PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
With Dehradun facing prolonged dry winter and the possibility of the city experiencing western disturbance-triggered rain in the coming days, the sale of heaters, particularly the safe ones in terms of health, has been seeing a surge in sales these days. However, budget predominates preference.
The retailers say that the buyers continue to prioritise affordability even as safety and energy efficiency awareness grows.
A trader trading in electronics based in the city, Saurabh Yadav said that the oil radiator heaters are more expensive but are considered safer for enclosed spaces as they do not significantly reduce oxygen levels. “The conventional rod or coil heaters, though cheaper, may lower oxygen levels when used for long periods,” he said.
“Despite the safety concerns, most customers still choose normal heaters, for they are affordable,” Yadav said and added that the prolonged cold conditions since December have been boosting sales this season. “The heater sales are up by 30 to 40 per cent compared to last year and the December-January sales target was met ahead of the schedule,” he stated.
Another retailer, Sidharth Hurla said that the purchasing decisions are largely budget-driven. “The oil radiator heaters are often preferred in homes with small children and elderly members due to their compact design, lower electricity consumption and perceived safety,” he said.
He further said that this time, the sales volume at his outlet was a bit low. “But I hope that the upcoming rainy climate will boost the sales,” he added.
Asked to state his preference for a heater for winter warmth, a consumer Sumit Singh said that he had recently placed online orders for oil radiator heaters. “The winter this time has been dry and the cold feels sharper than last year, particularly at night. Maybe it will rain in the coming days and we will need the heater to keep ourselves warm amidst the deepening chill,” he noted.
