A Guide to Fan Heaters

The right heating option makes a big difference when you need extra warmth during the winter. Among many ranges available, fan heaters are one of the fastest ways to bring heat to your space. There are limitless models to choose from, depending on your room size, level of needs, and advanced features.  

If you are looking for the best electric fan heater for your space, this guide explains everything you need to know, including how electric fan heaters work, running costs, and compares the available options. 

What are Electric Fan Heaters? 

As its name suggests, a fan heater uses a fan to circulate air and disperse heat into the room. Different from a central heating system, fan heaters provide a fast, instant warmth to your space when turned on. They warm the air in the room, while radiators heat more gradually and retain warmth for longer. Electric fan heaters come with adjustable thermostats and multiple wattages to adapt to your room size.  

Hire Fan Heaters from Speedy

Benefits 

Fan heaters stand out with their capacity to provide instant warmth to your space. There are other reasons why you should choose portable fan heaters. 

• Portable and lightweight fan heaters are convenient to move around between rooms or workplaces. 
• Electricity heating units are safe and easier to operate than other fuel-based heaters. 
• No complicated installations needed. 
• The hiring cost is relatively lower than that of other kinds of heaters, like oil-filled radiators or infrared heaters. 
• No odour, fumes, and a lower carbon footprint than fuel-based heating units. 

Drawbacks 

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using fan heaters. 

• Commercial fan heaters with a large heating element are noisy. 
• Heat from fan heaters goes away fast after you turn off the units. They are not suitable for long-term use or replace central heating. 
• Small fan heaters are not recommended for big rooms and open spaces. The warm air can escape easily through doors and windows.  

Types and Uses of Fan Heaters 

Fan heaters come in various sizes for different purposes of use.  

Small Fan Heaters 

Fan heaters are more often used as temporary heating solutions in small to medium rooms. They are excellent solutions for additional heating. Small fan heaters with 2kW or 3kW are common for household use, with a plastic body and a lightweight design.  

Industrial Fan Heaters 

Industrial fan heaters deliver greater performance than small fan heaters. They are designed for large and open spaces without losing heat. The heating element is much more powerful, with a durable casing design and a heavier weight. The heating process is also faster, meaning heat spreads quickly and evenly. 

They are great even for continuous use with a heavy-duty body and high wattage rating. Big fan heaters work well in expansive open spaces like a garden, garage, or workshop, especially in case you need emergency and fast heating.  

In some cases, you can also select heavy-duty heaters to help dry paint, cement, or other materials that struggle to set in cold conditions. 

How Much Do Fan Heaters Cost to Run an Hour? 

The running cost of fan heaters will vary depending on the models and power wattage. The higher the wattage, the more electricity it will consume.

For example, a fan heater with 2000W will consume 2kW per hour. With the standard electricity cost of 27.69p per kWh in the UK, the total cost of electricity is around £0.55/hour. This amount can depend on settings and temperature.  

How to Choose a Suitable Fan Heater 

The best fan heater depends on your needs. Choosing the right model saves you money and energy while maintaining the most comfortable conditions.  

The right size of heat output depends on your room size and the level of heat required. For efficiency, calculate the room volume using this formula:  

length (m) × width (m) × height (m) = total cubic metres (m³). 

Generally, you need around 1kW of heating power for every 25m³ of space. Wattage level also affects the running costs and energy bills. The best fan heaters for spacious rooms are 3kW and above.  

Power supply or voltage is also another thing to consider. Home fan heaters often use 240V and are compatible with domestic plugs and the electricity system. However, if you are planning to hire an industrial heater, pay attention to the voltage used, whether 110V, 240V, or 415V. Get a transformer as a complement when hiring fan heaters from Speedy to adapt to your energy source! 

Look for smart functions and safety features when hiring a fan heating unit. Fan heaters from Speedy Hire come with thermostat controls, overheat protection, and a tip-over switch so you can stay safe while enjoying a comfy living and working environment.  

Which Fan Heater is The Best? 

Speedy offers a range of industrial fan heater models with reliable engines by trusted brands. Here is how different fan heater models compare to each other. 

Fan Heater Model	Models	Best For	Heat Output	Voltage	Key Features
Elite Fan Heater	EHFH110	Temporary heating in small to medium rooms.	2.8kW	110V	3 control settings: 2 Heat and 1 Cool Quiet operation
Elite Fan Heater	EHFH240	Short-term heating in small to medium rooms.	2.8kW	240V	3 control settings: 2 Heat and 1 Cool Quiet operation
Rhino Fan Heater	H02076	Portable heating for rooms and worksites. Provides heat for areas up to 20m².	2kW	240V	Lightweight and easy to transport
Industrial Master Fan Heater	B18EPR	Large-scale use in workshops, warehouses, and construction sites	9kW or 18kW	415V	2 power settings 9W or 18W    Cool setting for summer ventilation  Portable with robust wheels and frame  No fumes or odour
Industrial Master Fan Heater	RS40	Ideal for robust use in workshops and worksites.	40kW	415V	Safe and cool external surface  3 heat settings and 1 cool setting  No fumes or odour

Safety Tips While Using Fan Heaters 

Like any other electrical equipment, fan heaters require caution while using to ensure safety. To prevent hazards, follow the manufacturer's instructions and read product guidelines thoroughly.  

• Keep your portable heaters at a safe distance, at least 1 meter from objects and working areas. 
• Place them on a dry, flat and stable surface, away from pets and children. 
• Follow electrical safety by using the correct voltage and inspect the plug and cord before use. 
• Never leave your heaters unattended and prepare for an emergency, especially in the workplace and construction sites. 

Hire from Speedy Today! 

Fan heaters come in several designs, sizes, functions, and capacities. Know what you need based on your room's size, power output, and functionality. The best fan heaters will give you instant heat with ease of use at a minimum cost. 

View Heating Units from Speedy

Speedy Hire offers reliable and high-output fan heaters for your needs, from small 240V heating units for home use to heavy-duty performance! All are well-maintained, tested, and serviced regularly, delivering the best performance when you need it the most. 

Head over to more than 100 Speedy Hire depots to collect your tools and equipment or arrange fast delivery within 4 hours.  

FAQs 

Do fan heaters use a lot of electricity? 

Electricity consumption depends on the wattage rating. For example, a 3kW fan heater uses 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity for every hour it runs at full power. The higher the kW rating, the more electricity it consumes. 

Which fan heater is the cheapest to run? 

The cheapest fan heater to run is usually the one with the lowest kW output that still suits your space. A smaller 2kW unit will cost less per hour than a 9kW industrial fan heater. However, for bigger rooms, running one large heater will be more efficient and safer.