Choosing the right heater comes down to two things: how the space is being heated and how often. A portable electric convector costing £30 is the right answer in dozens of situations. A heat pump costing £10,000 after the grant is the right answer in others. Getting this decision wrong doesn’t just mean paying more Read more »
A fan is one of the most used devices for cooling purposes. This age-old device has been around for quite some time. However, it has come a long way from the handheld fans, and now you see the plugged-in electrical devices in every household. The electric fan can be considered a staple appliance in every Read more »
A pedestal fan can catch fire, but it should not do so in normal use if it is a safe, well-maintained appliance used as instructed. The risk usually comes from faults: damaged wiring, overheating motors, dust build-up, poor plugs, unsafe extension leads, recalled products or a fan being left running when nobody is awake to Read more »
Electric heating can mean anything from a small plug-in heater to a whole-home heat pump. That range is useful, but it also makes comparisons confusing. Some electric systems are cheap to install and expensive to run. Others cost more upfront but can be far more efficient over time. This guide compares the main electric heating Read more »
Considering the purpose your bathroom is used for, it is supposed to be a humid space by default. To avoid the consequent mould and maintain the interiors of the bathroom, it is essential to keep it ventilated. Mould accumulation coupled with a damp atmosphere can give way to harmful health effects for all users of Read more »
Infrared heaters can be safe when they are correctly specified, installed and used with suitable clearances. They heat people and surfaces directly rather than warming all the air first, which is why they can feel comfortable in certain rooms. The safety questions are mainly about surface temperature, placement, electrical load, mounting, vulnerable users and whether Read more »
Gas heaters can be safe when they are the right type for the space, properly installed, well maintained and correctly ventilated. They become dangerous when used in the wrong room, poorly serviced, blocked, damaged, unflued, or treated as a cheap substitute for proper fixed heating. The safety question depends heavily on the kind of gas Read more »
Electric stove heaters are not usually expensive because of the flame effect. They become expensive when the heating element is used for long periods. Most electric stove heaters use a small amount of power for the visual flame display and around 1-2 kW when heating, so the running cost depends mainly on wattage, electricity tariff Read more »
Electric heaters can be safe when they are well made, correctly placed and used for the job they are designed to do. The safety problems usually come from misuse: covering heaters, drying clothes on them, using extension leads, placing them too close to furniture, leaving them unattended, or continuing to use damaged appliances. That makes Read more »
Portable air conditioner size is measured in BTU, which tells you how much heat the unit can remove from a room. Too little BTU and the unit will run loudly without making much difference. Too much and you may pay more for a heavier machine that cycles awkwardly or feels excessive for the space. For Read more »
