Why Should You Switch to an OFR Heater This Winter?

Winters are setting in fast and North India will be engulfed in cold weather soon. Experts are predicting that this season will be harsher than usual. This is probably the right time to prepare for the season and investing in a good quality oil filled radiator (OFR) room heater is the best bet. While you may be someone who enjoys snuggling in a warm blanket, the dry air may cause major discomfort in breathing. An OFR can help you get through the season without the discomfort of dealing with dry air and oxygen depletion. Here are a few benefits of using an oil filled room heater.

It's Warm and Comforting for Longer Duration

An oil filled radiator room heater is filled with diathermic oil. This mineral oil is capable of transferring heat evenly to entire unit and heat up fast, making it warm to the touch. The warm radiator then heats the air in the room. Since the oil heats up without getting consumed, an oil heater is literally maintenance free and has a long lifespan. An in-built over-heat protector further ensures prevention of heating element burnout, making it last even longer.

OFRs are Energy Efficient

Oil filled radiators are energy efficient. With adjustable thermostat, you can set the room temperature to your liking. Orient Electric OFRs come with a fan that gives a gentle blow of air, thus spreading air to farther corners of the room. In addition to this, Orient OFRs have ‘S’ shaped fins which provide a wider surface area. These OFRs heat the room 11% faster in comparison to straight fins. What’s cool? Even after you turn it off, the oil stays warm for a long time, so it keeps the room cozy for a while.

Safer than Conventional Room Heaters

OFRs work on the concept of heat convection. The element is concealed inside the body of an OFR and doesn’t come in direct contact with the air. Thus, it doesn’t cause oxygen burning from the air present in the room. An oil filled room heater also doesn’t dry up the limited moisture present in the air. Hence this room heater is recommended to be installed for room with kids or elderly people in the house. Orient OFR comes with a tip-over protection ensuring that the unit automatically turns off if it is accidentally knocked over.

While the pointers mentioned above suffice a multiple reason to buy an OFR, here are additional benefits of owning one.

• Surface temperature of an OFR heater is moderately high, making it safe for children and pet.
• Once conventional room heaters are turned off, the heating effect is immediately lost. On the contrary, an OFR retains heat for a longer duration and is ideal to give a prolonged heating in a medium to large room with consistent cold temperatures.
• Orient Electric OFRs come with caster wheels and easy grip handle, making them easy to shift from one room to another. Also, they come with long power cord ensuring better accessibility.
• OFR has a sleek body and consumes very little storage store space. Orient OFRs come with cord winder and socket dock that makes storage hassle free.
• OFRs operate silently, so you won’t have to worry about any unwanted noises while they’re running.

OFR vs Fan Heater vs Halogen Heater: Which Should You Choose?

OFR, fan, and halogen heaters each suit a different kind of use. An OFR is best for heating an entire room steadily over a long period, such as a whole evening in the living room, since it holds heat well and runs quietly. A fan heater is better when you need warmth fast, like stepping into a cold bathroom or bedroom for a few minutes, because it pushes hot air out immediately rather than warming up gradually. A halogen heater works on direct radiant heat, warming people and objects in its direct line rather than the air in the room, which makes it useful for spot heating, such as sitting at a desk or near a sofa, but less effective for heating a whole room evenly. If you want all-round comfort for hours, choose an OFR. If you want quick warmth in a small space, a fan heater fits better. If you want focused warmth aimed at where you are sitting, a halogen heater is the right pick.

You can easily find an oil based room heater online, and can choose between a 9, 11 and 13 fin OFR, depending on the size of your room. You can operate your OFR on a low, medium or high heat setting, depending on the preference of warmth that you may require during mild, moderate or chilly winters. While the initial cost of buying an OFR may be slightly higher than a conventional room heater, the benefits that it delivers are worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: Does an OFR heater dry out the air like a fan heater?

Answer: An OFR dries out the air less than a fan heater. Fan heaters blow air directly over a hot element, which pulls more moisture out of the air as it circulates. An OFR heats the room more gently through radiant warmth from the oil-filled fins, so the air feels less parched, though any heater running for a long time in a closed room will reduce humidity somewhat.

Q2: How long does an OFR take to warm up a room?

Answer: An OFR typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to noticeably warm a medium-sized room, since the oil inside needs time to heat up before it starts radiating warmth efficiently. This is slower than a fan heater, which can make a room feel warmer within a few minutes, but the OFR's heat holds longer once the room reaches a comfortable temperature.

Q3: Can an OFR be left on overnight safely? 

Answer: Many OFRs are designed to run for extended periods and include safety features like tip-over shut-off and overheat protection, which makes them one of the safer heater types for longer use. Even so, it is best to use a unit with a thermostat that can maintain a steady, lower temperature overnight rather than running at full heat, and to keep the standard 3-feet clearance from bedding or curtains throughout the night.