How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters come with a host of advantages that include lower initial costs, low maintenance by the homeowner and efficient heating. They are also more convenient than heating systems that require venting.
You can save money on heating costs If you have an electricity provider who provides Economy 7.
electric stoves fires , your electric heater will allow you to set the temperature you prefer, and maintain that temperature without having to switch it off and on. This will conserve energy and prevent you from entering or leaving a room too cold. Look for a thermostat, and if you can, one with a timer function.
When selecting an electric heater, be sure it is rated for the space you're using it in. A heater that is too small will have to run longer to reach the desired temperature. This can waste energy and could cause your space to overheat. Use our calculator to determine the ideal heater size in watts per square foot for your space.
Also, ensure that the knobs that regulate temperature are easy to adjust and reach. electric log burners may have to remove screws or peel back insulation to access the knobs if they are recessed. This could be a hassle. It's also important to determine the recommended temperature range for safety and efficiency reasons. Temperatures below 120 degrees can cause bacteria to grow and increase the chance of scalding. Temperatures above 140 degrees could pose a fire danger.
The Everhot is an elegant compact heater that can be put to use in conservatories or, as the company states: "annexes... narrow boats... shepherds' cabins... Glamping pods." It can reach temperatures of 200C, making it a good choice for cooking as well as heating. It has a timer, and an ECO setting that optimizes the power and heat settings to be more efficient.
It's also quiet and silent, with no fan sound and no whirring when you change settings. This makes it an excellent option for bedrooms or living rooms. It also comes with a few other convenient features, including an inbuilt nightlight that turns blue when the heater is on and a built-in humidifier that can be turned on to an intermittent mist setting to provide a more subtle effect. It's also sturdy and safe with a tip-over shutoff switch as well as an overheating protection feature that shuts down the unit if it gets too hot. It's also UL-listed to ensure safety.
Safety
Electric heaters are to be used with caution. Children, the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses or immune system disorders are at a higher chance of being poisoned by carbon monoxide as well as fire hazards created by heaters. Pets and children can knock a heater over and cause injury or even death.
ESFI recommends checking the heater's cord, plug and outlet on a regular basis. Find indications of damage, such as cracks in the plug, a loose cord, or if a plug is cracked or loose. If the cord or outlet is hot, you should stop using it and contact a qualified electrician to repair it. Don't plug in multiple electrical devices at the same outlet with the use of a space heater as it could cause overload and result in overheating.
It's recommended to only use heaters that are identified or labelled by a national recognized testing laboratory, like UL. These products are more likely than others to meet the voluntary safety requirements. Also, don't place a heater on flammable surfaces, like rugs and textiles. Maintain a minimum of three feet between the heater and any combustible material. Additionally, do not put a heater in the bathroom or kitchen and never touch it if you're wet.
Additionally, be sure to always plug an electric heater directly into a wall outlet and not an power strip or extension cord. If you must use an extension cord, make sure you choose the shortest one that is heavy-duty and made with 14-gauge wire. Check for any outlets that are not sagging, as this could indicate a circuit that is overloaded.
Keep an electric space heater at least six inches from anything that could cause. It's recommended to place a space heater on a flat surface instead of putting it on cabinets, tables or furniture, which could cause fire if it overheats. Also, make sure to turn off the heater and disconnect it when you leave the room or go to sleep and leave it on to increase the risk of fire.
Making sure you are taking the appropriate safety precautions when using electric heaters can help prevent injuries and reduce the energy use. Electric heaters are frequently employed by facility managers to add heating in offices and other common areas as temperatures drop. Preferred Climate Solutions can install and maintain outdoor or indoor electric heaters to help ensure that your workplace is as comfortable as possible during these cold winter months. Contact us for more information about heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
Think about the energy efficiency of the portable heater before making your choice. This is the amount of power required to produce the desired amount of heat. Heaters that use less energy are more efficient and reduce the cost of heating your home or business.
The majority of electrical heaters convert electrical energy into heat using a heating element. It is usually made of a coil or ribbon, flexible heater, or tubular element that emits heat when a current is passed through it. The amount of heat produced depends on the type of heating element employed and the method used by which it transmits heat (convection or radiation).
If you are concerned about the impact on the environment, you should select an option that uses an environmentally-friendly form of energy. This could be a renewable energy source or alternative to fossil-fuels such as solar or wind.
The energy efficiency of electric heaters is also affected by where and how electricity is generated. Electricity generated from a solar or wind power plant will be more efficient than electricity derived from burning fossil fuels at a power station.
Aside from choosing a heater that runs on an environmentally friendly type of energy, it is important to consider a heater that comes with a variety of built-in energy-saving features. These may include automatic shutoff mechanisms that are activated in the event of overheating or if the unit is accidentally dropped.
These safety measures can help to protect your family or employees, and can help reduce your energy costs by assisting you in avoiding excess usage. Many portable electric heaters operate quietly, making them ideal for offices, bedrooms and other places that require a quiet environment.
Electric heaters can save you money by reducing your maintenance calls. Gas units are more expensive to fix than electric models, and maintenance costs can be costly over the course of time. Electric models are typically less expensive to maintain and usually come with more advanced features to help you save energy.
Installation
Electric heaters work on the basis of Joule energy, converting electrical energy into radiant heat that warms the room. They're also efficient and cost-effective compared to other types of heating, especially gas. However, they're not suitable for every household and can put a strain on the existing electrical system. It is essential to have an electrician check the system before installing the wall heater.
There are several factors to consider when choosing an electric heater, which includes the type of heater and the space in which you wish to place it. The type of heater you select will determine the amount it will cost to operate. An electric baseboard heater may cost more than the space heater or portable model however it provides more uniform warmth and doesn't require chimneys or vents.
Electric fan heaters feature an air blower that circulates hot air in the room. This type of heater is the least expensive, but can be noisy and takes a longer time to heat up a room.
Find a heater which includes a thermostat. This feature allows you to set a target temperature and then shut it off when the desired temperature is attained. This will significantly cut down on consumption of energy and keep you from having to turn the heater on and off.
Before installing an electric heater, ensure that the power is turned off on the breaker panel and ensure that the circuit is shut off with a tester. Next, mark the location in which you plan to install the electric heater on the wall. Then, cut an opening in the drywall. Utilize a drywall cutter to cut off the needed section. Be careful not to cut any electrical pipes or wires.
Use a cable 14/2 of the same length and gauge as the wires that are already in use from the breaker panel up to the wall opening. Remove about 1 inch of insulation off the ends of each conducting wire and connect them to an available screw in the outlet box. Identify this wire as the "line" by labeling it or marking it with a piece of red tape. Connect it to the wire leads that are marked "load" in the thermostat box.