Advantages and Disadvantages of Convection Heaters

Convection heaters are those which warm up the room by blowing heated air. They are being used widely for residential heating, especially during winters. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of convection heaters.

Advantages of convection heaters

• As convection heaters can heat the entire room, they can heat more people. However, this is not the case in radiant heaters as they can heat only the people nearby the heater.
• Convection heaters are more economical and are used for longer periods.
• The heating elements of convection heaters are not exposed and hence, are safe to use. Even the outside surface of the heaters do not get heated up to the extent that they burn you.
• Convection heaters are much inexpensive when compared to radiant heaters.
• They are even available in different designs, sizes and models.

Disadvantages of convection heaters

• One of the major concerns with convection heaters is overheating. Generally, forced convection heaters make use of fan that forces the heated air out. In case the fan is spoiled, the heater will overheat. Furthermore, if the heater is made of plastic, upon overheating, the plastic melts down. It is for this reason that convection heaters are recommended to be made of metal instead of plastic.
• Convection heaters should not be placed near windows or other areas where drafts are likely to occur. With these heaters, the drafts are even susceptible to overheating.
• No objects should be placed near convection heaters as they block the warm air and make the heater hot. Any objects present near the heater corresponds to energy loss.
• Warm air from convection heaters is less dense and remains at the ceiling. So, lesser heat is present at the bottom and you cannot experience the warmth leading to energy wastage.

Remember these pros and cons of convection heaters when purchasing a heater.