Common Heater Types To Buy
Heaters come in various configurations to suit different heating needs and room sizes. Electric heaters plug directly into standard power outlets, whilst gas heaters require connection to natural gas or bottled LPG. Below is a breakdown of the most common:
Convection heaters: Warm air circulates naturally through the room
Radiant heaters: Direct heat towards people and objects
Fan heaters: Blow warm air for quick temperature increases
Oil-filled column heaters: Retain heat longer after switching off
Panel heaters: Wall-mounted for permanent installation
Micathermic heaters: Combine radiant and convection heating
Reverse cycle air conditioners cool in summer and heat in winter. Electric fireplaces add ambience alongside warmth. Electric blankets provide targeted personal heating for bedtime comfort.
Room Size And Heater Capacity Requirements
Room heater capacity measures in watts or kilowatts, with higher wattage needed for larger spaces. A general guideline suggests 100 watts per square metre for well-insulated rooms with standard 2.4-metre ceilings. Poorly insulated rooms require approximately 150 watts per square metre.
Capacity by room size:
10-15 sqm (small bedrooms): 1000-1500 watts
20-25 sqm (medium living areas): 2000-2500 watts
30+ sqm (large open-plan spaces): 3000+ watts or multiple units
Ceiling height above 3 metres, large windows, and poor insulation all increase heating requirements. Our heater buying guide provides detailed calculations for specific room configurations.
Safety Features To Look For When Buying A Household Heater
Household heaters should include overheat protection that automatically switches off when internal temperatures exceed safe levels. Tip-over switches cut power immediately if a space heater falls, particularly important for portable models. Below are the common safety features to consider:
Cool-touch exteriors: Maintain lower surface temperatures during operation
Child locks: Disable controls to prevent temperature adjustments
Automatic shut-off timers: Prevent heaters running indefinitely
Enclosed heating elements: Reduce contact burn risks
Stable base design: Minimise tipping likelihood
Flame-failure devices: Shut off gas supply if pilot light extinguishes
Heaters carrying Australian safety certification marks meet local electrical and fire safety standards. Manufacturers specify minimum clearance distances from curtains, furniture and walls to prevent fire hazards.
