Living in Lyon, France, I've experienced my fair share of brutal winters. The combination of rising energy costs and an aging heating system in my 19th-century apartment building led me to search for an alternative heating solution. After months of research and reading countless reviews, I decided to purchase the AirHeat Small Heater in January 2023. Now, after a full year of daily use, I'm ready to share my comprehensive experience with this compact heating device.
The promise was enticing: a small, energy-efficient heater that could warm individual rooms quickly while keeping electricity bills manageable. But does it live up to the hype? After 365 days of testing in various conditions, seasons, and room configurations, I have definitive answers.
When my AirHeat Small Heater arrived in January 2023, I was immediately struck by its compact design. Measuring approximately 15cm x 12cm x 8cm, it's remarkably small for a heating device. The build quality felt solid in my hands – not the cheap plastic construction I was expecting from an online purchase. The matte black finish gives it a modern, unobtrusive appearance that blends well with most home décor.
The packaging included the heater unit, a detailed instruction manual (thankfully available in French), a remote control, and a wall mounting kit. The setup process was refreshingly simple. Unlike my previous space heater that required assembly and complicated programming, the AirHeat was ready to use within minutes of unboxing.
The control panel features a clear LED display showing temperature settings, timer functions, and operating modes. The buttons have a satisfying tactile response, and the remote control worked flawlessly from across my 25-square-meter living room. Initial setup involved simply plugging it into a standard European outlet and selecting my preferred temperature.
Before diving into my year-long experience, it's important to understand what the AirHeat Small Heater offers technically. The device operates on 220-240V power supply, standard for French households. It features multiple heating modes: Eco mode (400W), Comfort mode (800W), and Boost mode (1200W maximum). The ceramic heating element promises rapid heat distribution, while the built-in thermostat maintains consistent temperatures.
Safety features include overheat protection, tip-over protection, and a child lock function – crucial considerations for my household with two young children. The timer function allows programming for up to 12 hours, and the device includes a sleep mode that gradually reduces temperature throughout the night.
One feature that particularly impressed me was the oscillation function. Unlike stationary heaters, the AirHeat can rotate to distribute warm air more evenly throughout a room. The noise level is rated at under 45 decibels, which the manufacturer claims is "whisper quiet."
My first month with the AirHeat coincided with one of Lyon's coldest Januaries in recent memory, with temperatures dropping to -8°C. This provided the perfect stress test for the device. I primarily used it in my home office, a 12-square-meter room with poor insulation and single-pane windows.
In Boost mode, the AirHeat managed to raise the room temperature from 14°C to a comfortable 21°C in approximately 18 minutes. This was impressive considering the challenging conditions. However, I noticed that maintaining this temperature required the heater to cycle on frequently, particularly during the coldest nights.
The electricity consumption during this period averaged 4.2 kWh per day when running for 8-10 hours. At Lyon's average electricity rate of €0.174 per kWh, this translated to roughly €0.73 per day in heating costs for one room – significantly less than running my central heating system.
February brought slightly warmer temperatures, averaging around 3°C. During this month, I experimented with different placement locations and operating modes. The Eco mode proved sufficient for maintaining comfortable temperatures during the day, while Comfort mode handled evening and morning heating needs effectively.
I discovered that positioning the heater near the room's center, rather than against a wall, improved heat distribution significantly. The oscillation feature became more valuable during this period, as it prevented the formation of hot and cold zones within the room.
Energy consumption dropped to an average of 2.8 kWh per day, reducing daily operating costs to approximately €0.49. The heater's thermostat proved accurate, maintaining temperatures within 1-2 degrees of the set point.
March's variable weather provided an excellent test of the AirHeat's adaptability. Some days required minimal heating, while others demanded full power operation. The device's responsive thermostat handled these fluctuations well, automatically adjusting output based on ambient temperature changes.
During this month, I began using the timer function extensively. Programming the heater to warm my bedroom 30 minutes before bedtime and shut off after I fell asleep proved both comfortable and economical. The sleep mode function gradually reduced temperature by 2°C over three hours, which I found conducive to better sleep quality.
Spring and summer in Lyon meant the AirHeat was largely unnecessary for heating purposes. However, I discovered an unexpected benefit during a particularly damp April. The device's dry heat helped reduce humidity in my basement storage room, preventing mold growth on stored items.
During this period, I thoroughly cleaned the heater and performed maintenance as recommended in the manual. The ceramic heating element showed no signs of wear, and all functions continued operating normally. The compact size made storage simple – it fit easily in a closet without taking up significant space.
I occasionally used the heater during cool summer evenings when outdoor temperatures dropped unexpectedly. Its quick heat-up time made it perfect for these intermittent uses, reaching comfortable temperatures within minutes rather than the hour required to warm up my central heating system.
As autumn arrived, I resumed regular use of the AirHeat. After months of storage, the device started immediately without any issues. All functions operated exactly as they had in spring, demonstrating good build quality and reliability.
October's mild temperatures allowed me to rely primarily on Eco mode, which proved remarkably efficient. The heater maintained my office at 20°C while consuming only 1.8 kWh per day on average. This translated to daily operating costs of just €0.31.
The heater's second winter provided valuable insights into long-term performance and durability. After nearly a year of use, I noticed no degradation in heating capacity or efficiency. The ceramic element continued producing consistent heat output, and all electronic components functioned normally.
During December's cold snap, with outdoor temperatures reaching -6°C, the AirHeat again proved capable of maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. However, I observed that extremely cold conditions required more frequent cycling, which slightly increased energy consumption compared to milder weather.
My home office became the primary testing ground for the AirHeat. With its combination of poor insulation, large windows, and high ceiling, this room presented significant heating challenges. The AirHeat consistently maintained comfortable working temperatures, though it required Comfort or Boost mode during the coldest periods.
The quiet operation proved crucial in this environment. During video conferences and phone calls, the heater's low noise level never interfered with communication. Colleagues never commented on background noise, confirming the manufacturer's "whisper quiet" claims.
Heat distribution in this rectangular room was excellent when the heater was positioned centrally with oscillation enabled. Corner areas remained slightly cooler, but the difference was minimal and didn't affect comfort levels.
Using the AirHeat in my bedroom revealed both strengths and limitations. The timer and sleep mode functions worked perfectly for pre-warming the room and maintaining comfortable sleeping temperatures. However, the LED display, while dimmed in sleep mode, remained visible enough to potentially disturb light-sensitive sleepers.
The heater's safety features provided peace of mind during overnight operation. The tip-over protection activated correctly when I accidentally knocked it over while making the bed, immediately shutting off power until the unit was uprighted.
Bedroom heating efficiency was good, though the larger space required longer warm-up times compared to my office. Boost mode could raise the temperature from 16°C to 21°C in approximately 25 minutes.
The living room presented the greatest challenge for the AirHeat's heating capacity. While it could effectively warm the immediate area around the heater, achieving uniform temperature throughout the entire space proved difficult. The oscillation feature helped, but the room's size exceeded the heater's optimal coverage area.
For targeted heating – warming a seating area while watching television, for example – the AirHeat performed admirably. However, for whole-room heating, it required supplementation from other heat sources during the coldest weather.
The compact bathroom proved ideal for the AirHeat's capabilities. The small space heated quickly and maintained temperature efficiently. However, I was cautious about using it in this high-humidity environment, despite the manufacturer's assurances about moisture resistance.
During the few times I used it in the bathroom, the heater performed well, quickly eliminating the chill after showers. The tip-over protection provided additional safety in the confined space where accidental contact was more likely.
One of the AirHeat's primary selling points is energy efficiency, and my year-long monitoring provided comprehensive data on this claim. Using a smart plug with energy monitoring capabilities, I tracked consumption across all seasons and operating modes.
Eco Mode (400W): 1.5-2.5 kWh per day (8-10 hours operation)
Comfort Mode (800W): 2.8-4.2 kWh per day (8-10 hours operation)
Boost Mode (1200W): 4.5-6.8 kWh per day (8-10 hours operation)
Winter months (Dec-Feb): Average €18.50 per month
Spring/Fall months (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): Average €9.20 per month
Summer months (Jun-Aug): Average €1.80 per month (minimal use)
Compared to heating the same spaces with my building's central heating system, the AirHeat provided savings of approximately 35-40%. The ability to heat only occupied rooms, rather than the entire apartment, contributed significantly to these savings.
The heater's efficiency varied with external conditions. During mild weather, the thermostat's accuracy meant minimal energy waste from overheating. However, during extreme cold, frequent cycling reduced overall efficiency as the unit worked harder to maintain set temperatures.
After 365 days of regular use, the AirHeat Small Heater shows minimal signs of wear. The exterior casing remains intact with no cracks or discoloration. The control buttons retain their tactile response, and the LED display shows no dimming or pixel issues.
The ceramic heating element, which I was initially concerned about given the device's compact size, has performed flawlessly. Heat output remains consistent with initial performance, suggesting no degradation in the heating core. The internal fan, responsible for air circulation, operates as quietly as when new.
The remote control deserves special mention for its durability. Despite daily use and occasional drops, all buttons function normally, and the infrared signal remains strong across the room. The battery life has been excellent, requiring replacement only once during the entire year.
One minor issue emerged around month eight: the oscillation mechanism began producing a slight clicking sound during rotation. This didn't affect functionality but was noticeable in very quiet environments. A small amount of lubricant applied to the rotation mechanism resolved the issue completely.
Safety was a primary concern when choosing a portable heater, particularly with children in the household. The AirHeat's safety features proved reliable throughout the year:
Activated twice during testing – once when I accidentally covered the air intake with a towel, and once during an extended Boost mode session in extremely cold weather. In both cases, the heater shut down immediately and resumed operation once temperatures normalized.
Tested multiple times (both accidentally and intentionally), this feature worked flawlessly. The heater immediately ceased operation when tilted beyond safe angles and required manual restart after being uprighted.
Essential with curious toddlers in the house. The lock prevented accidental temperature changes and mode switching. However, the lock doesn't prevent the power button from being pressed, which would be a useful addition.
The heater's exterior remained safe to touch during operation, never exceeding 45°C even during extended Boost mode use. This contrasts favorably with traditional radiator-style heaters that can cause burns.
The manufacturer's claim of "whisper quiet" operation proved largely accurate. Using a decibel meter, I measured noise levels across different operating modes:
Eco Mode: 38-42 dB (comparable to a quiet library)
Comfort Mode: 42-46 dB (similar to moderate rainfall)
Boost Mode: 46-50 dB (equivalent to a quiet conversation)
These levels never interfered with daily activities. Television viewing, phone calls, and sleep were unaffected by the heater's operation. The fan noise has a consistent, white-noise quality that many users might find soothing rather than disruptive.
The only noticeable sound variation occurred during thermostat cycling, when the fan would start and stop. This created brief moments of silence followed by gentle air movement sounds, but the transitions were smooth and non-jarring.
During my year with the AirHeat, I had opportunities to compare it with other heating solutions used by friends and family:
The AirHeat heated rooms significantly faster than oil-filled radiators but required more frequent cycling to maintain temperature. Oil radiators provided more consistent heat but took 30-45 minutes to reach full effectiveness.
Conventional fan heaters produced heat more quickly but were considerably noisier and less energy-efficient. The AirHeat's ceramic element provided more comfortable, less "harsh" heat compared to traditional coil-based fan heaters.
Infrared heaters excelled at spot heating but struggled with whole-room temperature management. The AirHeat's combination of convection and forced air circulation provided more even heat distribution.
While central heating offered superior whole-home comfort, the AirHeat's zone heating capability provided better efficiency for single-room use and faster response times.
The AirHeat required minimal maintenance throughout the year. Monthly cleaning involved:
Unplugging the device and allowing complete cooling
Using a soft brush to remove dust from air intake grilles
Wiping the exterior with a damp cloth
Checking the power cord for any signs of wear
The ceramic heating element required no direct maintenance, and the internal components remained dust-free thanks to the device's sealed design. The air filter, accessible through a removable panel, needed cleaning every two months during heavy use periods.
One maintenance challenge was accessing the oscillation mechanism for the lubrication mentioned earlier. This required partial disassembly and might be beyond the comfort level of some users. However, this was the only maintenance issue encountered during the entire year.
Fortunately, I had no need to contact customer service for technical issues during my year of use. However, I did reach out with questions about optimal placement and energy efficiency tips. The response time was reasonable (48 hours), and the advice provided was helpful and accurate.
The warranty coverage (2 years from purchase) provided peace of mind, though I cannot comment on claim processing since no repairs were necessary. The warranty terms appeared comprehensive, covering both manufacturing defects and component failures under normal use.
One unexpected benefit of the AirHeat was its adaptability to different seasonal needs:
This versatility justified the purchase price beyond simple winter heating needs. The compact storage size meant it never became a burden during off-seasons, unlike larger heating appliances.
While electric heating isn't inherently more environmentally friendly than other options, the AirHeat's efficiency and zone heating capability reduced overall energy consumption compared to heating unused spaces. In France, where a significant portion of electricity comes from nuclear power, the carbon footprint was relatively low compared to fossil fuel alternatives.
The device's longevity (based on one year's performance) suggests it won't contribute to electronic waste as quickly as cheaper, less durable alternatives. The ceramic heating element's durability means fewer replacement parts and longer service life.
At a purchase price of €89, the AirHeat represented a significant investment compared to basic fan heaters available for €20-30. However, the year-long performance justified this premium:
The payback period, considering energy savings alone, was approximately 18 months. When factoring in convenience and comfort improvements, the value proposition became even stronger.
Despite overall satisfaction, several areas could benefit from improvement:
The LED display, while dimmable, could offer a complete blackout mode for bedroom use.
The effective heating area could be larger for the power consumption, particularly in Boost mode.
WiFi connectivity and smartphone app control would enhance convenience and allow remote monitoring.
The safety lock should include the power button to prevent complete shutdown by children.
A wider oscillation angle (currently 70 degrees) would improve heat distribution in larger rooms.
Based on the first year's performance, I'm optimistic about the AirHeat's long-term reliability. The ceramic heating element shows no signs of degradation, and the electronic components have remained stable. The build quality suggests the device should provide several years of reliable service with proper maintenance.
The only potential concern is the oscillation mechanism, which required lubrication after eight months. This suggests it may need periodic attention, but this is a minor maintenance requirement for an otherwise robust device.
The AirHeat Small Heater is ideal for:
Single-room heating in spaces up to 15 square meters
Supplemental heating in larger rooms with primary heat sources
Office environments where quiet operation is essential
Rental properties where permanent heating modifications aren't possible
Energy-conscious users seeking efficient zone heating
It's less suitable for:
Whole-home heating as a primary heat source
Very large rooms exceeding 20 square meters
Continuous 24/7 operation in extremely cold climates
Users requiring smart home integration
After 365 days of comprehensive testing, the AirHeat Small Heater earns a solid 4.2/5 rating. It delivers on its primary promises of efficient, quiet, and safe heating for small to medium-sized rooms. The build quality, energy efficiency, and user-friendly features justify the premium price point.
The device excels in its intended use case – providing quick, controllable heat for individual rooms. While it has limitations in terms of coverage area and lacks modern smart features, it performs its core function exceptionally well.
For French consumers facing rising energy costs and seeking alternatives to expensive central heating, the AirHeat represents a practical solution. The combination of immediate heat, programmable operation, and reasonable operating costs makes it a worthwhile investment for most households.
My 365-day journey with the AirHeat Small Heater has been largely positive. From the brutal cold of January 2023 to the mild autumn of December 2023, this compact device has consistently provided reliable, efficient heating when and where I needed it most.
The €89 investment has paid dividends in comfort, convenience, and energy savings. While it's not a revolutionary product, it's a well-executed solution to a common problem – how to heat individual spaces efficiently without the expense and waste of whole-home heating systems.
The durability demonstrated over the first year suggests this will be a long-term heating solution rather than a temporary fix. The minimal maintenance requirements and consistent performance indicate that the AirHeat should continue serving my heating needs for years to come.
For anyone considering a portable heating solution in France, particularly those living in apartments or homes with expensive or inefficient central heating, the AirHeat Small Heater deserves serious consideration. It's not perfect, but it's very good at what it does – and sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
The combination of French winter reliability, energy efficiency, and user-friendly operation makes this a product I can confidently recommend to others facing similar heating challenges. After 365 days of real-world testing, the AirHeat has earned its place as a permanent fixture in my home heating strategy.
Whether you're looking to reduce heating costs, improve comfort in specific rooms, or simply want a reliable backup heating source, the AirHeat Small Heater delivers results that justify its price and exceed reasonable expectations. My year-long experience confirms that this is a purchase I would make again without hesitation.