An effective and economical heating system is more than just a good heater. Radiant heat Radiant heat is emitted from hot surfaces, e.g. the glowing panel of a gas heater, the surface of a heated concrete slab, a bar radiator or open fire. Radiant heat heats objects within the room directly, but does not directly warm the room air. Radiant heaters are most appropriate if your rooms have large open spaces or high ceilings, or are particularly draughty, such as in bathrooms. Convective heat Convective heat is heat which is transferred from one object to another, using moving air or water.
Convection heaters work by filling a room with warm air.
Fan heaters and ducted heating are examples of convection heaters. Convection heaters are most appropriate if your rooms are insulated, well sealed against draughts and have average ceiling heights. They should be avoided in draughty rooms, rooms with high ceilings or areas with open stairwells. Some heaters combine the effects of radiant and convection heating. Hydronic radiator panels, wood heaters, storage fan heaters and many gas heaters function in this way.