Heaters

Convection Heaters

Direct Fired Heaters

Forced Air Heaters

Indirect Fired Heaters

Portable Electric Heaters

Radiant Heaters

Unit Heaters

Heaters: Types and How They Work

Heaters are essential appliances that provide warmth across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. Understanding the various types of heaters can help you select the most suitable option based on energy source, heating requirements, and indoor air quality. Below is a quick overview of the most common heater types and how they work.

Convection Heaters

Convection heaters use natural or forced convection to warm air by heating a surrounding element, causing warm air to rise and cooler air to circulate in a loop. They operate silently, making them ideal for bedrooms and offices, and offer even heat distribution with minimal cold spots. These heaters are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and available in both freestanding and wall-mounted models.

Direct Fired Heaters

Direct-fired heaters burn fuels like propane or natural gas to heat air directly, which is then circulated into a space without a heat exchanger. They offer high energy efficiency, fast heating, and lower upfront and maintenance costs, making them ideal for well-ventilated or outdoor areas. However, they are unsuitable for enclosed spaces due to the release of combustion byproducts.

Forced Air Heater

Forced air heaters use a furnace and blower fan to quickly heat and circulate air through ducts, making them a popular choice for homes and large buildings. They offer centralized heating, fast warm-up times, compatibility with air filtration and humidifiers, cost-effective whole-building coverage, and thermostat-controlled temperature accuracy.

Indirect Fired Heater

Indirect-fired heaters burn fuel in a combustion chamber and transfer heat to clean air through a heat exchanger, ensuring no combustion gases enter the living space. They are safe for indoor or enclosed areas, maintain air quality without releasing exhaust inside, and are ideal for food processing plants and occupied rooms, although they are slightly less efficient than direct-fired heaters.

Portable Electric Heaters

Portable electric heaters use resistance heating and may operate through convection, radiant, or fan-assisted methods. They are portable, ideal for spot heating and small spaces, and safe for indoor use as they produce no emissions. However, they have limited heating capacity compared to larger systems.

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters use infrared radiation to directly heat objects and people without warming the surrounding air, making them ideal for drafty or outdoor areas. They provide instant, energy-efficient heat in targeted zones and include types like infrared panels and ceramic heaters.

Unit Heaters

Unit heaters are ceiling- or wall-mounted systems commonly used in industrial settings, garages, and warehouses to efficiently heat large, open areas using gas, oil, or electricity. They save floor space, offer options for direct or indirect-fired configurations, and require professional installation for optimal performance.

Explore the Right Heater at Our Canadian Warehouse

Heatstar HS80CVLPX Propane Industrial Convection Heater

The Heatstar HS80CVLPX Propane Industrial Convection Heater is a powerful, clean-burning heater that delivers 30,000 to 80,000 BTU to warm up to 1,900 square feet, making it ideal for large worksites. It features an adjustable BTU output, operates without electricity, and includes safety measures like a thermoelectric safety valve and a standing pilot for continuous operation. Designed for use with propane and equipped with a factory-installed Piezo igniter, it offers quiet, odourless heating with easy assembly through its Insta-Lock Chamber.

Heatstar HS200CVX Convection Propane Industrial Heater

The Heatstar HS200CVX Convection Propane Industrial Heater delivers adjustable heat output from 75,000 to 200,000 BTU, efficiently warming spaces up to 4,700 sq. ft. It operates without electricity, using propane fuel for clean, odour-free burning. Key safety features include a thermoelectric safety valve and a factory-installed Piezo igniter. This fully assembled heater is easy to set up with the included 10-ft hose and regulator, requiring a 100lb propane tank. With durable construction, an Insta-Lock chamber, and no need for power, it’s ideal for reliable, high-capacity jobsite heating.

Heatstar HS3500DF Forced Air Direct Fired Industrial Heater

The Heatstar HS3500DF Forced Air Direct Fired Industrial Heater delivers 360,000 BTU/hr and 1795 CFM of airflow, making it ideal for heating large industrial spaces. Compatible with multiple fuel types (diesel, kerosene, jet fuel), it features a 27-gallon tank for up to 9 hours of operation. Built with a stainless steel heat exchanger, solid rubber wheels, and advanced safety systems—including electronic flame control, overheat protection, and ventilation cycles—it ensures safe, reliable performance. Additional features include an optional remote thermostat hookup and thermo-acoustic insulation for safe surface temperatures.

FAQs

1. Why does my heater blow cold air when I first turn it on?

It’s completely normal for a heater to blow cold air initially—this happens because the system needs a few moments to warm up before it starts distributing heated air. Think of it like running hot water; it takes time for the heat to travel through the system. If the cold air persists after a few minutes, it could signal issues like a clogged filter, a thermostat misreading, or a problem with the pilot light or heating element.

2. What’s the difference between convection and radiant heaters?

Convection heaters warm the air in a room, making them better for heating larger spaces over time, while radiant heaters use infrared technology to directly warm objects and people, offering instant heat in smaller areas. If you want fast, personal warmth, go for radiant; for whole-room comfort, convection is better.

3. Can I use a heater in the bathroom?

Yes, but only if it's rated for bathroom use. Heaters in bathrooms must be specifically designed to handle moisture and prevent electrical hazards. Look for models labelled “bathroom-safe” or “wet-rated,” and avoid using extension cords. Wall-mounted or ceiling heaters are safer than portable floor units in damp environments.

4. Why does my heater smell like it’s burning?

A burning smell from a heater, especially when used for the first time in a while, is often caused by dust buildup on heating elements. It usually clears up after a few minutes. If the smell continues or smells like burning plastic or wiring, turn it off immediately and have it inspected to rule out electrical issues.

5. What’s the best way to maintain a heater for long life?

Regular maintenance is key—clean or replace filters every 1–3 months, keep vents and heating elements clear of dust and debris, and have it professionally inspected annually. For space heaters, check cords for wear and always store them properly. Well-maintained heaters last longer, run more efficiently, and pose fewer safety risks.

Heaters

Heaters: Types and How They Work

Convection Heaters

Direct Fired Heaters

Forced Air Heater

Indirect Fired Heater

Portable Electric Heaters

Radiant Heaters

Unit Heaters

Explore the Right Heater at Our Canadian Warehouse

FAQs

1. Why does my heater blow cold air when I first turn it on?

2. What’s the difference between convection and radiant heaters?

3. Can I use a heater in the bathroom?

4. Why does my heater smell like it’s burning?

5. What’s the best way to maintain a heater for long life?

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