Ceramic tower heaters use PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) ceramic plates as their heating element. When electricity passes through the ceramic, it rapidly heats up. An internal fan then pushes air across the ceramic elements, distributing warm air into the room.

Yes, they can be quite efficient. PTC ceramic elements are self-regulating: as the ceramic material gets hotter, its electrical resistance increases, which naturally lowers power consumption. They are most efficient when paired with an adjustable thermostat that turns the unit off once the desired room temperature is reached.

Built-in timer: Check if a sleep timer or auto-shutoff feature was accidentally activated.