What is a Halogen Heater?

home garden

A halogen heater is a lightweight and portable heating device that can be plugged into an electrical source and provide warmth in an enclosed area. This type of heater is distinguished by the use of halogen elements rather than electrical coils or propane or butane conductors to provide the source of heat. Current models of the halogen heater can be used in several different environments, and are equipped with a number of safety features.

Oscillating halogen heaters are an excellent choice for distributing heat within a room. Using the same premise as the oscillating tabletop fan, the idea is to heat the air as it circulates through the oscillating halogen heater, then propel the heated air in a broad arc around the space. This is different from heaters that use blowers to discharge warm air in a direct line from the heating elements. An oscillating heater will help to spread warm air throughout the space quickly and with a higher degree of efficiency.

Halogen heaters are often a nice way to augment existing heating systems within the home. Since the heaters come in several different sizes, it is possible to purchase one that will work well for a bedroom, an enclosed Florida room, or even as an added heat source to warm feet while sitting at a desk. Heat adjustments on most units make it possible to provide as little or as much extra heat as needed.

Most halogen heaters are equipped with a casing that remains cool to the touch, as well as an automatic shut down in the event the device is accidentally tipped over. These two features make the heater an ideal source for additional heat when children or pets are in the home. With decreased chances of any occupant of the space getting burned or the device tipping over and causing a fire, a halogen heater is definitely a safe option.

The price of a halogen heater is also cost effective, when the durability of the heater is taken into consideration. While costing more than some portable radiant heaters that use standard electrical coils, a halogen heater tends to provide more years of service before replacement is necessary. Along with the sturdiness of the device, some studies indicate that halogen heaters require less electricity to produce the same level of heat. When coupled with the enhanced safety features and the energy efficient nature of the heater, the cost becomes even less of a factor.

Related wiseGEEK articles

Category

wiseGEEK features

Subscribe to wiseGEEK


6
Hey is it possible to get a tan off sittin' in front of the halogen heater for too long? Am I at risk of skin disease from the toxic fumes?
- Shalabii
5
In reply to anon19217:

Halogens are indeed toxic, though not as toxic as, say, mercury. Astatin is definitely not used, as it is indeed radioactive and also quite expensive. Halogen lamps most commonly use iodine or bromine. Iodine and bromine are an irritant to skin and mucous membranes, such as the mouth, eyes and nose. When inhaled and ingested they are indeed also toxic. But lamps hardly contain any halogen, so the risk is minimal.

If you want to feel safe, you could always open a window and leave the room for a moment if a lamp breaks. But they are definitely less hazardous than fluorescent lights.

- anon28056
4
It is in no way more energy efficient than normal convective or oil filled heaters. Some part of electricity you use goes in producing light and the other part produces heat. So the electricity that produces light is definitely a wastage unless you want to say that you want the light also.

The only advantage is that they heat up quickly.

If your room is small use a convective or fan heater. For bigger room use oil filled heater. they are better in term of energy efficiency.

- anon24099
3
Your question would make a great topic for a wiseGEEK article. Maybe you would use the wiseGEEK Features menu at the top of the page and select "Suggest a Topic"?
- anon19390
2
I read on wikipedia, livepedia and other sites that halogen elements are toxic and one of them -called astatin, I think- is radioactive-artificially manufactured and not found in nature. Could you please tell me how safe these halogen heaters are?

thanks a lot

- anon19217
1
I own a "centameter" - a little LCD display device that shows how much each appliance uses in cents/hour in electricity as I use it. Of my oil column heater, my convection heater and my halogen heater, the halogen is cheapest to run. Also it looks nice and warm because it is so bright and orange!
- mintyone

FREE: Subscribe to wiseGEEK

 
    learn more

our strict privacy policy ensures that your email address will be safe



Written by Malcolm Tatum


copyright © 2003 - 2009
conjecture corporation