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There are heaters that grab headlines, and people talk about them all the time in the industry. Things like storage heaters, smart heaters and heatpumps. But tubular heaters do their job quietly in the background without the attention. They’re low-profile, low-energy, and effective at preventing frost or damp in all sorts of spaces. But what exactly is a tubular heater? And why might it be the ideal solution for your home, garage, greenhouse, or commercial space?

, cylindrical heating element that’s designed to provide gentle, background warmth. They’re usually made from metal and tend to be installed near the floor or along the base of walls where cold air collects. Their main use isn’t really to heat a room in the normal sense, they’re supposed to take the chill off and prevent condensation or frost build-up in enclosed or badly insulated areas.

Think of them as quiet workhorses in the background they’re not flashy, but they do their job efficiently and consistently.

At the core of a tubular heater is a resistive heating element encased in a metal tube which heats up when power flows through it. As the surface warms, it gently radiates heat into the surrounding area, creating a rise in temperature. There’s no moving air or noise which makes them a good choice for use in sensitive environments like airing cupboards, reptile tanks, or bedrooms.

They’re generally low-wattage (usually between 60W and 240W) and designed for continuous or prolonged use, either with a built-in thermostat or connected to an external controller.

Tubular heaters are often found in places you might not expect. Because of their discreet size and constant heat output, they’re incredibly versatile. Here are some of the most common use cases:

Prevent frost damage and help maintain a steady growing environment during the colder months. Tubular heaters are ideal for protecting delicate plants from sudden temperature drops.

Maintain ambient temperatures to protect tools, batteries, and electrical equipment. These spaces often lack insulation, making tubular heaters a practical solution.

Keep your linen dry and warm throughout the year, even in properties without central heating. A compact tubular heater can offer consistent warmth in small enclosed spaces.

Prevent freezing pipes and damp build-up when vehicles are stored or left unused over winter. Tubular heaters offer a low-energy option for peace of mind.

Maintain stable temperatures for delicate electronics, stock, or promotional items. These heaters are discreet and easy to install, even in compact commercial spaces.

Provide warmth for reptiles, poultry housing, or kennels. Tubular heaters are a reliable way to ensure animal welfare during cold spells.

Essentially, anywhere that requires low-level heat with minimal visual intrusion is a candidate for a tubular heater.

Despite their modest appearance, tubular heaters bring quite a few benefits to the table:

Tubular heaters use very low wattage, making them incredibly cost-effective to run. When paired with a thermostat, their efficiency improves even further, keeping energy bills down.

Their surface temperature stays low, so there’s no risk of burns or scorching. This makes them a smart choice for areas with flammable materials, children, or pets.

With no fans or moving parts, tubular heaters operate silently. This makes them ideal for bedrooms, offices, or any setting where noise would be a distraction.

They’re excellent for reducing condensation, helping to prevent damp and mildew in enclosed or unheated spaces.

Once installed, tubular heaters require very little attention. They’re reliable and long-lasting, making them a fit-and-forget solution for background heat.

For environments where full room heating isn’t necessary or possible tubular heaters can offer the perfect balance of performance and cost-efficiency.

Yes, when used correctly and sourced from reputable brands, tubular heaters are considered very safe. Most models include integrated safety features such as:

IP ratings to protect against dust and moisture ingress (important for greenhouses or bathrooms)

Double insulation for added electrical safety

That said, correct installation matters. It’s essential to ensure your tubular heater is securely mounted and not obstructed by fabrics or materials that could trap heat. If in doubt, we always recommend choosing models that are BEAB approved or CE certified and if you’re installing one in a damp environment, ensure the IP rating matches the requirements.

Tubular heaters come in a range of lengths, usually from 300mm to 1800mm, and in various wattages. The right choice depends on the size of your space and how much heat you require.

Shorter models (e.g. 300mm, 60W): Ideal for airing cupboards, small cabinets, or localised heating.

Medium-length (e.g. 900mm, 120W-180W): Suitable for garages, utility rooms, or kennels.

Longer models (e.g. 1500mm+, 240W+): Better for larger greenhouses or commercial spaces.

It’s often better to install multiple lower-wattage heaters spread throughout a space than to rely on one high-wattage unit. This provides more even heating and helps prevent cold spots.

Tubular heaters are designed to be either wall-mounted or floor-mounted using brackets. Most models include fixing kits, although some users prefer to add optional guards for extra safety especially in areas with children or animals.

They can be hardwired or plugged in, depending on the model, and many allow integration with a timer or thermostat for better control. When installing, you should always ensure there’s adequate airflow around the unit and avoid placing it too close to soft furnishings or flammable materials.

Tubular Heaters with Thermostats: Do You Need One?

While basic models run continuously, many modern tubular heaters now come with built-in thermostats and for good reason. A thermostat allows the heater to automatically switch on and off based on the ambient temperature, which not only maintains a consistent climate but can significantly reduce electricity use.

For more precise control, some users opt to pair non-thermostatic tubular heaters with external thermostats or smart plugs. This can be a great option if you want to control your heating remotely or schedule it around your lifestyle.

Popular Brands and Models Available at Alert Electrical

At Alert Electrical, we stock a range of high-quality tubular heaters from trusted brands such as:

Dimplex: A long-standing manufacturer offering models with thermostats, ideal for both domestic and commercial applications.

Greenbook: Known for robust, instant-start tubular heaters and more. These are IP-rated and great for any space when used with one of their guards.

All our models are selected for efficiency, reliability, and ease of installation and our team is always happy to offer advice if you’re not sure which unit best suits your space.

If you’re looking for a discreet, reliable, and cost-effective way to keep the chill at bay or protect your property from damp, a 

 could be exactly what you need. Whether it’s a greenhouse, a loft, a garage, or even a wardrobe, these compact heaters quietly get on with the job of keeping the environment stable and moisture-free.

And while they might not have the instant warmth of a fan heater or the aesthetics of a designer radiator, their practicality, safety, and energy savings speak volumes.

What is a Tubular Heater?

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