Forced air
Forced air heaters, also called torpedo heaters, distribute heat using fans powered by internal motors. They have capacities ranging from 30,000 to 750,000 BTUs. Most models use directional heating, where heat can be directed at certain spots to keep it away from the heater itself.
They can usually heat up rooms with only the discharge end inside, which eliminates the risk of contamination with the outside air.They often come with several safety features, including spark plugs, ignition controls, and safety switches for controlling voltage and energy output. They are usually permanently installed and run on household electricity.
Radiant
Radiant heaters work by deliver heat from a heat source into the room without losing any energy during the transfer. They are usually self-contained, requiring no external power which makes them ideal for tents and camping trips. They heat rooms more directly, typically starting with the ground level, which greatly reduces energy wastage and makes them very efficient and cheap to operate.
They usually have high energy outputs, often in standard ratings of 100,000 and 250,000 BTUs. Most models can be fitted with thermostats for easy monitoring of heat levels.
Convection
Convection heaters heat the room up in decreasing levels, starting with a very high temperature and gradually lowering the heat to a more comfortable level. They usually cost less per BTU than other heater types, but lot of heat is wasted during the initial heating, which makes them less cost-efficient. Most convection heaters come in 80,000 and 200,000 BTU models. Prices do not vary greatly between each type, but although 200,000 BTUs are cheaper to purchase, they can be more expensive to operate because they require larger cylinders and often use up more fuel than needed. |
