Oil heaters, which are also sometimes referred as column heaters, are heating devices that are usually used in most homes. These heaters consist of metal columns that have hollow cavities, where oil freely flows inside the heater. They feature a heating element located at the base of the unit, which functions to heat up the oil and then allows it to flow around the heater’s hollow cavities through the process of convection. The oil inside the heater basically acts as the unit’s heat reservoir. The oil has a high boiling point, which allows it to remain in liquid form for heating purposes. It also has high specific capacity, which permits the oil to store and sustain high levels of thermal energy even in smaller amounts.
Oil-filled heaters generally work by heating the oil, while the oil serves as the unit’s reservoir. The unit is capable of keeping the oil for a longer period of time as the heat is gradually transferred into the room or space via radiation and conduction. The unit’s columns are typically constructed from thin fins, which typically have a large surface area. The heater’s columns must have a large surface area to allow sufficient amount of air to come in contact with the unit at any given time. This will allow the heat produced by oil heaters to be efficiently transferred into the room being heated.
These heaters are commonly used in small-to-medium size rooms, like in bedrooms or living rooms. Although they are an affordable heating alternative, oil-filled heaters have lesser spatial heating capacity as compared to gas heaters. Hence why, they are not highly recommended when heating larger spaces. But since they do not produce harmful emissions, they are the best choice for indoor heating. The power consumption of oil-filled heaters can be anywhere around 300 to 2400 watts, depending on the unit’s size, heating capacity and output.
When it comes to safety, oil heaters are undoubtedly the best choice. In fact, they are much safer as opposed other heating options since they have lower surface temperature, and they are often equipped with additional safety features. Some models even have tilt sensor which automatically turns off the unit when it is accidentally knocked over. With that said, you can sleep soundly at night knowing that your heating device won’t bring your house on fire. But still, it would be best not to leave your oil-filled heater unattended when in use, just to be on the safe side.