portable heaters

[jem1]

Hi, i have just moved into a new house, and am looking for a portable heater for one of the rooms that does not have central heating. There seems to be a lot of different ones - convector, oil, ceramic etc -- could someone suggest the best type? i would quite like one that runs on a timer etc, and that it is possible to leave plugged in throughout the day.

thanks

[buildersmate]

You'll no doubt get more from others on their experiences of different types but just remember that they all work off relatively expensive on-peak electricity, and that they all very efficiently convert electricity into heat. In other words, apart from the tiny bit of electricity used in a fan of a blower heater, the rating of the heater in kilowatts will give you a pretty good idea of the relative heat coming out (and the relative cost of running it). Don't be conned by claims that ceramic heaters are super efficient.

[KARL]

The previous answer correctly points to individual electric heaters being the most expensive form of heating sources. The main thing to note is that you are likely to want maximum benefit from the heat that does get put out. The fact that you want to time the heat (in you case eminently sensible as a form of rationing the heat ) means you probably want an efficient transfer rate into the air, i.e. as quickly as the heat is generated. That in turn rules out the old fashioned bar-types which mostly work on radiation, but does favour fan-types which spread the heat much better and can to some extent even be directed. For convenience and economy though there is no substitue for efficient central heating and without it do all you can to retain the heat (insulation, double glazing, draught exclusion).

[stanleyman]

One of the main considerations for a stand alone heater is safety, especially if it will need to run unattended. The oil filled electric radiator is probably the safest and won't cause any harm if it comes into contact with curtains etc. If it hasn't got a time switch then a good quality plug in type can be used but check frequently for overheating.

As has been rightly pointed out, day rate electricity is four times as expensive as town gas so installing an additional radiator would be the most cost effective means of heating.

[ianess]

If you really must have portable electric heating the possibly the best option is to go for an oil-filled convector with built-in thermostat [something along the lines of a DeLonghi] but to combine its use with a timer as you suggest yourself. Keep doors shut and eliminate draughts or it will still cost a fortune to run.