Problems & Disadvantages Of Halogen Heaters – Are They Worth Buying?
If you are looking for a solution to your indoor/outdoor heating conundrum then you have probably come across halogen heaters.
Halogen heaters are heaters that use the gas halogen to intensify the brightness and radiant heat of the enclosed bulbs.
Halogen heaters are not to be confused with halogen lamps however as halogen lamps don’t actually use halogen as the heating element. With a halogen heater, the device is dependent on the use of halogen to generate heat.
Because halogen heaters are lightweight and can generate a good amount of radiant heat, they are often useful in outdoor settings like patios, backyards, outdoor dining areas for restaurants and even large events.
Still, you have to be careful with halogen heaters as there are some safety risks. Plus, a halogen heater may not be the right kind of heat source for your needs. In the following article, we will be talking all about the pros, cons and uses of halogen heaters.
Would a halogen heater be a worthwhile investment for you? Let’s take a look at the facts to figure it out!
Overview of Halogen Heaters
“A lot of people use halogen heaters for indoor and outdoor use because they are generally safe to use. They are also eco-friendly and don’t pollute the air like wood fires. Halogen heaters don’t produce any harmful emissions which is another reason they are good for indoor and outdoor use.”
How Do Halogen Heaters Work?
Within a halogen heater, there are an array of bulbs.
These bulbs are much like your typical lightbulb; they have coils and filaments. On their own, these bulbs don’t produce much heat even if they do produce light.
However, a halogen heater works by using halogen gas to intensify the heat and the light emitted by these bulbs. The gas is completely enclosed which is useful for a couple of reasons.
For one thing, it means that no gas is leaking out of the lamp. For another, it supplies an instant and efficient source of heat. Depending on the size and amount of bulbs used, these devices can be used to heat large, small, indoor and outdoor areas.
Halogen Heater Quick Facts
- They use halogen gas to intensify light and heat
- They come in a variety of sizes
- They are safe for indoor use
- Often used to heat large outdoor area
- Heat levels can usually be adjusted
Is A Halogen Heater Worth Buying?
One of the best things about this kind of electric heater is that it comes in a variety of sizes.
Halogen heaters are also easily adjustable so they can adapt to different uses. If you are looking for an energy-efficient heat source, a halogen heater would definitely be worth it – especially since many of them are very affordable.
Cons of Halogen Heaters
Not Ideal to Heat Large Spaces
– While you can buy larger-capacity halogen heaters, most of them are not rated to heat large spaces. For the most part, you will find halogen heaters that are intended to be used in small rooms or as personal space heaters.
Costly to Run Over Long Periods of Time
– If you need to run a halogen heater for an extended period of time, there are more energy-efficient sources. For short-term heating, halogen heaters are efficient; but they draw a lot of power if you have to leave them on for a long time.
Small Heating Area
– Again, most halogen heaters are only meant to heat a small space. They use mirrors to spread radiant heat; but mirrors can only do so much.
Possible Burn Hazard
– The front of a halogen heater will become hot to the touch after just a few minutes. Therefore if you have kids or pets, halogen heaters may not be the best option as they may pose a burn hazard.
Other Considerations
There are also some safety concerns that you should be aware of before you invest in a halogen heater.
First of all, the bulbs within halogen heaters burn brighter than normal light bulbs.
So exposure to the bulbs over time could cause some retinal damage. Halogen heaters have also come under some scrutiny as some tests suggest that they can emit large amounts of ultraviolet radiation which can cause skin damage.
The halogen element within these kinds of heaters could also trigger allergies if you have respiratory issues and dry your skin. This allergic reaction could also result in shortness of breath.
And of course, as the front of these kinds of heaters gets hot, they can also pose a fire risk. If they are
Halogen Heaters Vs Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters use short waves to heat nearby objects as opposed to halogen heaters which heat the air directly surrounding them.
So in some cases, infrared heaters can actually be more energy-efficient than halogen heaters.
Infrared Heater Pros:
- Near instant heat
- They run silently
- They are energy-efficient
Infrared Heater Cons:
- The coils gert very hot
Halogen Heaters Vs Oil-Filled Heaters
Oil-filled heaters can be much more expensive than halogen heaters.
That’s because as the name implies, you have to keep them filled with oil. However, oil-filled heaters will not affect the oxygen level of any room they are operated in.
Oil-Filled Heater Pros:
- Safe for pets and kids
- Runs silently
- Good for large rooms
Oil-Filled Heater Cons:
- Takes a while to heat up
Halogen Heater Vs Blowers
There are different types of blower heaters (also called fan heaters) but one common type is ceramic.
As the name implies, these types of heaters use a fan to distribute heat across a broader area as opposed to relying on the reach of radiant heat.
Blower Heater Pros:
- They can cover larger areas
- They tend to be less expensive
- They spread heat quickly
Blower Heater Cons:
- They consume more energy than halogen heaters
Halogen Heaters Vs Quartz Heaters
Quartz heaters work in much the same way as halogen heaters. However, quartz heaters tend to be less expensive than halogen heaters. You also have to consider the fact that most halogen heaters produce more heat than quartz heaters.
Quartz Heater Pros:
- They have a cheaper upfront cost
- They’re more efficient than ceramic heaters
- They are often adjustable
Quartz Heater Cons:
- Lower heat output
Pros of Halogen Heaters
Energy Saving
– Halogen heaters are quite good at heating up small areas very quickly so less energy is wasted during the warmup period.
Safe for the Environment
– Halogen heaters can also be more environmentally-friendly than furnaces and oil-burning heaters.
Safety Features
– Many modern halogen heaters have safety features such as auto shutoff if they get tipped over and insulated front grates to minimize the risk of burning your hands.
Easy to Use
– Many halogen heaters are ready to use right out of the box and feature intuitive controls.
Portability
– Halogen lamps often come in compact sizes that are lightweight and easy to move from room to room.
Who Should Buy A Halogen Heater?
Anyone who is looking for supplemental heat in their home or an outdoor enclosed area.
They work very quickly and efficiently so they would also be a good choice for anyone looking to lower their heating bills.
The Best Halogen Heaters
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
This heater can pump out between 4,000 and 9,000 BTU’s (British Thermal Units). It has an auto shutoff feature that turns the device off if it gets tipped over. You can also use propane tanks with it.
Pros:
- Easily portable
- Fold-down handle
- Front safety grate
Cons:
- Not for indoor use
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Lasko Electric Space Heater
The Lasko Electric Space Heater is a great choice if you want even heating in a small room. Aside from the internal heating element, a fan blows the warm air evenly across small to medium rooms.
Pros:
- Timer function
- Oscillates
- Up to 1500 watts of heat
Cons:
- No safety shutoff
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Dreo 24″ Space Heater
We really liked that the Dreo 24″ Space Heater could be controlled via the included remote. You can adjust the temperature, set the heater to oscillate and even set the timer all from the remote.
Pros:
- Onboard thermostat
- Made of flame-retardant materials
- 95 degree Fahrenheit max heat
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Halogen Heater FAQ’s
Is it safe to leave a halogen heater on overnight? – No, you should never leave a halogen heater on overnight. Doing so could pose a fire risk and if you have allergies, could upset your skin or respiratory system.
Are halogen heaters safe to use? – In general, yes. As long as you are smart about it, you should have no problem safely operating a halogen heater. Just make sure to never leave it on overnight, always keep an eye on it and opt for one that has safety features like auto shutoff.
Are halogen heaters a fire risk? – Because the fronts of these kinds of heaters do get hot, they can be a fire risk. In general, you should never put one close to any flammable materials like curtains, house plants or area rugs. Keep them at least three feet away from any nearby objects.
How long do halogen heaters last? – If you use your halogen heater moderately (around 4-6 hours a day), you should get about 4 years of use out of them.
How efficient is a halogen heater? – While halogen heaters tend to be more efficient than other kinds of electric heaters, they can consume a lot of energy if they are used over an extended period of time.
Do halogen heaters use a lot of electricity? – It depends on the model. MOst halogen heaters are 400, 800 or 1200 watts. The 800 watt models use up about 16 cents of power per hour.
How much does a halogen heater cost to run per hour? – Again, that will depend on the model and capacity. 400 watt halogen heaters use up about 8 cents of energy per hour while 800 watt models use about 16 cents of energy per hour.
Does halogen burn oxygen? – Most halogen heaters do burn up oxygen in a room. This can cause lower humidity in indoor areas. And in extreme cases when a halogen heater is running on the max setting in a small room, you may experience shortness of breath.
Are halogen heaters hot to touch? – The bulbs inside halogen heaters do heat up to a high degree. However, most halogen heaters come with a front safety great so you can’t actually touch the hot components.
Is halogen heater safe for babies? – Even with safety grates, it’s not advisable to use a halogen heater around a baby. That’s because babies can fit their small fingers and hands through the grate and reach the heated components.
How do you clean a halogen heater? – If you ever need to clean your halogen heater be sure to turn it off, unplug it and allow it to cool down. Once it is cool to the touch, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth. For extra-dirty heaters, you may need to use a mild soap or detergent.
Final Assessment
At the end of the day, you should only use a halogen heater if you are able to use it responsibly.
Keep it away from small children and pets and opt for one with safety features like auto shutoff.
That all being said, halogen heaters aren’t right for everyone. While you can buy larger models for larger rooms and outdoor areas, these kinds tend to be very expensive and inefficient.
However, if you want to lower your heating bill and just need some supplemental heat in your bedroom, a halogen heater could be a good investment. They also work very well in enclosed outdoor areas where oxygen consumption isn’t as much of a concern.
There are many kinds of halogen heaters too so make sure you compare them closely before you make a final choice!
