I've been running a fan powered space heater to supplement my propane heater, but I know my electric bill is going to be very high because of it. I am looking into a radiant heater because I've heard so many great things about them. Last year I purchased one but returned it because it got extremely hot, and I wondered if it was defective. I decided to give a radiant heater another try. Lowe's has something called a convection radiant heater. What is the difference energy use-wise between an oil filled and a convection radiant heater? They had an oil filled one as well, but it was twice the price. Would I save enough energy (aka money) to justify the extra expense?
I don't know about energy savings. I would be more concerned about functionality.
Our last TT, not a Jayco brand, had a great heater, but it was very loud when running. We preferred to use a space heater instead of the built in heater. Even though it had an automatic shut-off, if tipped over, I didn't trust using the heater when we weren't nearby.
The link below seems to have some good information for you to consider before choosing.
I have a few different space heaters. The latest ones that I have purchased have been the small quartz heaters that I am using in the house here and there.
A couple of years ago when were were working from home and using the travel trailer as our home office, we used a single oil filled electric space heater and it would keep our small unit really comfortable all day. It is a Delonghi brand if I remember correctly.
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All electric heaters use the same amount of electricity for the same amount of heat. For example, a 1500 heater of any design will output 1500w of heat.
The advantage of an oil filled heater is the heater doesn't have a small heat spot and instead uses the oil to spread the heat throughout the unit allowing for the heater to be cooler overall and distribute the heat over a larger surface area.
The advantage of the smaller quartz heaters is their size, they put out the same amount of heat but in a concentrated package which means you need to be more careful as the heaters output is more concentrated (hotter).
I have used both styles, I prefer the larger oil filled heaters when\where the size of it doesn't cause any concerns. When traveling I usually only carry the smaller quartz style heater as it is easier to store when not in use. ~CA
I use small 1500 watt ceramic heaters in the camper. They look like a small car radiator inside and have a fan to move the air around the room. I have found out that on HI, (1500 watts) they don’t last long. They start popping the internal circuit breaker and then die. But on Lo, they last forever. So I put out 2 of them when I want 1500 watts of heat. This has the added advantage of being able to put them in different places inside the camper. The fans make some noise, ( less than the furnace) but 2 of them take up less space than 1 oil filled heater. I have paid as little as $6 for one brand new at the end of the season. I hope that this helps someone. Jay
I like the ceramic heater. We are using one that dates back to the early 80's or earlier.
What I like about it. It is small, very reliable, sits nicely on a countertop. I have nothing bad to say about it..
Ours has lived it's whole life in a camper.
Most of the time, we place it on the stove top. It does a good job keeping our htt warm.
All electric heaters use the same amount of electricity for the same amount of heat. For example, a 1500 heater of any design will output 1500w of heat.
The advantage of an oil filled heater is the heater doesn't have a small heat spot and instead uses the oil to spread the heat throughout the unit allowing for the heater to be cooler overall and distribute the heat over a larger surface area.
CA
X2 my oil filled has followed me thru many tent camping years & 10 years with my TT. Super quiet and have never needed anything bigger
Sits at the edge of the sofa
oil filled radiant vs. convection radiant heater
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