Why choose a fan heater?

What is a fan heater?

Fan heaters are compact electric heaters that warm up quickly and push heat into the room using a built-in fan. They’re designed for short-term, direct heating and are ideal when you need fast results in a small space. Lightweight and easy to move, fan heaters are a popular choice for spot heating or topping up warmth in bedrooms, bathrooms or workspaces.

Best for

Fan heaters are best suited to:

• Small rooms like bedrooms, bathrooms, offices or studies
• Quick heat in the morning or when first getting home
• Renters or households that need portable, short-term heating
• Spaces where fast heat is more important than long-lasting warmth

They’re also handy for warming your feet or immediate surroundings without waiting for the whole room to heat up.

How it works

Fan heaters use an internal element that heats up when powered on. A fan then blows air across this element and pushes warm air into the room. This convection-based system heats up small areas quickly and directly. Because the fan is constantly moving air, the heat disperses fast but also cools quickly once the unit is turned off. Fan heaters work best in enclosed rooms that don’t have significant draughts.

Key features and benefits

• Adjustable heat settings and fan speeds
• Thermostat or manual control options
• Tip-over and overheat protection for safety
• Fan-only mode for year-round use
• Some models include timers or oscillation features

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.

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

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