Heating Buying Guide
Looking for ways to stay warm this winter? Our guide to heating options has got you covered. Learn about the different types of heaters we offer and what to consider before making a choice.
Whether you’re after the instant warmth of a fan or radiant heater, the heat retention of an oil fin heater, the versatility of a panel heater or the silence of a micathermic heater, we’ve got everything you need to keep cosy all winter long.
Plus, we know that it’s not just about staying warm, but comfortable! That’s why we also offer a range of winter bedding and accessories, including electric blankets, thermal curtains, winter duvet inners and sheet sets.
So snuggle up, put the kettle on and explore our heating and betting options to make this winter your cosiest one yet!
Panel & Convector Heaters
Our panel and convector heaters provide warmth by drawing air over a heated element. The warm air rises, colder air takes its place and the cycle begins again, eventually warming up the entire room. Some of our models include a fan to help speed up the convection process. Our Living & Co Panel Heater can also be mounted onto the wall to save space.
Oil Heaters
Also known as oil fin heaters and column heaters, these heaters have a reservoir of oil that gets heated by an electric element. The heat gets transferred to the metal fins of the heater which then heats the surrounding air. Oil heaters take a little longer to get up to temperature compared to other heaters, but they offer great heat retention even after the heater turns off. Most models also have an adjustable thermostat and timer.
Fan Heaters
If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution with instant heat for small or medium spaces, a fan heater might be perfect for you. Our fan heaters are portable, conveniently sized and ideal for personal heating.
Radiant Heaters
Another great choice for instant heat, radiant heaters work just like the sun, directly heating objects and people in a room. The quartz or halogen tubes glow when the heater is on, creating a warm and cosy ambiance.
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters work similarly to regular fan heaters but use ceramic plates instead of heated elements. Energy-efficient and safe to use, most of our ceramic heaters have a thermostat control, timer and an oscillating function.
Micathermic Heaters
Micathermic heaters use both convection and radiant heating by running electricity through thin sheets of a mineral called mica. The mica radiates heat directly to objects and people in the room, but also heats the air nearby which is then circulated throughout the space using convection. The result is a silent, quick-heating and incredibly energy efficient way to warm your space.
Room Sizes
When shopping for a heater, it's important to consider the size of the room you want to heat. Look at the wattage (W) of a heater to find out what should work for you. Small rooms will work with 1500W or less, while medium rooms will require between 1600W and 2100W. A large room will require more than 2200W.
Save Money with Timers & Thermostats
To save money on your heating bills this winter, consider using a timer that switches the heater on or off automatically. Thermostats allow the heater to register the room temperature and automatically switch the heater on or off to maintain a comfortable temperature. Nearly all of our heaters come with thermostats, so you can easily control the temperature in your home. Set the thermostat for healthy indoor temperatures - aim for 18°C to 20°C, and 16°C in bedrooms overnight.
Other Ways to Stay Warm this Winter
At The Warehouse, we understand how important it is to stay warm and snug during those chilly New Zealand winters. That's why we've got you covered with not only our range of heaters, but also our winter bedding and homewares.
There's nothing quite like slipping into a warm bed on a chilly night. Our electric blankets come in a variety of sizes, from single to king, and some even feature a handy timer function so you can switch them off after you drift off to sleep.
Keep the warmth in and the cold out with our thermal curtains. These insulating wonders are perfect for creating a cosy, snug environment in your home during the winter months.
If you really want to up your comfort game, snuggle up and stay cozy all night long with our selection of winter duvet inners and sheet sets. Just be careful not to get too comfortable and spend all day in bed!
Dampness can be a common problem during New Zealand winters, resulting in an unhealthy indoor environment. Our dehumidifiers can help draw out moisture from the air and create a healthier living space. Plus, did you know that humidity in a cold environment can make the space feel colder than it really is? By reducing humidity, you can create a more comfortable and cosier home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of electric heater is the most efficient?
Except for heat pumps, all electric heaters are equally efficient. They convert all the electricity they consume into useful heat. However, it is important to keep the heating situation in mind, in terms of the size of the room, to get the full benefit of the heat you are paying for.
Are flat-panel heaters the cheapest to run?
Panel heaters can work very well in small rooms, such as bedrooms or small studies. However, it can take long time to heat up cold room, since the heat output is low. We recommend looking at the wattage of the heater to determine the best one for your needs.
Are heaters safe to use?
Warehouse heaters have various safety features to keep your family safe. As stated in the owner's manual, certain safety procedures need to be followed when using heaters to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons.
Can I use my heater in the bathroom?
Most heaters should not be used in bathrooms or other wet areas.
What are some other factors to keep in mind, other than room size?
Some other factors to keep in mind are the amount and type of insulation used in the construction of the room, the number of outside doors and windows, the overall tightness of the area in relationship to draughts and the outside temperature in relationship to the desired inside temperature.
What is a thermostat and how does it work?
A thermostat is a component featured in many heaters that is used to maintain a certain temperature where the heater is located. By adjusting the temperature knob you can set the heater to turn on and turn off automatically as required to maintain the set temperature range.
How do I clean my heater?
- Always unplug the heater before cleaning and allow the heater to cool down.
- Clean the unit with a soft cloth moistened with mild soap solution.
- NEVER use abrasive or flammable solvents to clean the unit.
- After cleaning, be sure to completely dry the unit with a cloth or towel.
- Store the heater in a cool, dry location.
- It is recommended that you store the unit in its original carton.
- Over time, dust may accumulate on the front grill. This can be removed by wiping the unit with a damp cloth. We do not recommend opening heaters to clean them as it can void the warranty as well as cause a safety hazard if it is not disassembled or reassembled properly.
Why does my heater smell like something is burning?
If you are still unsure, please contact our Customer Services team: Your new heater may produce an odour when first used. This is normal and should go away after the heater has been used for a while. A heater may also produce a burning odour from dust building up on the element.