There’s nothing like turning on a small fan heater to make a chilly room feel cozy. Almost instantly, cold air is replaced with heat that spreads through the entire space. But did you know not all fan heaters work alike? Two common fan heaters are ceramic fan heaters and coil fan heaters.
Both types run on electricity. Both have a fan that blows air into the room. But the heating element inside the heater differs depending on the type. These differences impact the safety, noise level, cost, and everyday comfort of each heater.
Which Should You Pick?
In most homes, go with the ceramic fan heater. It usually offers better features for everyday use. That doesn’t mean you should never use a coil fan heater. It can still be a good solution when you need low-cost heat for a short period.
How Do They Work?
Inside a coil heater, there is a metal coil that heats up. Electricity flows through the coil. The coil gets extremely hot. A fan blows air over the coil. That air blows hot air into your room.
It’s a simple design that’s been around for years. The manufacturing costs on this type of heater are often less than other types. That is one reason you’ll usually pay less for a coil heater at the store.
A ceramic heater uses ceramic plates. Many describe these heating elements as PTC ceramic heaters. PTC means positive temperature coefficient.
When electricity flows through the ceramic element, it heats up. But it automatically limits how hot it can get. A fan blows air over the ceramic plates and into your room.
Coil vs Ceramic Heater: Heat Distribution
Both ceramic and coil heaters can heat up a small room quickly. The main difference is how much you can control that heat. Ceramic heaters often regulate heat more consistently. The coil can get much hotter near the heating element.
Comfort
You’ll get quick heat from both styles. They work well for small rooms, home offices, bathrooms, and other rooms that could use some supplemental heating.
When you turn on a coil heater, it can heat up quickly. That may sound like an advantage. But rapid heat can make the room feel less comfortable. You could feel hot near the heater. But step away a few feet and you may feel cool.
Ceramic heaters are often better at putting out a consistent stream of heat. The fan will still distribute heat around the room. But ceramic plates help limit sudden changes in temperature.
This can allow the ceramic heater to feel more comfortable when used for longer periods. It may not heat the room as intensely as a basic coil heater. But it can help keep an entire room at a comfortable temperature.
Think of a coil heater as flipping on a bright desk lamp. It’s direct and intense. A ceramic heater is more like turning on a lamp with a lampshade. The light is still there. But it doesn’t feel as harsh on your eyes.
Energy Efficiency
Many people assume ceramic heaters are always cheaper to run. That’s not necessarily true.
A ceramic heater that has a 1,500-watt output will use about the same amount of electricity as a 1,500-watt coil heater. As long as both are running on high, they will use about the same amount of power.
Electricity use is based on watts and how long the heater is on. If you have a 1,500-watt coil heater and turn it on for one hour, you’ve used 1,500 watts of power.
If you have a 1,500-watt ceramic heater and run it for one hour, you’ve also used 1,500 watts of power. The elements inside the heater do not change that calculation.
However, ceramic heaters may help some people lower overall usage. Since they can better control heat, they may work well with thermostats. Once the room hits your desired temperature, the heater may turn off sooner.
When using a coil heater without a reliable thermostat, it may stay on fully heated longer. Eventually, this can overheat the room. You may turn it off. Suddenly, you feel cold. Then you may turn it back on and start the cycle again.
The easiest way to save money on any heater is to buy one that is the right size for your space. Use it in the room you are actually in. Close off rooms you aren’t using. Set the thermostat to where you like it, not necessarily the hottest setting.
Safety
Ceramic fan heaters have an advantage most everywhere you look. That includes safety. Ceramic elements typically don’t get as hot to the touch as a metal coil. This can decrease the chance that someone will get burned if they get too close to the heater.
Keep in mind that doesn’t make a ceramic heater safe to leave unattended. As with any portable heater, don’t leave it on if you aren’t in the room. Don’t run it while you sleep. Keep it plugged into the wall directly. Do not use a power strip or extension cord.
Always keep three feet of space around your heater. Clear that space of children, pets, and furniture. If you have kids or pets who will be around the heater, a ceramic heater is often a wise choice.
Look for one with a wide base for stability. A tip-over switch is nice. Some models also feature a cover over the front grill. These features can help you feel safer while the heater is running.
Noise, Cost, and Lifespan
Since both types have a fan, neither option is completely silent. But noise can vary by model. A cheap coil heater may come with a loud fan and only one speed. A more expensive ceramic heater may offer a low and high fan speed option.
Cost is another area where coil heaters have an advantage. You can find a basic coil heater for very little money. If you need something for the garage, workshop, or just to use for a short time in a small space, a coil heater can work.
Ceramic heaters cost more upfront. However, you usually get what you pay for. A ceramic heater may offer better temperature controls, larger safety features, and a nicer finish. Many also come with features like digital displays, timers, remote controls, and even energy-saving eco modes.
If you take good care of it, a coil heater can last many years. Dust can build up on exposed coils. That dust can smell like it’s burning the first few times you use the heater each year.
Like with coil heaters, dust can build up on a ceramic heater. You should still clean your heater regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions on how to clean the outer grill and air intake area. Never clean the heater while it is plugged in. Be sure to unplug the heater and let it cool off completely before cleaning.
Which Heater Wins?
If you want consistent heat and don’t mind paying a bit more, go with a ceramic fan heater. They often work better for regular heating of bedrooms, offices, or living areas. If saving money on the purchase price is your main concern, go with a coil heater. It can be a great choice to heat up a garage, utility room, or work space for a short period of time.
No matter which type you choose, take some time to compare wattage, recommended room size, thermostats, safety features, and the Safety Certification Label on each product. A heater that’s properly sized for your room will heat better than an oversized or undersized unit.
For most homes and families, ceramic heaters win overall. They offer fast heat, easy-to-use controls, and have lower risk factors. A coil heater will heat your room. But ceramic fan heaters are usually the better choice.
Real World Example – PTC Ceramic Heating Elements in Cars
One practical example of PTC ceramic fan heating relates to automotive applications. Many electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles have created a demand for more compact electric heating systems. Electric engines don’t necessarily have the same levels of waste engine heat which can be used to warm the passenger cabin.
German automotive supplier, Eberspächer, manufactures automotive climate-control systems which incorporate PTC air heaters. Their heaters employ ceramic heating elements which heat air that can then be blown through the vehicle ventilation system.
Essentially, the idea is very similar to that of a domestic ceramic fan heater. Electricity flows through the ceramic PTC elements to produce heat. A fan blows air over the elements to distribute the heat. Because the PTC ceramic element’s resistance increases as it heats up, it can regulate its power output to some extent.
The reason this example is relevant is because it highlights one of the key practical differences between a PTC ceramic heater and a traditional exposed coil heater. A ceramic element can provide rapid electrical heating, but its resistance-temperature characteristics also provide a degree of automatic power regulation.
Compact PTC Ceramic heaters can also be useful in cars because they can be neatly packaged and integrated with existing air-handling units. Rather than wait for the surrounding air to heat up (and warm the surfaces inside the vehicle), a fan can quickly blow that air into the passenger compartment.
Just because you can find a ceramic heater used in an automotive application doesn’t mean it will always outperform a coil heater. The heater’s wattage, airflow, design and controls along with the intended operating environment will affect performance. But using forced-air and PTC ceramic heating elements together is one way to deliver controlled, rapid heat where an appliance. https://xtendelements.co.za/ptc-ceramic-technology-a-new-era-in-water-heating-efficiency/
Frequently Asked Questions About Ceramic Fan Heaters vs Coil Fan Heaters
What is the difference between a ceramic fan heater and a coil fan heater?
Technically, the difference is in each heater’s heating element. A coil heater uses electricity to heat a metal wire or coil. Ceramic heaters usually use what’s known as a PTC ceramic heating element. Each technology has different electrical and temperature characteristics.
Are ceramic fan heaters better than coil heaters?
PTC ceramic heaters are often a good choice for everyday household heating. Their elements have self-regulating capabilities and many models include thermostatic controls, timers and other useful safety features. But a basic coil heater can still be suitable when comparing price is your primary concern.
Which type of heater is cheaper to run?
The heating element doesn’t solely determine a heater’s running cost. A 1500 watt ceramic heater will consume roughly the same amount of electricity as a 1500 watt coil heater if they both operate continuously at full power. Factors such as wattage, power settings, how long the heater runs and local electricity prices will affect running costs.
Are ceramic heaters more energy efficient than coil heaters?
Not necessarily. Ceramic heaters and coil heaters are both types of electric resistance heaters. They convert electrical energy into heat. Because PTC ceramic elements can self-regulate their heat output to an extent, they have potential to use less electricity. But compare the whole heater and its features before deciding.
Which heater heats a room faster?
In general, both ceramic and coil fan heaters heat a room fairly quickly. The size of the room, heater’s wattage and available airflow are just as important as the technology used in the heating element. Many people find that ceramic heaters produce heat very quickly. This is partly because they generate a lot of heat during startup.
Are ceramic heaters safer than coil heaters?
PTC ceramic heaters may automatically regulate their heat output to an extent. However, other factors such as thermostatic controls, heat sensors and physical construction will also affect safety. Like any portable heater, use a ceramic heater safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do coil heaters get hotter than ceramic heaters?
The heating element inside of a coil heater can get extremely hot. That’s why traditional coil heaters often have exposed, glowing coils. The electrical resistance of a PTC ceramic element increases as its temperature rises. This tends to limit the amount of electrical current flowing through the element.
Which heater is better for a bedroom?
A ceramic fan heater can make an ideal bedroom heater. Provided you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, they offer rapid, directional heat. Many models are also equipped with thermostatic controls so you can keep your bedroom at a comfortable, consistent temperature.
Which heater is better for a garage or workshop?
Both types of heater can work well in a garage or workshop. A traditional coil heater might be ideal if you’re not concerned about extra features. But a ceramic heater could provide better temperature control and safety features. Consider how you will use the heater before deciding which type is best.
Do ceramic fan heaters use a lot of electricity?
That depends on how long you use the heater for and its total wattage. A 1,500 watt heater that runs for one hour will use 1.5 kWh of electricity. Using a thermostat will help reduce how much electricity your heater uses by limiting unnecessary heating cycles.
Does a ceramic heater automatically use less electricity?
No. If two heaters have the same wattage, they will use roughly the same amount of electricity when operating continuously at full power. Ceramic heaters have the potential to limit their power output as they heat up, but that doesn’t mean they automatically use less electricity.
Do ceramic heaters last longer than coil heaters?
Not necessarily. The overall build quality and usage conditions will affect how long any heater will last. Assuming both are properly maintained, either type can last for several years before requiring replacement.
Are ceramic fan heaters quieter than coil fan heaters?
No. Assuming both types of heater use a fan to distribute heat, the fan will be the primary cause of operating noise. Some heaters are quieter than others. Noise level can be affected by the fan motor, blade design, heating element and airflow rate.
Can dust buildup cause problems for my coil or ceramic heater?
Dust and dirt can restrict airflow and collect near the heating element. When you switch the heater on, it might cause a dusty odour as particles are burned off. Allow the heater to cool, then carefully clean the heater as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I plug my fan heater into an extension cord?
Portable electric heaters usually draw a large amount of electrical current, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Some specifically advise against using extension leads or power boards. Whereas others require you to use an adequately rated extension cord. When in doubt, check the appliance instructions or contact the manufacturer.
What should I look for when buying a ceramic fan heater?
Check the details. Beyond the type of heating element used, there are several other useful features to consider when buying a fan heater. Features such as wattage, maximum room size, thermostat controls, variable heat settings, safety certifications, timer functions, airflow controls, noise level and even physical dimensions are all worth considering.
Is there any reason to buy a coil heater?
Yes, coil heaters are still very much worthwhile. They remain a simple way to introduce supplemental heat without paying extra for features you may not want or need. If you only require the heater on occasion and the purchase price matters most, a coil heater can be a good choice.