Short Description
Home heating may be achieved by means of electric or gas heaters which are either portable or in built, or by reverse cycle air conditioning. (see separate buyers guide). The heater should be selected according to its capacity to warm a specific room or space and to maintain the warmth at a comfortable level.
More Details
POINTS TO CONSIDER:
. Safety - particularly with small portable heaters, eg hot to touch,
trailing cords or hoses on floor, etc.
. Option of castors for moving or wall mounting for safety.
. Controls - type of switch or knob for ease of operation. Cross bar
knobs or large rocker switches are preferred.
. Legibility of settings on the appliance.
. Height of controls particularly with in built models.
. Option of remote control with larger models of gas and electric heaters.
FEATURES - ELECTRIC HEATERS:
. Pilot light easily visible on non-radiant heaters.
. Thermostat to maintain a steady room temperature.
. Convection and/or radiant heat.
. Fan assisted to move warm air around the room.
. Timer to turn heater on and off automatically at selected times.
. Tilt switch to turn heater off if it is knocked over.
. Wall mountable model may be safer.
. Castors for moving larger heaters without lifting.
- GAS HEATERS:
. Sized according to their rated energy input measured in megajoules per hour to suit range of room areas.
. Convection and/or radiant heat, flued or unflued.
. Electronic ignition - a one handed operation.
. Piezo ignition - requires two hands.
. Thermostat to maintain a steady room temperature.
. Fan assisted to move warm air around the room.
For further information refer to `Choice' magazine, major retailers of
electrical appliances, Sydney telephone directories.