Understanding How Does An Oil Heater Work

Turning On the Heat: Unveiling the Working of an Oil Heater

When it gets chilly, you want a quick and affordable way to warm up your space. An oil heater does just that—it spreads gentle, steady heat throughout your room.

But there's more to it than just the name. In this article, we'll explain exactly how an oil heater works to keep you cozy. Keep reading to learn all about it! 

What are Oil Filled Radiators?

The oil-filled radiators contain thermal oil, which, when heated, produces warmth. An electric element is submerged in the oil. When it heats up, it transfers the heat to the oil. 

Similarities are drawn between a central heating radiator and an oil heater, as they are both used for warming the surroundings. However, the differences are apparent. The oil heater working mechanism takes place within it making it a standalone unit that can be installed anywhere. Its counterpart uses hot water, which is boiled outside and then directed to the heater using interconnected pipes. 

How do Oil Filled Radiators Work?

Oil heaters work on the mechanism of electric inertia. When turned on, the heater accumulates heat. While some of this is used to warm up the surroundings, the remaining is stored. When the radiator is turned off, it continues to emanate heat. Let us see how oil filled heaters work.

The Heating Element

The heating element is situated at the base of an oil heater. This is a coil made from metal resistive wire. As electricity passes through it, the electrons start vibrating, creating friction and heat within the narrow wire. This is transferred to the oil, which warms the radiator body and, thereby, the surroundings. 

The Convection Process

Now, let us move on to learning how oil heaters work. As the oil closer to the coil heats up, it expands and rises. The colder oil is pushed towards the base, which is then heated. This is the reason why you may sometimes find that the temperature of the radiator surface varies at different places. This convection cycle continues inside the heater. 

Surface Area Matters

Two-thirds of the heat from oil-filled heaters is convected. Thus, these heaters have thickly packed columns and fins, as these increase the surface area. Remember - the higher the surface area, the more contact with the air. This helps in heating a larger area of a home or office. 

Advantages of Oil-Filled Radiators

Now you know how oil radiators work, it is time to understand why they are so popular. Here are the major benefits of using these. 

Silent Operation

A traditional space heater with an exposed heating element has a fan fitted to it. It creates noise as it blows hot air into the room. An oil-filled heater, on the other hand, is noiseless. 

Keeps Air Quality Intact

As the fan of the traditional heater blows heat, it tends to rob the air of all the moisture. An oil-filled heater works on a heat convection mechanism that does not affect the air quality. 

Energy Efficient

Most heaters are energy efficient and the only electricity they use is for the working of the fan. Since an oil-filled radiator does not use a fan, it is more energy efficient than its counterparts. 

Long Retention of Heat

As soon as you switch off a traditional heater, the heat is gone. However, this is not the case with an oil-filled radiator. The heating coil stores the heat and keeps warming the oil even when the radiator is switched off. 

Controlled Heating

Oil-filled heaters are controlled by thermostats. Hence, when a room reaches a comfortable temperature, the radiator turns off. It turns on again, detecting a shift in the temperature. Thus, it does not run continuously and prevents overheating. It also saves you money. 

Buying an Oil Heater: Key Considerations

After learning how oil heaters work and their benefits, are you thinking of getting one for your living spaces? Here are some of the things to remember when you go shopping for one. 

Room Size & Purpose

An oil heater warms the area around it through the process of convection or radiation. Thus, it is perfect for warming a medium-sized room or a corner of a big room. It is important to keep this in mind when investing in one. 

Easy to Move

Since an oil heater can heat a particular corner or room, a portable design will make it easier to move it to different corners. So, opt for small, compact sizes. 

Efficient Thermostat

An oil heater operates based on a thermostat. Thus, it is very important to invest in one with a reliable thermostat that measures the temperature accurately. 

Final Word

Oil heater is the best option when it comes to electric radiators. These are quick and effective heating appliances that can easily cozy up your living spaces. So now that you know how oil heater works, go ahead and invest in one soon. With this in place, you can turn around the cold months efficiently and safely. 

FAQs

Which oil is used in an oil heater?

It is advisable to use diathermic oil in an oil heater. This is a very refined mineral oil that seamlessly spreads out through the radiator walls and fins. Thus, once the oil is heated, the radiator surface retains the heat for longer. 

Is it safe to use an oil heater indoors? 

Absolutely! An oil heater works on convection rather than burning of oil. Hence, no toxic fumes are released. Thus, it is perfectly safe to be used indoors. 

Do I need to change the oil in the oil heater? 

An oil heater is a sealed unit and the oil within is used as a reservoir for heating the heater walls. It does not involve any combustion. Thus, there is no need to change the oil.