Why choose a fan heater?

Fan vs other heaters

What to consider

Fan heaters are known for their speed, not for sustained or ambient heat. They’re best for small areas or as a top-up solution, rather than as a main heater for larger rooms. They do make some noise due to the built-in fan, which may not suit quiet environments. They’re generally affordable and widely available, often with simple dials for heat settings and fan speed. Some models include a cool air function for summer use, making them useful all year round.
If you’re looking for overnight heat, silent operation or longer heat retention, a column or micathermic heater may be a better fit.

Matching wattage to room size

To choose the right heater size for your space:

• Small rooms (bedrooms, studies under 10m²) typically need heaters over 1kW.

This helps ensure efficient heating without overloading your power usage. You can also look for room guides on packaging or product listings to match wattage with room type.

Take a look below at the recommended rooms for this heater:

Power use & running costs

Fan heaters are among the highest energy users for their size, mostly due to the combination of heating element and fan motor. They’re best used in short bursts to quickly warm a space, rather than for long-term or whole-room heating.
Heater running costs depend on wattage, electricity rates in your area and how long the heater runs each day. As energy prices can fluctuate across New Zealand, use cost calculators or your electricity provider’s tools to estimate usage. For the most accurate info, base estimates on your local kWh rate and usage patterns.

Do fan heaters use a lot of electricity?

Fan heaters run on electricity, and their running costs depend on two things: the wattage of the model you choose and how many hours a day you use it. Most fan heaters range from 1,200 watts (1.2kW) for compact portable models to 2,400 watts (2.4kW) for high-output units built to heat larger rooms. The higher the wattage, the faster a heater warms a space, but it also draws more power per hour.

To calculate what a fan heater costs to run, multiply the wattage in kilowatts by your electricity rate and the number of hours you use it. At the NZ average electricity rate of approximately $0.30 per kWh, a 2,000W fan heater running for three hours costs around $0.90 per day.

What is the most efficient fan heater in New Zealand?

The most efficient fan heater for your home depends on your room size and how long you run it each day. Prioritise models with a ceramic heating element, adjustable thermostat, multiple heat settings, and a timer function. These four features together reduce run time, prevent unnecessary full-power operation, and give you control over when and how much energy the heater draws.

How to choose an energy-efficient fan heater

No single fan heater is the most efficient option in every situation. Efficiency depends on how well the heater matches your room size, how you control it, and which features prevent it from running at full power when it does not need to. The five features below separate a heater that manages your power use from one that draws full wattage regardless of room conditions.

• Adjustable Thermostat: A thermostat is the single most effective efficiency feature on any fan heater. Set your target temperature and the heater switches its element off once the room reaches it, restarting only when the temperature drops.
• Timer Function: A timer prevents the heater from running in an empty room. Programme it to switch on 15 minutes before you wake up and off when you leave for work, and you pay only for the hours the room is occupied.
• Correct Wattage for Your Room: Buying a heater with more wattage than your room requires means running a more powerful element than the space needs, or running the heater on a lower setting continuously. Match wattage to room size from the start using the guide below, and choose a model with enough range to heat your room on the low setting in mild conditions and the high setting on cold nights.

Choosing the right fan heater

To pick the best model for your space:

1. Choose a compact unit for personal spaces like bathrooms or under desks
2. Look for a timer if you only need short heating windows
3. Select oscillation if you want broader heat coverage
4. Ensure safety features are included, especially for use around pets or kids
5. For versatility, choose one with a fan-only mode

Difference between a ceramic heater vs fan heater

Ceramic heaters and fan heaters both distribute warm air through a room using a built-in fan, but they use different heating elements and perform differently depending on how and where you use them. Understanding the difference helps you choose a heater that suits your room, your routine, and your power bill.

• Choose a ceramic fan heater for bedrooms, living rooms, and studies where you want sustained warmth over two or more hours. The lower sustained wattage and cooler external surfaces make ceramic models well suited to rooms where people sleep or spend long periods of time.
• Choose a standard fan heater for bathrooms, garages, workshops, or any space where you need fast, intense heat for short periods. The rapid heat output and lower purchase price make standard models a practical choice for occasional or short-burst use.

Explore the range

Fan heaters are built for fast, targeted warmth when and where you need it. Browse compact, budget-friendly options from Goldair and Nouveau for smaller rooms and quick heat boosts.

Want help choosing?

Compare electric heater types below or jump straight to the one that suits you:

FAQ's