Oscillating Heaters

Advantages of Oscillating Heaters

Oscillating heaters are usually ceramic or halogen heaters, and the list of advantages of oscillating heaters will vary based on which one the unit is. There are some benefits that are unique to ceramic heaters, and others that refer specifically to halogen heaters. However, there are some advantages of oscillating heaters that are based on the fact that the heater oscillates and nothing more.

Oscillation

Oscillation refers to a pattern of movement, similar to a vibration, where the object in question swings back and forth in a steady motion. In an oscillating heater, a piece inside the heater oscillates constantly. The heater heats up the air, and the oscillation moves the hot air, circulating it around the room. In this way, an oscillating heater works in a manner similar to a fan, with the oscillating movement ensuring that the room is heated evenly, without any cold spots.

No Fan, No Dust, No Noise

For the most part, a fan is unnecessary with an oscillating heater, though many heaters come equipped with a fan anyways. The fact that the fan is unnecessary is one of the biggest advantages of oscillating heaters. Fans tend to stir dust around the room, making things very uncomfortable for those with allergies or other respiratory issues. Fans are also very noisy, and can prevent a good night’s sleep. This is especially true if the fan is not perfectly new and clean, as older fans tend to rattle a lot.

Safety Features

The safety features included on most oscillating heaters is one of the big advantages of oscillating heaters. Ceramic oscillating heaters usually come with a cool casing of some sort that doesn’t get too hot, making them safe for kids and pets. All oscillating heaters should have an automatic shut off feature that will turn the heater off if it gets tipped over. This is especially important in long, thin tower heaters or those without a very steady base. Last but not least, most oscillating heaters do not have any moving parts exposed, reducing the risk of something get caught inside the heater.

Other Features

The exact features of oscillating heaters vary by company and model but most heaters feature some, or all of the below. Many have an automatic shut off for when the room reaches a certain temperature, as well as a thermostat to set that temperature. Digital thermostats tend to be more exact, but manual thermostats are more durable, so both have their benefits. Most oscillating heaters also have timers so that users can set the heater to go on right before the room will be needed. Lastly, some models feature a remote control so that the settings can be changed from a distance.

Variety

One of the advantages of oscillating heaters is that there is a huge variety available. First and foremost, they can be ceramic or halogen heaters. In addition, the heaters come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so there is sure to be one to fit the size and décor of every room. The heaters themselves also offer a variety of settings. Most come with a high/medium/low setting, and some even come with the option of turning off the fan altogether.

There are many advantages of oscillating heaters. They offer all the benefits of a fan, like stirring the air, but none of the disadvantages, like the noise. There is also a huge variety of oscillating heaters available, so that everyone can find a heater that suits their needs perfectly.

Disadvantages of Oscillating Heaters

Oscillating heaters are great if they suit your needs, but there are a number of important disadvantages of oscillating heaters that you should be aware of before you purchase one. At times, the disadvantages may be related to the fact that the heaters are ceramic or halogen. Oftentimes the oscillation is an attempt to compensate for such disadvantages. In any case, it may be best to purchase the heater from a retailer with a good return policy.

Cost

The first of the disadvantages of oscillating heaters that you’ll notice is the price. Oscillating heaters tend to be very pricey initially, especially for some of the higher end models. In addition, some customers report that their electric bill goes up when an oscillating halogen heater is used. However, oscillating heaters tend to be very durable which means that the price is a one time thing, as the heater should last for a long time.

Size Limitations

The idea behind an oscillating heater is that the oscillation will move the warm air around the room, thereby heating it. However, this idea results in some very practical size limitations. The effects of the oscillation only reach a limited area that is relatively close to the heater. As a result, oscillating heaters are usually ineffective at heating large rooms. For the same reason, they are typically not a good choice for rooms with high ceilings. Even long tower haters will not be able to oscillate air that is 15 feet above the heater.

Noise

One of the very annoying disadvantages of oscillating heaters is the amount of noise the units make. Many oscillating heaters do not come with a fan, but some do. When the fan on the unit kicks on, it is fairly loud, and it is often loud enough to wake people at night. In addition, for some reason most oscillating fans emit a loud beep whenever a setting is changed. The beep is heard regardless of whether the remote is used or the settings are changed on the heater itself. Customers complain about the beep, and say that most units do not offer the option of disabling it.

Halogen Related Disadvantages of Oscillating Heaters

There are a number of disadvantages of oscillating heaters that are specific to halogen heaters, irrelevant of whether they oscillate or not. Halogen heaters take the form of bulb which gets very hot and then transfers the heat to objects in the area. It often acts in a manner similar to a light fixture, and the bulb can get unbearably bright, especially if the fan is being used in the bedroom. In addition, since the heat focuses on objects and people, only very specific spots in the room get warmed, instead of the entire room heating up.

Oscillating heaters are great for a number of reasons, and many people consider oscillating heaters to be the ideal solution for their needs. However, there are a number of disadvantages of oscillating heaters that should be considered before the unit is purchased.