Electric Heaters vs Oil-Filled Heaters [In-Depth Comparison] 

You should probably let everyone know you are using an affiliate link in this post too like you do above, meaning you get a kickback for each person that clicks them. I mean, being upfront and honest is always best.

@@AllSportsStations thanks for noting that. There is an affiliate disclosure in the description of the video, and other RU-vidrs don't usually add them to the pinned comments, so I was just using the standard practices that everyone else does :)

@@homecapricehc I appreciate you found the same thing that I did. Oil does diffuse the heat and doesn't have to stay on as long, thus using less electricity. I appreciate you being upfront with your viewers by placing it in the meat of the video. I agree, most dont do it and you should see some kickback as I got one of the ones you mentioned. :) Love helping those that help others.

Glad you liked it!

Thank you 🙏

Yeah, that's a big advantage of oil heaters.

They are also good at not drying the air around compare to space heaters with a fan.

The term "efficiency" in the context of heaters can refer to different factors, and it seems there might be a bit of confusion in the terminology. Let's break down the efficiency considerations: Energy Conversion Efficiency: When comparing electric heaters, whether oil-filled or direct-acting, they indeed both convert electrical energy into heat. In terms of energy conversion efficiency, they are generally quite similar since the conversion process is fundamentally the same. In this aspect, you are correct that X watts of electricity is essentially converted into approximately X watts of heat for both types. Distribution of Heat: The efficiency claim often made for oil-filled heaters is related to the distribution and retention of heat. The thermal mass (oil) in oil-filled heaters allows for a more gradual release of heat, even after the heating element has stopped drawing power. This can lead to a perception of increased efficiency because it might feel like the room stays warmer for a longer period even after the heater has been turned off. It's not a matter of converting more electricity into heat but rather how effectively that heat is distributed and retained. Comfort and Energy Usage Patterns: As you mentioned, the thermal mass can help mitigate temperature fluctuations and provide a more consistent and comfortable heating experience. Additionally, some users may find that they can achieve a comfortable temperature with an oil-filled heater while running it for shorter durations, potentially saving energy compared to running a direct-acting electric heater continuously. In summary, when people refer to oil-filled heaters as "more efficient," they might be emphasizing the distribution of heat over time and the overall comfort rather than the direct conversion of electricity into heat. It's crucial to consider the specific aspects of efficiency being discussed and the user's preferences and heating needs.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I think a lot of people will find this very valuable. We need to get our hands on this heater and test it ourselves, but this looks promising. In case anyone is wondering, then they are referring to this heater: amzn.to/3sLFDhl

It doesn't. A room with an electric heater in it has exactly the same amount of moisture, it just feels dryer. The reason is simply that warm air can evaporate and hold more moisture than cold air. If you're in a cold room, there isn't much moisture in the air, but it's not evaporating from your skin, eyes, sinuses, etc. If you warm the room up, there's still not much moisture, but the warmer air dries you out much faster.

@@homecapricehc Ok thanks 👍

Oil heaters are generally safe when used correctly. They don't typically leak, as they contain the oil within a sealed system. However, it's crucial to follow manufacturer instructions, perform regular maintenance, and ensure proper ventilation to minimize any potential risks. If you have concerns, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for specific guidelines.

They always explode and kill eveyone all the time

Most of the ones on the market don't need to be filled or refilled. Mineral oil is what they are filled with and it recirculates not consumed. I have a Mainstay myself.

Oil heaters typically use a specific type of oil known as "diathermic oil" or "heat transfer oil." This oil is designed to efficiently transfer heat in a closed-loop system. The most common type of diathermic oil used in oil heaters is mineral oil. However, oil-filled heaters typically do not require the oil to be refilled during regular use, as the oil functions as a heat reservoir and circulates within the unit without getting consumed.

@@homecapricehc thank you!!😊

@@stephenm8100 thank you!! 😊

I purchased 2 last year. What is the avg lifespan? I can not find that information anywhere, How will you know if the oil is low in the rare event something goes wrong?

Electric heaters, whether they are convection heaters or oil-filled heaters, do not typically continue to provide warmth for extended periods after being turned off. Once you turn off the heater, it will gradually cool down, and the heat output will decrease until it is no longer providing warmth. However, if you're looking for a portable heater that can provide heat for an extended period after being turned off, you may want to consider looking into electric fan heaters with a built-in fan or blower. These heaters can distribute heat more evenly and may have residual warmth for a short period after they are turned off due to the residual heat in the heating element and the fan continuing to circulate that heat. Please note that this residual warmth is not a long-lasting effect and will only last for a few minutes at most. The residual warmth from an oil-filled radiator will last for a relatively short time, and it will depend on various factors, such as the size and thermal mass of the radiator, the ambient temperature, and the insulation of the room. Typically, the residual heat may be felt for a few minutes to half an hour, but it will not provide substantial warmth for a 2 to 4-hour duration. If you need heat for an extended period after turning off the heater, you may want to consider alternative options such as a properly insulated room, a heat-retaining material, or a combination of heating solutions to meet your specific needs.

No, using an electric heater that operates on electricity alone does not produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as gas, oil, or wood. Since electric heaters do not burn any fuel, they do not produce carbon monoxide. Therefore, there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from using an electric heater. However, it's important to note that if someone is using a fuel-burning appliance, like a gas heater, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. Always follow safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer and make sure your living space has adequate ventilation when using fuel-burning heaters.

He lives in the box it came in!

and they fall apart after a few months and start blowing out cold air.

Oil heaters are often considered more efficient than electric heaters because they can provide a longer-lasting warmth even after being turned off. Oil heaters use a heating element to warm oil inside the unit, and the oil retains heat, radiating it for an extended period. This means they can be more cost-effective in terms of energy consumption compared to electric heaters that rely solely on immediate heat production.

Yeah well most of the oil heaters have two or three settings switches or nobs with the low settings the heater should only consume 800 watts compared to those little space heaters the use 1500 watts and don't heat anything

@@averagejoe6897 This is simple physics. If it draws 1500 watts from the wall, it puts 1500 watts into the room in the form of heat. You may perceive it as a qualitative difference because the air gets hot first from a convection heater, whereas an oil radiator heats up both the air (from convection) and the surfaces around it (from radiation)--which benefits you more immediately if you sit next to it. But at the end of the day the room will get warmer by the same number of degrees via a 1000 watt convection heater as it will via a 1000 watt oil radiator. And both are controlled by thermostats that measure the temperature of the air. So talking about one being more "effective" than the other doesn't make sense.

I understand your perspective. When people refer to oil heaters as "more efficient," they might be considering factors beyond the direct conversion of electricity to heat. Let's clarify: Energy Conversion Efficiency: In terms of energy conversion, both oil heaters and space heaters are close to 100% efficient at turning electrical energy into heat. However, as you correctly pointed out, oil heaters may take longer to reach their operating temperature because they also need to heat the thermal mass (oil). Distribution and Retention of Heat: Claims about oil heaters being more efficient often relate to the distribution and retention of heat. The thermal mass in oil-filled heaters allows for a more gradual release of heat, which can create a sustained feeling of warmth even after the heating element stops drawing power. User Comfort and Preferences: Efficiency discussions can also be subjective and depend on user preferences. Some people find the characteristics of oil heaters, such as less noticeable temperature fluctuations and a more even heat distribution, contribute to a more comfortable heating experience. When people say oil heaters are "more efficient," they might be considering factors beyond the initial energy conversion process. It's important to clarify the specific aspects of efficiency being discussed to avoid confusion.

@@homecapricehc That's still somewhat misleading. let me try to get my point across another way. All the oil does in an oil heater is change when in the process heat is being released. All the percieved "gain" from an oil heater releasing its heat after it's switched off was already "bougth" when energy was bringing the oil up to temperature. So energetically, in the way I think most people interpret the word "efficiency", they are identical. It's fine to prefer a heat source that takes longer to get to temperature but conversely takes longer to release the heat, but it's no more or less effective. In my view the video would have been better off stating that fact, and then focusing on the difference between convective and radiant heat, and the ways in which radiant heat from an oil radiator often feels qualitatively different--now that would be a valid reason to choose an oil radiator.

Well the video got point across more easily than the physics lecture you just provided. We are more interested in the heat and safety of the heater than in the physics behind the generation of the heat. Wonderful video

Electric heaters are indeed close to 100% efficient in converting electricity to heat. When comparing efficiency with oil heaters, people might be referring to the distribution and retention of heat over time, rather than the direct conversion process. Oil heaters with a thermal mass can provide a more sustained feeling of warmth even after being turned off, impacting the perception of efficiency in maintaining a comfortable temperature.