What Makes Oil Heaters So Popular?

As the temperature goes down, you will likely experience an increase in your natural gas or electricity bill. Effectively controlling heating costs while keeping the frosty winter weather at bay is essential.

Oil-filled radiator space heaters are popular for their portability, quiet operation, and efficiency–they offer the soothing warmth you desire while helping to lower your utility bills. They are effective for heating smaller rooms like bedrooms and adding supplemental heat to larger spaces.

How Do Oil-Filled Radiators Work?

Oil-filled space heaters, sometimes called oil-filled radiators, have a unique design and near-silent heating technology, which make them ideal for adding warmth to bedrooms or any sound-sensitive environment.

• Radiator Design: You may be familiar with old-fashioned radiator heaters that were common in homes in the mid-century. Electric oil-filled space heaters have the same design, using a series of closely spaced fins to spread hot oil evenly within the unit and expose more surface area to the air.
• Diathermic Oil: This type of heater uses highly refined mineral oils, which evenly fill the outer fins of the radiator as the oil is heated, so even when the heater is turned off, the fins retain heat longer to transfer into the air. Its high specific heat and high thermal conductivity properties provide an effective heat transfer and are resistant to thermal cracking and chemical oxidation.
• Thermal Convection: Oil-filled space heaters use thermal convection instead of a blower fan to circulate air and continuously warm the room. As the air around the heater is warmed, it rises to push cold air down towards the heater. This cycle is repeated until the room air is thoroughly warmed. This constant circulation makes convection heaters more consistent in keeping rooms heated than other heaters.

Are Oil-Filled Heaters Efficient? 

Short Answer: yes. Most modern oil-filled radiators have a thermostat, allowing you more control over how warm the room becomes. Many also have different operating modes, including an ECO mode that cycles the unit on and off to keep the temperature consistent. Since the diathermic oil retains heat, the intervals between on/off cycles are less frequent, saving you energy and money.

Additional Oil-Filled Space Heater Features

• Programmable Timers: Many heaters include a programmable timer that allows you to control operating time. You can use it to delay turning the heater on or off for up to 24 hours. This is great as an additional precaution when you are away from home.
• Adjustable Thermostats: You can customize your heating preferences by setting a maximum temperature.
• Power Level Options: This is used with the thermostat to set the desired maximum power. Commonly, options include high, medium, and low power levels.
• ECO Mode: As previously mentioned, this mode allows the heater to use the appropriate power level to maintain warmth while reducing power consumption. Usually, this means cycling between the highest setting selected and the lowest heat setting to maintain room temperature.
• Anti-Frost Feature: Many oil-filled heaters include this feature, automatically turning on the heater if the room temperature falls below 41 degrees F.
• Casters: These provide simple maneuverability and portability from room to room.
• Silent Heating: The absence of a fan and the use of radiant-convection heating result in near-silent operation.

Oil-Filled Space Heater Uses

These quiet, lightweight, and portable heaters are ideal for bedrooms, studies, offices, and garages, to name a few. Many are safe for bathroom use because they have no exposed heating element.

Oil-Filled Space Heaters We Love

Delonghi oil-filled radiator space heaters have been consistent, top-rated heating solutions. They boast numerous safety features, such as overheating and tip-over protection switches, rounded edges, and ACLI plugs. They also feature intuitive controls that are simple to operate and a wrap-around power cord design for easy storage.

The Delonghi TRD40615 Portable Radiator Heater has digital or manual controls and includes a thermostat, ECO mode, 24-hour timer, and auto shut-off protection. It also includes an Anti-Frost function, automatically turning on the heater if the room temperature falls below 41 degrees F.

A Few Extra Things to Note:

• As efficient and productive as oil-filled radiator space heaters, they take some time to increase room temperature effectively. However, many models include timers for turning the heater on so your room will be warm when you arrive.
• These heaters’ fins are hot, so precautions should be taken concerning children and pets.

Summary

Oil-filled radiator space heaters are an efficient, quiet means of heating bedrooms and other small spaces or adding supplemental heat to large areas. Their unique design, use of diathermic oil, and equipped with an array of features such as thermostats, power levels, and timers make them economical, as well as simple and convenient to operate.

Questions?

If you still have questions or want to consult with one of our knowledgeable Sylvane sales associates to help you find the perfect oil heater for your home, call us at 1-800-934-9194. Be sure to connect with us online at the Sylvane Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages!