2kW Oil Filled Radiator with Thermostat and Timer and 3 Heat Settings Off-White

There's an argument to be made concerning what is the ideal weapon in fighting and even preventing hypothermia, and we think that portable heaters can be an ideal weapon. In scientific terms, hypothermia is when our core body temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius. This is opposed to a standard body temperature which should be 37 degrees Celsius. You don’t get frostbite as soon as hypothermia hits. In fact, with mild forms of the ailment, it can be very difficult to detect initially. Only a single degree drop in temperature can result in a slew of symptoms that may go unnoticed. These include slowed reaction time, impaired judgement, slurred speech and impaired rational decision-making. It is only when your core body temperature reaches 30 degrees that you will lose consciousness - and that is a rare occurrence. In this article, Sparks will delve more into the issue of hypothermia and explain how portable heaters may be the ideal solution to this widespread problem. Mild hypothermia and who it affects the most Mild hypothermia and who it affects the most - here are some of the symptoms of hypothermia. Picture credit: here.An indoor air temperature of 20 degrees can chill a body to 33 degrees in only eight minutes. This is well below what the average body temperature of a healthy adult should be. The people most at risk are the elderly and others with naturally low metabolic rates. Low metabolic rates cause people to generate less heat and most afflict those 60 years old and over. Elderly people with inadequate diets or heating are the most at risk from hypothermia. Infants are also susceptible to this condition - so be on the lookout for symptoms. With an infant, these symptoms include cold-to-touch bodies, bright red skin and unusually low energy rates. Extreme cases of hypothermia can result in death. It is not just the elderly and infants who may be affected by hypothermia: it could affect anyone in your household. This is why it is important to keep on the look-out for these symptoms and to find an effective solution. Portable heaters: an ideal weapon in preventing hypothermia Portable or ‘space’ heaters have had a renaissance recently, with a range of modern, eco-efficient models being released on the market. They offer an ideal solution to hypothermia, as you can warm up specific rooms an optimal temperature without wasting a huge amount of energy. There are three main types to take a look at. Convector heaters Convector heaters are perfect for heating large spaces such as living rooms and conservatories, but are suitable for a variety of room types. They offer rapid warm up and virtually silent operation. Convection works by air being pushed over a heating element, which then rises and enters the room. Cold air is pulled in to the bottom of the heater and the process repeats itself. Eventually, all of the air within the room will be heated. Convector heaters also operate at a much lower volume than fan heaters.  This model is designed to complement any surrounding, has a thermostatic control and is ideal for domestic or commercial use. Fan heaters Fan heaters, meanwhile, are lightweight which means they can be quickly moved to wherever they are most required. This adaptability is a key appeal of fan heaters for users looking for convenience in use, as they can be used for ‘zonal’ heating. They offer remarkably fast heat output and can be placed unobtrusively throughout the home, with the ability to heat large areas. Dimplex offers a mix of upright and ‘letterbox’ style fan heaters, as well as ‘towers’. You should pick which fan heater will suit your lifestyle the most. Dimplex’s modern range includes great features such as clear displays and controls and complete flexibility for your needs. For instance, there is the incredibly efficient Dimplex XLE070 which uses smart heat retention to save energy. The built-in timer also grants users greater control over their heating, which allows them to adapt their heating temperature and timings to suit their needs. Radiators Radiators have a near silent operation, so are great for use within bedrooms - but can be used anywhere across your home (apart from the bathroom). Some models even feature a fully programmable 24-hour timer, so you can set precisely when you want the heater to be in operation. This saves you from wasting energy at times of the day when it is not necessary for the radiator to be turned on. Dimplex has a fantastic range of radiators, that offer cutting-edge features to help keep you warm - and stay environmentally friendly. Don’t ignore the problem - get a portable heater to stay warm and healthy Hypothermia is a problem that is often overlooked but can no longer be ignored. This past year there were more than 34,000 excess winter deaths, with hypothermia being a major contributor to this terrible statistic. Portable heating solutions are now much cheaper, more eco-efficient and - above all else - will give you peace of mind. They are well worth investing in, to reduce the risk of hypothermia to your family and other loved ones, thus being a great help in preventing hypothermia.

It’s happened to all of us: we go to bed feeling ready to fall asleep straight away but then find ourselves tossing and turning all night. There could be many reasons for finding it difficult to fall asleep. One of these problems could likely be the heating in your room, and in this article we want to find out how portable heating can help. During the winter, many energy-conscious people will sleep in rooms that are too cool. Meanwhile, during the summer, others will put up with sweltering hot conditions that can leave them sweating. The Sleep Council recommends 18 degrees as the optimum room temperature to fall asleep in. In this article, Sparks will look at how we can maintain this ideal temperature without suffering from high energy costs. Why it is so important that you get a good night’s sleep Detailed sleep studies have made us more aware of how important sleep is to our physical and mental well-being. The precise reason why we need to sleep and dream is still not conclusive. However, the results indicate that our quality of sleep is intrinsically linked to our quality of life. Poor sleep patterns have been strongly linked to weight gain, greater risk of heart disease or stroke, the risk of diabetes and mental health problems. Meanwhile, positive sleep patterns have been linked to improved concentration and productivity, better athletic performance and better immune function. As you can see, quality sleep is essential for us all - and all avenues to improving our sleep should be explored. First on the list of the Sleep Council’s methods to improve sleep is by achieving the optimal temperature in your room. Portable heating and cooling for ideal sleeping conditions Ensuring that your bedroom is kept to an accurate and dependable temperature is a difficult task for most central heating systems. This is why people are increasingly turning to portable heating and cooling as a solution, given the advancements these systems have seen in recent years. A primary reason for this is that portable heaters are separate from your central heating system, and offer greater adaptability. Portable coolers are ideal when you find yourself struggling to get some sleep in a hot environment. They operate at a quiet and efficient rate to keep your room at a comfortable temperature that is conducive to sleep. Dimplex offers a great range of portable coolers, which have modern features such as adjustable speed settings - which you can operate from your bed. If you find yourself sweating into your sheets at night, all you need to do is manage the cooler from a remote. On the other hand, you may find yourself freezing cold under the covers during the winter. Sometimes merely adding extra duvets or blankets is not enough but rather, it can be uncomfortable. If this is the case then you should look into electric portable heaters. It boasts a thermostatic control, a 24-hour timer and can be used as a portable device or wall-mounted.Installed heating for perfect sleeping conditions Some may argue that portable heating and cooling solutions for your bedroom are only ‘temporary’. If you are looking for something more permanent than you may wish to have installed heating within your bedroom. The intuitive technology employed in modern electric radiators means that fluctuations in temperature are no longer a problem. You can guarantee a steady 18-degree temperature in your room throughout the night to allow for a good night’s rest. Dimplex offers a range of fixed electric radiators that - crucially - have smart programmable controls. They are thermostatically controlled, via a variable thermostat which allows the user to stay in control of a set point temperature. This allows them to establish a comfortable and cosy environment for sleeping. It strikes the perfect balance between convected and radiant heat, and ensures warmth is efficiently spread to both the air and the people in the room. Electric cooling and heating can improve your lifestyle As explained above in this article, sleep is very important when it comes to our general well-being and quality of life. Furthermore, your room’s temperature is strongly linked to how well you sleep. There are some easy solutions for seasonal ‘extreme’ temperatures. For winter you may add extra layers of sheets to your bed, while in summer you could open a window or two. However, this is not an exact science for room temperature control. Dimplex offers a real solution with their range of portable (or fixed) heating and cooling systems. Utilising smart technology, they have clever features such as ‘overheat cut out’, which is helpful for creating a set point temperature of 18 degrees. This will allow you to get a great night’s rest - and be ready for the day ahead.

As people spend more time indoors, it is essential we use household appliances safely and responsibly, so we always need to be reminded of electrical safety at home. In this article, we’ll inform you how to stay safe when dealing with numerous appliances in different areas of your home. Electrical Safety First (ESF) have a great visual check list to determine if your home appliances are safe, room by room. They also have a visual checks app which is free to download. Electrical Safety at Home, even Across your Home Sockets and Switches Avoid water coming into contact with any electricity by fitting your sockets and switches far away from the sink. The distance should be at least 30 cm (horizontally). Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands. Appliances such as fridges and washing machines that are fitted under worktops should be controlled via a fuse connection unit. If a socket is likely to supply portable electrical equipment outdoors, then you should protect it with an RCD. ESF explain the importance of installing RCDs in this article. We sell a range of RCDs at Sparks Direct, such as the Masterplug from BG Electrical, which is designed for outdoor usage. Electrical Safety when doing DIY RCDs are also important for DIY fanatics. Electrical accidents caused by DIY are prevalent, with 70 people dying and 350,000 injured every year as a result in the UK. Here we have five major rules for home DIY and electrical safety at home: Locate cables in your wall. Do not drill, nail or screw anything into them. Use an RCD - have one fitted into your fuse box. Shut off your mains power and use battery powered tools. Check that your power tools - and their leads - are in good condition. If you are unsure about anything, get advice from a registered electrician. Electrical Safety for Downlights Poorly installed downlights are one of the most significant causes of fires in UK homes each year. When replacing downlights follow these golden rules: Ensure you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure you double-check you have the correct replacements that do not exceed the maximum allowed voltage. If the lampholder is damaged, don’t fit the downlight but seek advice from an electrician. More information on downlight safety is available here. Electrical Safety for Portable heaters There are three kinds of commonly-used portable heaters. They are halogen heaters, fan heaters and oil radiators. Fan heaters and oil radiators pose more of a fire hazard, which can be caused by children and elderly people accidentally knocking them over. Take these precautions when using portable heaters: Place the heater on a level surface, removed from anything that may knock it over. Ensure the heater is at least a metre away from combustible materials, and do not use it to dry your clothes. Never leave the heater on and unattended for an extended period of time. Never power a heater from an extension lead. These leads can become overloaded and start fires. Inspect your heater for damage. If the heater is in a bad condition do not use it. Buy only from recognised manufacturers and retailers. Register your new portable heater with a manufacturer. This way it is easier to get in contact if a safety notice or recall is required. Electrical Safety First has a free online ‘Product recall checker’ where you can find if your portable heater (or any other item) has been recalled. Electrical safety in your bedroom If a device such as a tablet or phone is left by on the bedding or under a pillow it can dangerously overheat. When your family are charging their devices, they must: Ensure the device is on a hard surface such as a desk or table. Never charge devices under a pillow or other combustible materials. Turn of all their devices before they go to bed. Not use fake or unbranded chargers. Never place liquids close to electrical appliances. Electrical safety in the bathroom The consequences of electric shocks can be most devastating in the bathroom, as wet skin reduces the body’s resistance. It is essential you follow these rules to avoid an accident. Sockets must be fitted at least three metres from the bath or shower. Enclosed lights are preferable for bathroom usage. Look for lights with IP44+ ratings. A ceiling-mounted pull cord is the safest switch type to use in the bathroom. Any electric and gas heaters in a bathroom should be fixed. Electric showers must be supplied via their own circuit, straight from your fuse box. Never bring a mains-powered portable appliance such as hairdryer, heater or radio into the bathroom. This could prove fatal. Total home safety ESF have extensive articles such as this one on electrical fires, which includes advice on maintaining everything from portable heaters to tumble dryers and washing machines. You can get professional help via an Electrical Installation Conditions Report (EICR). Registered electricians will check if your appliance is safe to use until the next inspection. Alternatively, they may advise on repair work that needs to be completed. Whether you take the DIY approach or get an electrician in, keeping on top of your overall home electrical safety can be difficult. ESF offers you a fantastic source of guidance, providing comprehensive safety advice for every room and appliance in your house. This article was inspired by numerous articles from the Electrical Safety First site.

As energy bills are predicted to rise even more, you may be worried about how will you heat your home during the winter.One way to heat your room or office is by using portable heaters; they are a convenient alternative to central heating, especially when you need heat in one or two rooms.Why not heat up only the space you use and live in, instead of heating up the whole house? Here's where portable heaters come in. They are very popular and quite handy when the chilly months of the year are upon us. However, it is best to use the portable heaters safely, as outlined both by Dimplex here and by Electrical Safety First here. The Three Types of Portable HeatersYou may have seen or used a portable heater at home or in your office to warm up the room or the space you are in. There are three main types of portable heaters in the UK:Fan Heaters: these are electric heaters that have a fan incorporated, which pushes out warm air once plugged in and turned on. They are quite convenient when you need heat right now, but many of them don't have a heating element that keeps them warm after they are turned off. Here are some of the fan heaters we sell.Oil-filled Radiators: as the name suggests, these are panel heaters that are filled with oil and offer radiant heating once turned on. The oil inside makes them warm and keeps them a while longer when they are turned off. Take look at the oil-filled heaters available at Sparks.Halogen Heaters/Infrared heaters: These kinds of heaters offer heat or warmth by radiating infrared light. These heaters use halogen elements enclosed in lamps or bulbs, which directly heat the object when the light reaches it. They don't technically heat the air in the room but rather the object which needs to be heated up. At Sparks, we mainly sell infrared heaters for warehouses or large rooms. Buy Classic 2kW Convector HeaterHow to Safely Use Portable Heaters at HomeMany of the fires caused by portable heaters are because of some basic mistakes which, once identified, eliminate the risk of fire. For example, if a heater is placed in a place where people walk by, it is easy to be knocked down and start a fire. Or if you hang the laundry above or near the portable heater, it can be easy for it to catch fire. Furthermore, when portable heaters are too close to little children or elderly ones, it is easy for them to get burned.Buy Riviera 2kW Oil-Filled Radiator Here are some of the top tips on safely using portable heaters at home:Always ensure to position your portable heater on a level surface, not uneven, and well away from anything that could knock it over. If the surface is uneven, it is easy for the heater to fall. If the heater is on a path of those around, it can be knocked over.The portable heaters need to be at least 1m away from combustible materials and textiles. Make sure things such as papers, furniture, curtains, and even laundry are at least 1m away from the heater. Yes, the laundry may seem to dry faster when closer to the heater, but the risks outweigh the benefits.Turn off the portable heater when not in use or at night. Never leave the heater unattended or ON, especially while you are asleep. It may sound simple, but it is easy to turn on the heater and feel so warm that you fall asleep and forget about it, and it is quite dangerous to have the heater on at night.Do not power your portable heater from an extension lead. The wattage of the heater will always exceed the rating of the power lead, and adding extra electrical items in that extension multiplies the risk. Plug the heater directly into the wall-mounted socket.Inspect your heater regularly and don't use second-hand heaters. Sometimes there may be a burnt smell once the heater is on due to dust or other things, and in such cases, the heater needs to be cleaned before use. Also, it is not safe to use second-hand heaters.Regularly inspect the heaters for damage, deterioration, or dirt. If the heater has a loose cable or part, do not use it. If it is not in a good condition, it's safest not to use it.Do not dry your laundry over the heater. Yes, it is convenient to have the laundry rack close to the heater or even above it, but it is not safe at all. Make sure there are no textiles within 1m of the portable heater.Buy your new portable heater made by known manufacturers and from recognised retailers, and ensure to choose a product that has a BEAB mark. At Sparks, we have a wide range of excellent portable heaters.To be extra safe, it is recommended to register the new portable heater you have purchased. And to be even safer, you can check the Product Recall Checker to see whether the portable heater or any other electrical items have been recalled.