associated with health risks, and fire
hazards. Unvented kerosene or gas heaters are common sources of
carbon monoxide. Unvented kerosene heaters are banned for indoor
use in some areas. In addition, leaking furnaces, wood stoves and fire
places also pose threats of carbon monoxide, and some types of space
heaters pose a risk of fire.

Therefore, space heaters are not consider as an Energy Star qualified

product.