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BY OXDALE PRODUCTS
If you’ve ever worked in a workshop, shed or garage during the winter months here in the UK, you’ll know how bitterly cold it can get and what a massive difference a good heater can make. However, running a heater all winter long can come at a price with rising energy costs. Naturally, you might be looking for safe replacements, like a PTC heater.
You may have heard of them, recommended by someone, but you might be wondering – how does a PTC heater work in comparison to a regular space heater? They have grown in popularity thanks to their ability to self-regulate, saving you money and making them safer to have around the workshop. Join us in this simple guide for farmers and smallholders looking to find out more about PTC heaters before purchasing.
A PTC heater is a type of heater that naturally slows itself down once it reaches the desired temperature. They are good because once they reach the target temperature, they reduce the amount of energy used to maintain the heat level. This is because they are built with ceramic thermistor material that, as they get hotter, their electrical resistance increases, automatically regulating the heat generated.
PTC is an acronym that stands for Positive Temperature Coefficient.
If you’re interested in getting a PTC heater for your workshop, shed or garage, you’re going to want to know how they work.
The process begins with electricity flowing through the heating element. At the start, there is low resistance, making heating up a quick process.
Once the electricity has begun flowing through the heating element, the element gets hot. At this point, resistance increases, meaning the electrical current starts reducing.
Once the heater has achieved the desired temperature, the power output drops automatically, thanks to those ceramic thermistor components. This prevents overheating and reliance on constant thermostat switching.
Naturally, you’re going to want to compare a PTC heater vs a fan heater that you may already have in your workshop. We’ve put together a small comparison table to help you compare the two and help you understand why a PTC heater is the best option for farm environments.
| Traditional Heater | PTC Heater |
| Can overheat | Self-regulating |
| Relies heavily on thermostat | Built-in temperature control |
| Higher fire risk in dusty spaces | Safer for workshops |
| Element can burn out | Longer lifespan |
In a barn, shed or garage, there are clearly a wide range of benefits to having a PTC heater on top of the heat generation. Safety is paramount in these environments due to the nature of the workplace. Flammable material is more common here, so you need to be confident in your heater when using it during the winter.
There are many reasons PTC heaters are ideal for farms and smallholdings. As mentioned previously, they are safer machines to operate in agricultural environments where flammable material may be nearby. They present a lower fire risk near machinery and timber, as well as in barns near straw and hay.
They are also rugged machines, making them suitable for workshop use, where they may be knocked. On top of this, they are known for more stable power draw, making them more energy-efficient, which is important for those running a business.
During the winter months here in the UK, winter frost and damp can make working in workshops, sheds, garages or barns incredibly tough. A PTC is ideal for drying these spaces and making them more hospitable to work in.
A common misconception is that PTC heaters are magic energy-saving machines; the reality is that they regulate output, making them more efficient in controlled heating environments. This prevents overheating, which is wasted in most environments.
Compared to a traditional fan heater, PTC heaters are considered incredibly energy efficient, primarily due to their avoidance of overheating. They are also considered this due to the speed at which they heat up, reducing the time and energy to warm them up over a longer period.
Discover some of the most commonly asked questions about PTC heaters along with their answers.
The PTC in PTC Heater stands for Positive Temperature Coefficient.
PTC Heaters do not require an external thermostat as they are self-regulating and cannot overheat. However, for precision and energy efficiency, they may be fitted with one.
PTC heaters are generally safer than traditional heaters, due to being able to self-regulate, preventing overheating and reducing fire risks. Many modern PTC heaters are fitted with safety features to reduce the risk of injury or similar.
PTC heaters are commonly used in rural workshops, sheds, barns and garages.
Yes, PTC heaters use less electricity to maintain a constant temperature. This makes them more cost-effective than a traditional fan heater.
If you’re interested in buying a PTC heater for your workshop, barn or shed, explore our collection of PTC heaters here at Oxdale Products. Stocking industry-leading brands such as Airrex, we can also offer diesel space heater alternatives. For more information on specific models, please get in touch.
