Oil heaters versus electric ones – a short comparative study
08.10.2018
Both oil and electric heaters present advantages and disadvantages regarding their speed reaction, their safety and their weight.
How does each one of them work?
Even so the expected result is the same in both cases, the oil heaters work differently than electric ones.
They include series of empty columns through which preheated oil circulates. Depending on the model, the element used for warming up the fuel is either electricity or flame. The electric heaters, on the other hand, do not contain any liquid inside them. In their case the entire heating process is based on electricity. Therefore, the electric heaters tend to reach faster a specific temperature level in comparison to the oil ones.
How safe is each one of them?
Even if all types of heaters can be dangerous, the electric ones appear to be more risky in comparison with the oil heaters. First of all the electric heaters are hotter and tend to cause fire when in touch with inflammable materials. Due to high voltage, there is a special need of paying attention to avoid any contact with water.
Environmental issues
If properly maintained, neither electric heaters nor the oil ones imply high risks for the environment. Furthermore, the oil can be used several years before replacement. It is still important anyway to properly deposit the burned fuel at the end of its admitted working cycle. The electric heaters do not generate waste materials but they are important consumers of energy. Depending on the source of electricity (like, for instance, in case of coal power stations) it is clear that there will be a negative impact on the environment.
Cost and efficiency
Depending on the power of each model in part, the electric heaters and the oil ones vary significantly in terms of acquisition price. The differences are substantial in terms of overall cost as well. We have to mention again that the oil heaters need more time to reach a specific temperature level, but they can also maintain the heat a longer period of time. The electric ones need constant input of electricity for generating heat, which can seriously impact the operational costs.
Weight
The oil heaters tend to be heavier than the electric ones. This is due to the fact that they are filled in with liquid. Furthermore, the materials they are built of are heavier as they need to better resist and protect against eventual fuel lost. The electric heaters can be built of easier materials.
Noise
Usually the electric heaters are noisier than the oil ones. That’s due to the fact that the electric heaters permanently use electricity when working. The oil heaters use a preheated fuel that can stay warm for longer periods of time. Therefore these heaters do not need to work continuously as the electric ones, for getting the same final result.
