Central heating or fan heater – or is it better to freeze?

A question that is completely justified in times like these. We are all (anxiously) waiting for winter and to see what happens with the oil, gas and electricity reserves. The question is whether we are prepared to freeze or would rather rely on the central heating or fan heaters.

The subject of «fan heaters» is a delicate one for a lot of people at the moment. It is important for us to explain what you need to bear in mind and how to use a fan heater sensibly and efficiently when there is an electricity shortage. For when it comes to cold feet and localised heat – especially in the transitional period – a portable fan heater is the best solution. And it is possible for fan heaters to be used in a targeted way so that you save on energy.

Cold hands and feet

The preconception that it is mainly women who suffer from this phenomenon is certainly not completely unjustified. However during the transitional period, a lot of people who depend on central heating have cold hands and feet. That is because in the autumn, when we start getting cold days and clear nights, we often haven’t put the central heating on yet. And in the spring, when you can still get snow in May in lowland areas, it’s not on any more. In addition, often during a very cold winter the central heating may not be enough to heat cool corners directly next to windows and doors.

That’s when it’s time for occupants to wrap up warm – although often that’s not enough. In order not to catch a cold or have sleepless nights tossing and turning, you need to look for alternative sources of heat. A portable fan heater is one of the most obvious and most effective solutions. Due to the localised heat it produces, the appliance can be used in a targeted way when required, making you feel warm and cosy. Once we have replenished our heat store again, we can then last for a certain period of time without an external source of heat.

Heating: costs & electricity consumption

In addition to electricity consumption, the question of cost is also a major issue when it comes to «alternative» heating. Not so much in terms of purchasing an appliance but rather in terms of consumption. A fan heater can become an electricity-guzzling – and consequently money-guzzling – household appliance but it doesn’t have to be like that.

Fan heaters are not electricity-guzzlers per se: they produce as much energy as they consume. However it is in times like these when you really need to be frugal with electricity and not simply leave every appliance permanently on the highest setting on principle. After all, that can get expensive and is neither sensible nor considerate – and it’s certainly not economical.

It is important to take care when it comes to choosing and using an appliance. To find out what you should always bear in mind, read our tips on buying a fan heater. By following these tips and using your appliance sensibly, you can keep not only your electricity consumption but also your costs in check.

Economical heating with portable fan heaters

Yes, it’s true. It is possible for heating to be economical – if you have the right appliance and know how to make the best possible use of its functions. It is important for the power settings of the appliance to regulate not just fan speed but also heat output. That way, the fan heater will also have low wattages on low settings. In addition, for energy-efficient operation a heater needs a digital thermostat that will switch the appliance off automatically when the desired temperature is reached. When it comes to using a portable fan heater economically, we can easily give you an example: our Anna bigAnna big.

Without the central heating on, working in your home office turns into an ordeal. You sit at the desk or dining table with your tea and woolly socks on and the cold starts creeping up your body. To stop you losing your concentration and your fingers going numb, place Anna big under the desk or table and – for as long as you remain sitting there – set her to Auto mode. This will automatically ensure that your desired temperature is reached quickly and efficiently and once reached, the appliance will switch off automatically. In order to maintain a comfortable temperature, the appliance will only briefly switch to the lowest setting. Consequently, fan heaters with Auto mode (also known as Adaptive Heat) are up to 12% more energy-efficient than comparable fan heaters without this function. As a further comparison: a desktop computer on which an image processing program is currently running consumes approximately the same amount of electricity as a fan heater on its lowest setting at 300 watts.

Of course heating consumes electricity but with targeted and conscious use and the right appliance, when it comes to the question «Central heating or fan heater – or is it better to freeze?», you can opt for a fan heater with a clear conscience if you need to warm up your hands and feet.

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