January 14, 2022
By Vanja PetrovicPosted in Heating
In the winter, it’s likely that one of your top priorities is to stay warm, both inside and out. And especially due to the pandemic, you might be spending a bit more time outside to socialize safely than you might have been just a few years ago. If you have a patio or a yard and want to spend time there during winter, you need to make sure to keep warm. The good thing is you don’t need to have a fireplace. There are now different types of space heaters that can help you solve this problem, including an electric torpedo heater.
An electric torpedo heater is a great option to warm a local space. If you are not sure what this is and how it functions, keep reading to learn more and decide if this is the right choice for you.
What an Electric Torpedo Heater Is and How It Works
A torpedo heater, also called a forced-air heater, is a type of heater that uses a fan to circulate warm air throughout your space. These heaters draw air in through the back, and thanks to powerful motors, pass that air through a cylinder with heating elements inside. It then releases heated air and creates warm convection currents.
There are two different types of forced air heaters — electric and gas-powered. The gas-powered heaters burn fuel to produce heat and electric ones convert electric energy into heat.
To use electric torpedo heaters, you need to plug them in a standard 110- or 220-volt outlet for more robust heaters. If the space you’re heating isn’t near an outlet, use an extension cord that is rated to handle the electrical load, and don’t share the outlet with other powerful devices. That way, you won’t overload the circuit.
The amount of heat that these heaters produce depends on the model and brand, and it is expressed in the number of watts or BTUs (British Thermal Units) that are usually written on the heater. This can help you decide which heater is right for you, depending on the size of the space you need to keep warm.
Electric heaters are usually manufactured with weather-resistant hardware, so they are perfectly suitable for outdoor use.
Why You Should Buy an Electric Torpedo Heater
There are a number of reasons why you should buy an electric torpedo heater. First of all, electric energy is the only energy source that is totally converted into heat. This means that electric heaters convert 100% of energy into heat, making them the most energy-efficient heating option on the market.
Besides being energy-efficient, electric torpedo heaters are also affordable. The initial investment is usually lower than with gas-powered forced-air heaters.
Electric torpedo heaters are lightweight and portable. This means that, provided that you have an electrical outlet, you can use it anywhere and keep yourself warm. They are usually designed with an easy-grip handle, sturdy feet and an adjustable tilt head.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, we may prefer to congregate outside and keep our distance, but it’s too cold to stand around in the winter air. Fortunately, the convenience and ease of use of these heaters enable you to organize gatherings with your friends outside for however long you wish.
Can You Use an Electric Torpedo Heater Indoors?
Electric torpedo heaters are a clean way of heating as they don’t burn fuel. By using electricity, they don’t pollute the air, which makes them safe to use indoors in terms of air quality.
Regarding the danger of fire, they are perfectly safe if used properly. You usually get a manual that tells you how to use the heater in a safe way. One of the things you shouldn’t do is to put the heater near furniture with flammable materials. If you follow all the safety measures, you shouldn’t worry about unwanted situations.
As these types of heaters are increasingly used, they are now being manufactured with safety measures in mind. This means that they usually have an internal thermostat and an automatic shut-off function that prevents overheating. Also, the exterior housing is usually designed to stay cool to the touch, which prevents accidental burns.
People mainly use this type of heater for a garage, a barn or a worksite.
When it comes to indoor use, there are also different infrared space heaters or radiant heaters you can use. For example, Dr. Infrared is one of the most popular and best selling portable space heaters now.
Electric vs. Gas-Powered Torpedo Heaters
There’s an increasing number of people using torpedo heaters due to the many benefits they offer. As previously mentioned, there are two types of torpedo heaters — gas-powered and electric. If you aren’t sure which one to choose, we are going to compare them, so you can decide which one suits you better.
We mentioned that electric heaters turn 100% of energy into heat. This is not the case with gas-powered heaters. They convert around 80% into heat, and the rest of the energy is wasted through the fuel.
However, while electric torpedo heaters might be more energy-efficient than their gas-powered counterparts, they are not more heat-efficient. Gas-powered heaters provide more forceful and powerful heat than electric ones, which means they can heat bigger spaces and reach further. So, if you live in colder climates and you’re choosing between these two types of heaters, a gas-powered one would be a better option.
When it comes to the upfront cost, electric torpedo heaters are more budget-friendly than gas-powered ones. Nevertheless, the cost of operating a forced-air heater that uses gas is much lower than for electric heaters.
If you need the heater for indoor use, electric heaters are preferable due to the quality of air. Electric heaters represent the cleanest heating option. As they convert the total amount of energy into heat, the air in the room where they are used remains pollutant-free.
With gas-powered heaters, the problem is that they consume oxygen, which can lead to the incomplete combustion of fuel and the production of carbon monoxide, which can be harmful to health. However, if the room is ventilated and the heater is properly used, the air will not be polluted.
If you have a bigger room to heat, gas-powered torpedo heaters provide more heat. But, if you feel unsafe using them, there are other space heaters for large rooms you can use.
When making a choice between these two types of torpedo heaters, you need to have in mind the intent and place of use, so you can opt for the one that is best for you.
Bottom Line
Now that you are familiar with all the positive and negative sides of electric torpedo heaters, you can make an informed decision. If this is not the right choice for you, look for other options on the links provided, and you will surely find the one that suits you best.
