As we face the midst of our chilly winter season, a must-have in every home is a good, quality heater, to keep you, your housemates, family and pets cosy as the cold weather sets in. The renowned Australian retail company, Bing Lee, has put together the ultimate heater buying guide to help you find the perfect heater this winter.
Whether you are looking for a small and portable heater for your home office, or something to heat a larger space like your living room, Bing Lee is here to help you find the right product to suit your needs and budget. The most important things to first consider are the size of the space you are wanting to heat and whether or not your home has an existing gas connection.
It is also important to consider how you plan on using your heater, if you want a heater with extra features, or a heater that has a timer so you can program it to turn on at specific times? Safety features must also be considered if you live with young children or pets, once you have ticked everything off your checklist you can begin narrowing down particular models that suite your space and needs.
Gas Heaters or Electric Heaters
Gas Heaters: Flued gas heaters need to be installed with a flue pipe, which carries the exhaust fumes outside of the house whereas portable gas heaters, sometimes referred to as unflued gas heaters, only need a gas bayonet outlet and a PowerPoint. Unflued heaters should only be used in larger, well-ventilated areas of the house.
Electric Heaters: Portable electric heaters are usually cheaper to buy than gas heaters and can usually just be plugged in, so are often more convenient too. They’re good for heating enclosed areas quickly but can cost more to run than gas heaters. If you opt for an electric heater, the most energy-efficient room heaters will be the cheapest to run.
Electric heaters come in a great variety of choices in terms of different styles and features, they are also generally 100% efficient, as the energy is converted into heat. Electric heaters can certainly be worth the cost it takes to run. Gas heaters however can be more expensive to purchase upfront and are not as efficient with their heat output, but they are cheaper per unit of energy and, depending on it’s usage, and can save your money on bills later down the track.
Heaters For Large Areas
It is important to keep the size of the room you’re wanting to heat in mind, as it helps determine what heat output will be needed for the heater to work efficiently within the space. For large living areas, particularly an open living space or an area with high ceilings, a powerful gas heater is your best option. Between 2000 and 24000W is best suited and suggested for larger rooms and living spaces.
Bing Lee also suggests that reverse-cycle air-conditioners are an effective option for larger rooms. Like gas heaters, reverse-cycle air conditioners tend to cost a little more upfront than electric heaters, however, they’re cheaper to run and can be used to keep you cool in the summer. If gas or reverse-cycle-air conditioners are outside of your budget, electric convection heaters are another great and affordable option. Convection draws in cold air and emits warm air which rises towards the ceiling, this continues the cycle until there’s no cool air left. These heaters are quick to warm up and great for large spaces, whilst being lightweight and portable.
Heaters For Small Areas
Fan, column and panel heaters are all great options for bedrooms and other smaller spaces within the home. 1500W is generally a sufficient amount of power for small room heaters, however, this depends on how well your home is insulated and the temperature outside. Electric fan heaters are a reliable option for small, paces such as they warm up quickly, and due to their size are portable, making them a great option if you’re wanting to use it in more than one place.
Column heaters can take a little longer to heat a space up but they are ideal for prolonged use. They’re a great option for home offices or bedrooms as they can be used at night, are quiet to operate, affordable to run and retain heat well. Panel heaters tend to be thin, flat and more stylish, than other heaters. These heaters are wall-mountable, making them great for space-saving, and for those with thermostats, this heater will help maintain a consistent temperature in your room.
Ambience Heating
What is better than being curled up in a warm and cosy room watching a movie on a cool winters night… To add an extra element to the room and atmosphere why not add an electric fire heater? They are a great way to replicate a traditional wood fire, without all the mess and work. Experts at Bing Lee recommend that electric fire heaters are ideal for those who want the ambience of a fireplace flame without the hassle of starting a fire. They come in a variety of different styles and can even be wall-mounted for added style and convenience.
How Much Will Your heating Cost?
Bing Lee has certainly got you covered this winter season with its wonderfully wide range of gas heaters, electric heaters and electric fire heaters. Whether you are looking for something warm up the entire living room, or just make your study a little bit cosier, Bing Lee has the perfect heater for you and your home. Visit Bing Lee for more.
