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How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters offer a range of advantages, including a low initial cost, minimal maintenance for homeowners, and a more efficient method to heat your home. They are also easier to use than heating systems which require venting.
They are particularly useful when your electricity provider offers Economy 7 as the lower off-peak tariff can reduce heating costs.
Temperature Settings
Ideally, your electric heater will allow you to set the temperature you want, and then maintain that temperature without having to switch it on and off. This will conserve energy and stop you from entering or leaving an area that is too cold. Find a thermostat that has a timer, if possible.
When you are choosing an electric heater, make sure that it's rated for the space you're using it in. If the heater is too small will need to run longer to reach the temperature you want. This is a waste of energy and could cause your space to overheat. Use our calculator to determine the right size of heater for your room in terms of watts per sq. foot.
Also, make sure the knobs that regulate temperature are easy to adjust and reach. If the knobs are recessed you might have to remove screws and remove insulation to access them, which can be a challenge. Make sure you are using the recommended temperature range as well for safety and efficiency. Temperatures lower than 120 degrees could cause the growth of bacteria and increase the chance of the possibility of scalding. While temperatures above 140 degrees could pose dangerous for fire.
electric log burning stove is an elegant compact heater that is that is designed to be used in conservatories or, according to the company's description: "annexes, holiday cottages narrow boats and shepherds' huts, as well as Glamping pods." It can reach 200C, making it a good choice for heating as well as cooking. It has a timer and an ECO setting that optimizes the power and heat settings to make it more efficient.
It's also quiet. There's no noise from fans or the sound of whirring when you change the settings. This makes it a great choice for bedrooms or living rooms. It also has a few other convenient features, including a built-in nightlight which glows blue when the heater is turned on and a built-in humidifier which can be switched to an intermittent mist mode to provide a more subtle effect. It is also sturdy and safe with a tip-over shutoff switch as well as an overheating protection which will shut off the unit automatically in the event of overheating. It is also UL-listed to ensure security.
Safety
When using electric heaters, it is essential to take the proper safety precautions. Risks of fire from heaters as well as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be particularly hazardous to children, elderly people and those suffering from chronic health issues or immune system disorders. Children and pets may knock over a heater, which can lead to injury or death.
ESFI recommends checking a heater's cord, plug and outlet on a regular basis. Check for indications of damage, like damaged or loose plug or frayed cord. If the cord or outlet is hot, consult an electrician who is certified to replace it. Never plug in multiple electrical devices simultaneously as space heaters. This can cause overload on the outlet and cause it to overheat.
It is also a good idea to use only heaters that have been listed or labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. These heaters are more likely to be in compliance with the safety standards of voluntary manufacturers. Also, never put a heater in fire-prone surfaces such as rugs and fabrics. Keep a minimum of three feet between the heater and any combustible material. Also, don't put heaters in the bathroom or kitchen and do not be near it if you're soaking wet.
Always connect the heater directly to a wall outlet. Never use a power strip. If you need to connect an extension cord, choose the shortest one that is heavy-duty and that is made of 14 gauge wire. Also, look for sagging outlets, which could be a sign of an overloaded circuit.
If you're using an electric space heater in an open area, be sure to keep it at least six inches from anything that may ignite. It's recommended to place a space heater on an even surface instead of placing it on tables, cabinets or furniture, as they could cause fire if it overheats. Lastly, be sure to switch off and unplug the heater when you leave the room or go to bed; leaving it on increases the chance of catching fire.
Taking the proper safety measures when using electric heaters can help avoid injuries and decrease the energy use. Electric heaters are frequently used by facility managers to add heat to offices and other common areas when temperatures drop. Preferred Climate Solutions can install and service indoor or outdoor electric heaters to make your workplace as comfortable as is possible during the cold winter months. Contact us for more information about heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
When you are choosing an electric heater that is portable take into consideration its energy efficiency. This is the amount of energy needed to achieve the desired output. Heaters that use less energy are more efficient and can lower the cost of heating your home or business.
The heating element is employed in the majority of electrical heaters to convert electrical energy into warmth. This is typically made up of a ribbon, coil, flexible heater element, or tubular element that releases heat when an electric current flows through it. The amount of heat produced depends on the type and method of heating element (convection radiation).
If you are concerned about the impact on the environment, choose a model which uses eco-friendly energy sources. This could be a sustainable energy source or an alternative to fossil fuels, such as wind or solar.
Electric heaters' energy efficiency is also affected by the location and how electricity is generated. Electricity generated from solar or wind power plants will be more efficient than electricity derived from fossil fuels in the power plant.
You should not only choose a heater with an environmentally friendly energy source, but one that is equipped with various energy-saving features. This could include automatic shut-off mechanisms in case of overheating or in the event that the unit is accidentally tilted over.
These safety measures can be helpful to safeguard your family or employees, and can help reduce your energy costs by helping you to avoid excessive use. Many portable electric heaters are designed to operate quietly too, making them ideal for offices, bedrooms, and other areas which require a calm environment.
Electric heaters can also save money by reducing maintenance calls. Gas units are more expensive to fix than electric models and maintenance costs could add up over time. Electric models are generally less expensive to maintain, and they usually come with advanced features that assist you in conserving energy.
Installation
Electric heaters operate on the principle of Joule energy, converting electricity into radiant heat that warms the room. They're also extremely efficient and affordable compared to other types of heating, especially gas. These units are not suitable for all households and can strain an existing electricity system. It's important to have an electrician examine the system before installing a wall heater.
When choosing an electric heater you must consider a variety of aspects, including the type and size of the heater as well as the room which it will be placed. The type of heater you select will determine the amount it costs to operate. An electric baseboard heater may cost more to operate than the space heater or portable unit however it provides more consistent warmth and doesn't require chimneys or vents.
Electric fan heaters feature an air compressor that circulates hot air in the room. This type of heater is usually cheapest to run, but it can be noisy and takes longer to warm a room than other types of electric heaters.
Look for a space heater with a built-in thermostat. This feature lets you to set a temperature and the heater will shut off automatically when it attains that temperature. This feature can reduce the energy use and also help you avoid having to constantly turn the heater on and of.
Be sure to turn off the power source at the breaker box, and test the circuit with a tester to ensure that it is off before you attempt to install an electric heater. Next, mark the area where you'll be mounting the electric heater on the wall and cut an opening in the drywall. Use a drywall cutting tool to remove the required section. Be careful not to cut any electrical pipes or wires.
Run a 14/2 cable with the same gauge as the existing wires from the breaker panel to the wall opening. Strip about 1 inch of insulation from the ends of each conductor wire and connect them to an appropriate screw in the outlet box. The wire you identify as the "line" by labeling it or marking it with a piece red tape, and connect it to the wire leads marked "load" in the thermostat box.