What is a fan heater and how does it work?

A fan heater is a type of electric heater that uses a fan to blow air over a heating element.

To understand how it works, let’s explore the machine’s key components plus break down the physics of heating.

At its core, a fan heater consists of several key components.

The heating element is the key part responsible for generating heat. It’s made from various materials, including metal coils, ceramic materials, or infrared quartz. These elements are designed to heat up rapidly when an electrical current passes through them.

Next is the fan. This crucial component distributes heat evenly throughout the room. It operates by blowing air over the heated element, carrying the warmth to different areas.

A thermostat is also needed to regulate your desired temperature. This component ensures the heater operates efficiently by turning it on and off to maintain the temperature.

Finally, there’s the control panel, which is the user interface for adjusting settings such as temperature, fan speed, and sometimes additional modes or timers.

A fan heater works by converting electrical energy into heat energy. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

When the heater is turned on, electricity flows through the heating element. Due to the resistance of the element material, electrical energy is converted into heat. This is due to the Joule heating effect, where the resistance of the material causes it to heat up as current passes through.

The heat generated by the element needs to be transferred to the room air. This is where the fan comes into play. The fan blows air across the hot heating element, absorbing the heat.

Heated air is then projected into the room. As warm air rises and cool air descends, the heater’s fan helps create a convection current, circulating air to ensure even heating.

Dyson fan heaters use Air Multiplier™ technology to amplify airflow. This technology combines principles used in turbochargers and jet engines for fast, powerful long-range air projection.¹

Some Dyson fan heaters, like the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Formaldehyde HP09 are three-in-one purifying fan heaters. They heat the whole room evenly in winter,² cool you in the warmer months and capture ultra-fine pollutants, with a sealed HEPA filter to trap particles as small as allergens and bacteria.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Formaldehyde HP09 also has a formaldehyde sensor and SCO filter to continuously destroy formaldehyde,³ converting it into water and CO₂.

At the core of every Dyson fan heater lies Air Multiplier™ technology. This innovation sets Dyson apart from traditional fan heaters.

It works by drawing air in through a powerful yet quiet motor. The air is then accelerated through an annular aperture, creating a jet of air that flows over an airfoil-shaped ramp.

This process amplifies the initial air drawn in, producing a smooth and powerful stream of warm air – all without the need for fast-spinning blades.

Air Multiplier™ technology not only ensures even and consistent heating but also eliminates the buffeting caused by conventional fan blades.

Jet Focus control allows you to choose between Jet Focus and Diffused modes – for long-range personal heating or wide projection. Focus mode channels a narrow jet of air for fast heating. While Diffused mode projects airflow over a wider angle, to heat the whole room quickly and evenly.²

With thermostat control, a fan heater only operates as needed by cycling on and off to maintain the set temperature, thus saving energy. Variable fan speeds also allow you to adjust the airflow and heat distribution – providing flexibility for different room sizes and heating demands.

Dyson fan heaters feature PTC ceramic heat plates that heat the air as it’s projected. These plates offer fast, even room heating² and use less energy than standard convection heaters.

Built-in thermostats in our machines can save you up to 30% in running costs while maintaining room temperature.⁴ What’s more, switching our purifying fan heaters to Auto mode means they react automatically to capture pollutants – only using energy when needed.

Fan heaters are a convenient and effective solution for staying warm during cold seasons.

Dyson fan heaters amplify airflow to warm you quickly and quietly. For a more comfortable home environment in winter.