14 Different Types of Heaters That You Should Know in 2023

Various types of heaters are available for installation to maintain hot air in homes. Heaters are devices or systems that add thermal energy or increase the temperature of multiple items, equipment, and materials.

The use of heaters has increased too much in many industries and applications, from the HVAC industry, where the purpose of the heater is to heat air, to particular applications like band heaters that are used for heating cylindrical objects or trace tape and cables to wrap around the pipes and valves to warm them.

Different types of heaters are used for different and specific purposes in the industrial process, like induction heaters, cable and coil heaters, and tabular and immersion heaters for heating liquid.

Few heaters are used as stand-alone devices like infrared heaters, while others must be inserted in machined parts such as strip and cartridge heaters.

The article will explore different types of water heaters like space heaters, indoor heaters, water heaters, baseboard heaters, and much more. We will also review some of these heaters, their description, and their pros or cons. So, stay with us in this effective article to know all heaters.

Space heaters

Space heaters are one of the best heaters that warm your room frequently. You can stay comfortable and warm whether it is cold outside or snow. Moreover, as you know, modern heaters care about elegance, so the beauty of your home will not suffer.

Space Heaters use too much energy, which is partially true from our point of view. We say your heater electric bill will increase after buying this heater in your home. But if you don’t want to pay more bills and stay warm, don’t leave without reading about the different types of electric space heaters.

Safest Types of space heaters

Ceramic space heaters:

These heaters are the famous space heaters that heat ceramic plates using electricity. They are portable and less energy-efficient, which makes them ideal for the best space heaters in small spaces. However, they take their time heating the plates. If you have a large room, then these heaters are not suitable. They are known as small space heaters.

Pros:

• They are energy-efficient
• Portable

Cons:

• Takes a few times to heat up
• It could be better for large rooms.

Vornado VMH600

According to Forbes.com, This high-quality space heater uses vortex-type air circulation to heat medium and large rooms without intense heat. Vornado VMH600 heater contains a cool touch exterior, a 2-stage automatic safety shut-off for worry-free use, and tip-over protection.

It is also known as one of the best indoor electric heaters for large rooms with two heat settings (Low/750W, High/1500W) and a fan-only option, and it takes 12 hours to tailor the energy consumption and heat output.

Pros:

• Gently heats all the air in a medium-sized room to a large-sized room.
• Cool-touch exterior

Cons:

• It is more expensive.
• This heater has no oscillation feature.

3. Dr. Infrared Heater:

You can large industrial spaces efficiently and safely by using Dr. Infrared Heater. One of the best things we like about this heater is that it has a portable design, warehouses, shops, rapidly heated construction sites, workshops, basements, and garages.

This heater’s high-temperature heating limit and built-in thermostat ensure safe operation with the convenience of temperature control with no oversight.  

Features of Dr. Infrared Heater

• Safe to use
• Fast and more heating
• Specially designed for workplaces
• Built-in thermostat
• Automatic temperature savings.

Hot Water Heaters

A water heater gives you a constant stream of heated water to multiple fixtures of water throughout the building, and it is one of the central Home Appliances for any residential house. That’s why these types of heaters are known as one of the best water heaters for home.

The interesting fact about them is that each type has the same function but in different manners. This fact will give them a plus point over the other heater. 

Types of Water Heaters

1. Electric Water Heater

This is the first type of water heaters that are available to purchase. These heaters technically provide you with better energy efficiency than gas water heaters. They have less upfront cost and will only produce hot water slowly.

The number of households is increasing yearly, and these water heaters will likely outnumber gas water heaters. These heaters use electric heating elements or equipment to heat water.  

Electric water heaters normally contain two heating elements as well. They contain two thermostats to handle or manage every heating element.

Pros:

• Better than gas water heaters.
• Contains two thermostats

Cons:

• These heaters don’t heat water quickly.

2. Gas Water Heater

Gas water heaters are one of the famous fuel types in America, and they are currently used in 50% of homes. These heaters use gas burners to heat the water and release toxic fumes through one of these three ventilation systems. Direct vent, power vent, and atmosphere vent.

They heat water quickly, and you can use these heaters whether there is a power outage or not if you have a pilot light rather than an electric ignition. You know that gas is cheaper than electricity but the price of water heaters gas is more than water heaters.

Pros:

• Cheaper to operate than electric water heaters
• Recover much more quickly

Cons:

• Often cost more than electric water heaters upfront
• Not all homes have gas; might need to be added

Baseboard heaters

These heaters are generally a versatile and powerful option for home heating. These heaters are currently the primary, supplement, and zoned heat source in small buildings, large rooms, and individual rooms.

They generate a specific amount of heat without needing an expensive central heating system, making them a famous choice in older homes. They have an affordable price, and they run quietly without any noise. Their lifespan is above 20 years with less maintenance.

Types of baseboard heaters

Electric Baseboard Heaters

These heaters are an affordable option for heating one room to another. They are not very expensive because no ducts are needed. Unfortunately, they are not efficient, just like the central heating system. The room is heated through the radiating heat from baseboard heaters, which takes more than 1 hour to give you the desired temperature.

These heaters provide heating by using electric resistance. The air is heated in the heating unit through cables and then pushed out. The cold air will enter the heating unit, and hot air will be pushed out. This is one of the most used baseboard heaters electric in all around the world now.

Pros:

• Affordable
• No ducts needed

Cons:

• Not as efficient as a central heating system
• Takes time to heat a room

Hydronic Baseboard Heaters

Hydronic baseboard heaters use water or oil sealed in their system to heat the air and keep it warm long after the thermostat turns the system off. However, these heaters cost you much more than their electric counterparts, and they have few options available. They take time to set the desired temperature in the room. You can also search for cadet baseboard heaters, which are a type of baseboard heater.

Pros:

• Water or oil stays warm long after the thermostat turns the system off
• More energy-efficient than electric heaters

Cons:

• Cost much more than electric heaters
• Fewer options available

How do baseboard heaters work?

A heating element in a baseboard heater uses electricity to warm the air through convection. Since air rises when it gets warmer, the room has a constant flow of warm air. A thermometer controls the process and lets the temperature be adjusted.

Heaters for Homes

When the temperature drops from its desired value, it is easy to locate yourself cracking up the thermostat to keep your home hot. If you choose the right type of home heater, then it will save your energy and ease the burden of your thermostat.

All the heating systems share one common goal: transferring heat to the living spaces to keep the environment toasty and comfortable. Few homes have more than one heater because they have additional room and a basement. So, let’s look at some of the best home heaters.

Types of heaters for homes

Furnace:

One of the common types of home heating systems is forced air distribution systems. The reason is that they use a furnace with a blower fan, which delivers heated, conditioned air to the house’s multiple rooms through the network of ducts.

The forced air systems share a similar blower and ductwork, just like the air conditioner, and that’s why they can also be used in the summer months. The fuel sources of these furnace heaters are propane, natural gas, oil, and electricity.

Pros: 

• They combine both heating and cooling capabilities in one single system.

Cons:

• Gas furnace heaters might create a risk of fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and explosions.

Boiler Heaters

Radiators and boiler heaters are more common in flats and old homes. They contain a central heater that sends water or steam to the radiators around the house through pipes. This method works best for the house’s cooling and heating areas one by one. Unfortunately, it is not good for simultaneously heating large areas of the house. The fuel sources of boiler heaters are biodiesel blends, natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, and propane.

Pros:

• Compared to other heating systems, these heaters will give you a smooth and comfortable heat that will not dry out the air.

Cons:

• According to HAVC, boiler home heaters are not combined with air conditioning for a year.

These are two popular types of heaters in homes that most homeowners use right now.

Walls Heaters

A wall heater is a heating unit installed or attached directly to the wall. These heaters are designed to save valuable floor space and are generally used to heat small areas like rooms, offices, and compact living spaces. You don’t have to extend the HVAC system if you installed these wall heaters in your home. 

When you are installing the wall-mounted heaters, then the process is simple. You must attach them directly to the wall and their circuit to the electric panel. These heaters are different from other portable heaters because portable heaters are generally plugged into the wall outlet. In the case of wall heaters, no wires will trip on. Let’s take a look at some of the best wall heaters.

Types of Wall Heaters

Wall Heaters Gas

These heaters are large and they are complex. They need an installation professional, so that you can contact our TheFusionFeed expert team. The cost of gas wall heaters is higher as they are more affordable to run.

These heaters have 10 to 20 years lifespan if you do regular maintenance. Unfortunately, these heaters have shorter lifespans than electric wall heaters. One of the disadvantages of gas wall heaters is that there is a risk of leakage of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can be fatal.

Wall heaters Electric

The initial price of an electric wall heater is less, but you have to pay more money to operate them month after month as compared to gas heaters. These electric heaters are long-term and durable, lasting 20 to 30 years. Maintaining them and not combusting the fuel onsite is easy, eliminating the risk of carbon monoxide or gas leaks. This is one of the famous types of electric wall heaters.

Tankless Water Heater:

Sometimes, you need a water heater that heats your cold water instantly, and then a Tankless water heater comes into action. Thanks to its freestanding units, this water heater is more popular. When water flows through the heater into your plumbing system, it will heat your water through thermal conductivity.

Tankless water heaters don’t have a water reserve, and they offer you a limitless flow of water. Hence, it is unsurprising that various homeowners prefer tankless water heaters.

Types of tankless water heaters

Condensing:

You should have considered a tankless water heater because you don’t need any air pipes and venting materials. After all, these heaters take heat from the exhaust before sending it to the venting system.

The tankless water heater uses the heat from the ground to heat water in another way. Condensing water heaters are more expensive to purchase but have low installation and maintenance costs. In addition, they provide you with higher energy efficiency so that the cost of the device will be lower in the long run.

Pros:

• Energy-efficient
• Less carbon footprint
• Low Cost of maintenance

Cons:

• More expensive cost of purchase
• Require more maintenance

Non-condensing:

These types of tankless water heaters use heat exchangers to heat the water and then vent the exhaust outdoors. They require stainless steel flue pipes to withstand the exhaust heat, which enhances the installation cost.

The installation cost of these heaters is more than that of condensing tankless water heaters, but they have a low purchase cost.

Pros:

• Less expensive cost of purchase
• Require less maintenance

Cons:

• Short lifespan
• Less energy-efficient
• High carbon footprints

Heaters in Apartment

Heating is an important component of indoor air quality and a must-have for residential apartments. The property is essential for people’s happiness, and the homeowners always remember that.

According to the law, you must ask for the property when you buy or rent an apartment. However, it has an expensive comfort that is currently missing in your room, which is very important nowadays.

Types of heaters in apartments

1. Radiant Heating:

Most radiant heating systems are in-floor. In-floor radiant heating systems heat water with a boiler and circulate it through PEX tubing buried in a concrete slab or under a floor. Like boilers, they use gas, liquid propane, or oil. They are also known as portable or oil heaters in apartments.

When hot water circulates through the system, the pipes radiate heat into the floor, which heats the space. Cooled water returns to the boiler for reheating.

These systems heat the space’s objects, so their heat is agreeable. This heating system is among the most energy-efficient.

However, radiant floor heating systems are expensive and complex to install. Broken lines buried in concrete slabs are hard to discover and fix.

2. Heat Pumps:

Heat pumps are modern and more efficient house heaters. These types use outside units to capture ambient heat and generate heat. A water pipe absorbs heat and sends it to a duct heat exchanger. Heat pumps can extract heat from outside air, even at frigid temperatures.

Another option is geothermal heat pumps. These heating systems have underground pipes. Heat is best scavenged on the ground since its temperature is stable year-round. It is also known as water heaters in apartments.

Portable Heaters:

Portable space heaters can be used where conventional heating systems cannot since they deliver localized heating. Many varieties and models exist, each with its heating system and set of characteristics. Let’s understand some portable electric heaters.

Types of Portable Heaters

1. VEVOR 8KW Diesel Heater (Portable heaters for Cars):

Trucks, yachts, buses, car trailers, and motorhomes can all benefit from having the VEVOR 8KW Diesel Heater installed 1. Its rated voltage is 12V 1, and its heater power is 8KW. An LCD and remote control make setting the temperature and timer on the heater a breeze. It is one of the best portable heaters for cars.

2. PELONIS Oil Filled Radiator:

The PELONIS Oil Filled Radiator is a portable, fin radiator-style heater with a simple programming console to control power and temperature settings. It uses encased, non-refillable mineral oil to warm an area 1. The heater has a timer to turn the heating cycle on and off and an adjustable thermostat to deliver an optimal room temperature. This is one of the best portable heaters for home.

3. Mr. Heater F232000:

One of the best portable heaters for camping is Mr. Heater F232000. It can warm rooms up to 225 square feet in size. It can be powered by a single pound of propane 2 and can provide heat at a rate of 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs. In the event of an overturn, a snuffed pilot flame, or a lack of oxygen, the heater will switch off automatically.

4. GKOKG 2 in 1 Portable Heater:

The GKOKG 2-in-1 is one of the best Portable Heaters for tent. It is a multifunctional gas heater and stove, ideal for camping, fishing, and trekking 1. It can quickly heat a room to a comfortable temperature because of its 9,000 BTU output and 360° of radiant heating 1. A variety of 110g and 230g butane/isobutane/propane fuel canisters, a 1 lb propane cylinder, and an extension hose or adapter are all suitable for use with the heater.

Room Heaters:

A space heater is an essential electronic appliance if you live in a cold climate or just get cold during the winter. Heaters do more than keep the house warm; they create an inviting atmosphere. If you’re in the market for a space heater, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options in terms of style, price, color, and size. Let’s look at some of the best room heaters for winter.

Types of room heaters

1. Convection heaters

Heat transfer oil is used in convection heaters to radiate heat from the outer surface. The thermostat allows for control of the heating system. The nicest part is that they are low-maintenance and don’t require frequent cleaning. It’s also a plus because they always have juice. 

Although effective in the bedroom, there are better choices than these if you need a heater that will rapidly warm the entire room.

2. Micathermic Panel heaters:

These heaters stand out from the crowd because of their hybrid design. Their heat output is primarily convective (80%) and radiative (20%). Some types can even be mounted on the wall and weigh nothing. They produce no noise or light when operating. 

Remember that they get very hot, so keep children and pets away.

Sauna Heaters:

A sauna heater warms the space and its occupants and generates steam from the water splashed upon the hot stones. Several factors, including but not limited to heat output and heating method (RT 91-10475), can be used to categorize heaters loosely. Let’s understand some of the best sauna heaters.

Types of Sauna Heaters:

Finlandia/Harvia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater, 8kw 240v/1ph:

Heat up to 425 square feet of area with the Finlandia/Harvia FLB-80/KIP-80B Sauna Heater, a wall-mounted electric heater. It is rated for 240 volts at one phase and has a heating capacity of 8 kilowatts. The heater has been certified safe by the UL and ETL, and a lifetime guarantee backs it. This is one of the best electric sauna heaters, 240v, available in the market. The heater is also called an electric sauna heaters 240v.

HUUM Sauna Heater:

The HUUM Sauna Heater is a sleek, robust electric heater built for the ultimate, gentle steam experience. It can store a lot of sauna stones, so the steam is nice and mild, much like in a conventional wood-burning sauna. The UK’s CA has tested and approved every part of the heater.

ALEKO Harvia Sauna Heater:

This is one of the best Harvia sauna heaters. A classic Finnish sauna heater, the ALEKO Harvia features an integrated control panel and may be installed on the wall. It has a stone shield for added protection and is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel. The heater can heat spaces as large as 424 adjusted cubic feet, making it suitable for use in home saunas.

ALEKO Wood Burning Sauna Heater (Sauna Heaters wood)

You can use the ALEKO Wood Burning Sauna Heater in any outdoor setting, even if you don’t have access to electricity. The sauna’s spacious stone interior allows for optimum heat release. High heat and humidity are no match for this heater’s 304 stainless steel and iron construction.

Garage Heaters

No one likes to work on a car in a chilly garage. It’s not only uncomfortable, but it also makes your hands feel more sensitive to pain. The solution is to install a heater in the garage. A dependable and effective garage heater is a need whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer, a professional mechanic, or just someone who wants to spend time in their garage during the cooler months.

Types of Garage Heaters

1. Briza Infrared Patio Heater

Briza’s Infrared Patio Heater is a garage heater that may either be put in your garage or utilized with the supplied tripod stand, generating a much different form of heat.

Patios and outdoor eating areas frequently have infrared heaters installed. They’re made to rapidly warm their targets without wasting much power on the air around them. However, you will only feel the heat if you’re right before it, so there’s a trade-off for conserving energy. It is one of the best-infrared garage heaters.

Pros:

Energy Efficient

Cons:

Didn’t warn the entire room

2. DeWalt 68,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater

One of the more flexible models we evaluated, this tool has variable output and can run from a regular 120-volt wall outlet or a DeWalt MAX 20V battery. It is one of the best propane garage heaters.

Propane heaters:

The fuel used in gas heaters is propane, which makes them portable heaters. People often use these heaters in various places because they are effective and flexible warmth options. There are different kinds of gas heaters, like radiant, convection, and forced-air heaters, to meet different heating needs.

Types of propane heaters

1. Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater

It is also known as propane heaters indoors. With its maximum 18,000 BTU output, the Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater can heat up to 450 square feet in size. It doesn’t need batteries or wires, and it’s lightweight, simple to operate, and portable. It is one of the best propane heaters for garages.

2. Heat Hog 9000 BTU Propane Heater

This 9000 BTU propane heater is great for lightweight, portable warmth. Heat Hogs come in 4000, 9000, and 18,000 BTU outputs, much like Mr. Heater’s ‘Buddy’ series.

Indoor Heaters:

Heaters used inside of a building are called “indoor heaters.” Heaters are available in various designs and fuel sources, from electric to propane to kerosene. They can be a great supplementary or additional heating source for a house.

Types of Indoor Heaters:

1. Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater

The Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater provides efficient warmth with its ceramic heating element and oscillation feature, ensuring even distribution throughout the room. With adjustable thermostat settings and a sleek tower design, it blends seamlessly into any space while offering customizable comfort. Experience reliable, quiet heating for a cozy home environment.

2. GAIATOP Space Heaters for Indoor Use:

GAIATOP Space Heaters provide rapid, even heating in a space-saving form. With adjustable settings and safety features, these heaters provide comfort and peace of mind for any indoor environment. Warm up your environment with the help of GAIATOP’s stylish and dependable heaters.

Infrared Heaters:

A form of heating system, infrared heaters emit electromagnetic radiation in the form of a beam, warming up whatever is in its line of sight. Instead of heating the air around you, as conventional convection heaters do, infrared heaters warm the surfaces and objects directly. These heaters are highly regarded for their efficiency, as they warm only the areas used at any time. 

Types of Infrared Heaters:

1. Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater:

This infrared heater has gained popularity due to its effectiveness and capacity to warm huge rooms. It has a PTC element and an infrared quartz tube for heating.

2. Duraflame Infrared Quartz Heater:

Duraflame manufactures a variety of infrared heaters that provide effective and supplemental warmth. These heaters frequently have elegant designs and features such as adjustable thermostat settings and remote control.

Kerosene Heaters:

Kerosene heaters are portable heating devices that create heat using kerosene as a fuel source. These heaters normally comprise a tank that holds the kerosene, a wick that pulls the fuel, and a combustion chamber where the kerosene is burned to generate heat.

Kerosene heaters are frequently used when conventional heating sources are problematic or unavailable, such as in outdoor settings or emergencies. They are well-known for their efficacy in generating quick and localized heat. Still, users should be cautious due to the possibility of carbon monoxide emissions and the requirement for sufficient ventilation.

Types of Kerosene Heaters

1. 2 in 1 Kerosene Heater & Stove

Enjoy the convenience of a dual-purpose Kerosene heater and stove. This space-saving gadget is a reliable heat source and a useful burner for on-the-go meals, all right for usage inside or out.

2. Dyna-Glo Delux KFA80DGD Kerosene

Warm big areas reliably with the Dyna-Glo Delux KFA80DGD Kerosene Heater. This portable heater is perfect for frigid climates because of its high BTU output, sturdy build, and simple controls.

Conclusion:

The vast world of heaters serves various demands, from warming households to industrial processes. Ceramic space heaters are portable and use little energy, but high-tech heaters like the Vornado VMH600 effectively warm huge rooms. Various options, such as water heaters, baseboards, and infrared heaters, meet different heating needs.

Whether you’re looking for information about electric, gas, or tankless water heaters, this article has you covered. The article covers different types of heaters to help readers find the best option for their specific needs, from sauna and garage heaters to portable and indoor heaters.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Are the Types of Heaters?

Central heat furnaces, traditional boilers, and heat pumps are three types of heaters.

What kind of heater is best?

If you need to heat a room rapidly, a radiant heater is your best bet. However, a convection heater is the best option to heat a room.

Which heater uses more electricity?

Convection heaters are typically more expensive because their power output is only about 2000W. As a result, a convection heater (as opposed to a radiant heater) may be left on for longer periods.

What are the classifications of heaters?

Space heaters, room heaters, immersion heaters, and duct heaters are common heater types identified by their intended use. Heating systems that circulate fluids are called circulation heaters.