Max. power
The maximum power of the heater. The meaning of this parameter depends on the device type and power supply (see above). So, for most types of heaters, we are talking about the highest power output. However, for fan heaters, this parameter also includes the power of the fan motor, and the heating capabilities are somewhat more modest than the claimed maximum power (although not by much). For electric models, the maximum power also corresponds to the maximum power consumption, which determines the connection requirements: for example, for devices of 3.5 kW and more, ordinary sockets are no longer suitable, and some require not 230 V but 400 V.
However, the key point determined by the power of the heater, is the intensity of heating and the ability to effectively heat a particular room. To select the appropriate model, there are special formulas. So, if we are talking about a city apartment or a small office space with a ceiling height of about 2.5 m, then we can assume that a heating power of at least 100 W is required per 1 m² of area. For other situations, more complex methods are used, taking into account the volume of the room, the degree of thermal insulation, climate and solar heating, etc.; they can be found in special sources. Also note that for IR heaters (see "Type"), their own calculation methods are used — this is due to the specific format of work.
Heating area
The area that the device can effectively heat. This parameter directly depends on the maximum power (see above). It should be noted that the actual efficiency of the heater in most cases does not depend on the area but on the volume of the room. Thus, the heating area can only be specified for a certain ceiling height. In most cases, manufacturers mean 2.5 m — this is the standard ceiling height in city apartments. If the ceilings are much higher, the heating area must be recalculated using special formulas. In general, it is worth orienting that 1 kW is enough for 10 m². However, manufacturers may slightly overestimate the heating area data.
Installation
Installation methods, nominally provided for by the design of the heater. Many models allow several mounting options — for example, floor or wall, at the request of the user.
— Floor. Installation directly on the floor using feet, wheels or similar supports. Such installation is as simple and fast as possible — no work is needed, it is enough to find a free area of the floor and install a heater on it. Accordingly, moving from place to place is also not a problem — especially if the design has the wheels mentioned (and almost all heavy devices like oil heaters are equipped with them). And you can place the heater almost anywhere in the room — with certain restrictions, but the freedom of movement for such devices is still much greater than for wall or ceiling ones. At the same time, a floor heater takes up the most space, and there is also a risk of bumping into such a device and tipping it over.
— Wall mounted. Mounting on a wall, usually by hanging on hooks, screws or other similar devices. This installation option is found in all types of heaters, but it is most popular in convectors and fan heaters. Wall installation is not as convenient as floor installation — certain work is required to prepare the wall, and it is impossible to install such a device in the middle of the room. On the other hand, wall models do not take up space on the floor, which can be especially useful in cramped conditions.
— Ceiling. Installation by hanging from t...he ceiling. This option is used mainly among IR heaters — installation at the maximum height allows you to cover a large area; in other types of heaters, ceiling mounting is practically not found. Often, ceiling models also allow wall installation.
— Into socket. Portable heaters with a plug directly in the housing are installed in the socket. The dimensions of such devices are negligible, as well as the heating power. Plug-in models are a good option for heating a workplace in a small office space, at a guard post or in a gatehouse.
Note that accessories for a particular type of installation may not be included in the kit, they will have to be purchased separately: for example, for a wall-mounted convector, you will need to purchase screws or other fasteners, and for a floor convector, legs-stands.
