[roisinfahy (OP)]

This is a question I've always wondered. I have autism and suffer quite a number of sensory issues. I live in Ireland where it can get quite cold in the winter.

Growing up, I always disliked the heat that came out of radiators and felt that it was "uncomfortably warm". I recently purchased a Hot & Cool fan which I find is very comfortable. It might seem like a preference but the heats  is very different. Radiators often feel like being in a furnace while the air conditioner simply feels like a breeze on a summer day.

I know that radiators use warm water to spread heat via radiation while the air con blows warm air.

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[alancalverd]

I know that radiators use warm water to spread heat via radiation while the air con blows warm air.

Despite the name, "radiators" disperse heat principally by convection. They are attractive because they are very low-maintenance once installed, generally do not occupy "living space" in the middle of a room, and are silent and do not create a draft. Also very useful for drying clothes and towels, and the primary heat source can be anything combustible.

True "reversible aircon" systems transfer more heat per unit input power but are noisy and drafty. Definitely the best option in a well-insulated house with electricity but no mains gas supply. Air- or ground-source heat pumps do the same thing but also provide hot water: very efficient but depressingly complex and I have yet to find a contractor who can actually maintain one!

"Assisted convection" fan heaters can cost anything from £10 to £600 for a domestic gadget,depending on whether you want it to humidify and filter the air or just circulate a bit of heat.  Since you can't get much more than 2.5 kW out of a domestic socket, and direct conversion of electrical energy to heat is pretty well 100% efficient, they all do exactly the same job of heating or circulating the air, with more or less noise depending on the model. 

The British Isles are blessed with a comfortable outdoor temperature range and one live sheep for every 3 people. My solution is an open window and a woolly sweater - Irish traditional designs are particularly attractive and the close-knit Guernsey is ideal for outdoor work - it's the basis of the military "woolly pully". No noise or fuel bills. 

[vdblnkr34]

Radiators are the best in terms of getting a good real heat. But you need a big solid one, small radiators are not good, they lose heat quickly. Most of companies sell small radiators, I never seen anyone sell big one. So, on today market radiators has poor quality and do not hold the heat for a long period of time.