How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters offer a variety of advantages, including lower initial costs, low maintenance by the homeowner and efficient heating. They are also more efficient than heating systems that require venting.
They are especially beneficial If your electricity provider provides Economy 7 because the less expensive off-peak tariff will help you save money on heating costs.
Temperature Settings
Ideally the electric heater should enable you to set the temperature you prefer, and maintain that temperature without having to turn it off and on. This will decrease energy use and prevent you from entering an area that's too cold or leaving one that's too hot. Find a thermostat that has a timer, if possible.
When selecting an electric heater, be certain that it's designed for the space you have. If the heater is too small will have to run longer to achieve the temperature you want. This wastes energy and can cause your room to overheat. Utilize our calculator to determine the ideal heater size for your room in terms of the watts per square. foot.
Also, ensure that the knobs for temperature control are easy to adjust and reach. If the knobs are recessed, you may need to remove screws and remove insulation to access them, which can be a challenge. It is also essential to verify the recommended temperature range for safety and efficiency reasons. Temperatures below 120 degrees could trigger bacteria growth and increase the risk of scalding and temperatures higher than 140 degrees can pose a fire hazard.
The Everhot is an elegant, compact heater that can be put to use in conservatories or, as the company states: "annexes... narrow boats... shepherds' huts... glamping pods." It can reach temperatures of up to 200C and is a good choice to heat as well as cooking. It comes with a timer as well as an ECO mode that optimizes heat and power settings to be more energy-efficient.
It's also quiet. There's no noise from fans or whirring sound when changing the settings. This makes it a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms. It also comes with other useful features, such as 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 safe and sturdy, with a tip-over shutoff switch as well as an overheating protection feature that automatically shuts off the unit in the event of overheating. It's also UL-listed, to ensure safety.
Safety
Electric heaters are to be used with caution. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases or immune system disorders are at a greater chance of being poisoned by carbon monoxide and fire hazards triggered by heaters. Pets and children can knock a heater over and cause injury or even death.
ESFI suggests that you inspect the heater's plug and cord regularly. Look for signs of damage, for example cracks or loose plugs or a frayed cord. If the outlet or cord feels hot, contact a qualified electrical contractor to replace it. Also, do not plug in multiple electrical devices at the same outlet, including a space heater because it may overload it and result in overheating.
It's also a good idea to only use heaters that have been identified or labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. These products are more likely to meet the safety standards of voluntary manufacturers. Do not place a heater in proximity to flammable materials, such as carpets or fabrics. Maintain a minimum of three feet between the heater and any combustible material. Also, don't put heaters near the bathroom or in the kitchen. Don't touch it when you are wet.
Be sure to connect an electric heater directly into a wall outlet, not a extension cord or power strip. If you need to connect an extension cord, make sure you choose the shortest possible heavy-duty one that is made of 14 gauge wire. Check for electric log burning stove fireplacesandstoves that are sagging as this could indicate an overloaded circuit.
If you're using an electric space heater in an open space make sure to keep it at least six inches from anything that could burn. Place the space heater on a flat, non-flammable surface rather than on furniture, cabinets or tables, which may overheat. The last thing to do is disconnect and shut off the heater prior to leaving the room.
Electric heaters are a great method to cut down on energy consumption and reduce the risk of injuries. Electric heaters are commonly used by facility managers to provide additional heat to offices and other common areas when temperatures decrease. Preferred Climate Solutions installs and maintains outdoor or indoor electric heating systems to make your facility as cozy during the cold winter months as you can. Contact us today to find out more about our heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
When selecting an electric heater that is portable be sure to consider its energy efficiency. This is the amount of electricity required to produce the desired heat output. Heating systems that consume less electricity are thought to be more efficient, and this can help to reduce the total cost of heating your home or business.
The heating element is utilized in most electrical heaters to convert electrical energy into warmth. It is made up of a ribbon, coil, flexible heater element, or tubular element that emits heat when an electric current passes through it. The amount of heat produced is dependent on the heating element used and the method through the means it transmits heat (convection or radiation).
If you're concerned about the impact on the environment, choose one that utilizes an environmentally-friendly form of energy. It could be an energy source that is renewable or an alternative to fossil fuels, like solar or wind.
Electric heaters' energy efficiency is also affected by the location and how electricity is generated. Electricity generated from solar or wind power sources will be more efficient that electricity derived from fossil fuels used in power stations.
In addition to choosing a heater that runs on an eco-friendly form of energy, you must choose one with a variety of built-in energy-saving features. These may include automatic shutoff mechanisms that are activated in the event of an overheated unit or if a heater is accidentally tipped.
These safety measures can help to safeguard your employees or family members, and they can also contribute to lower energy bills by helping you to avoid excessive usage. Many portable electric heaters are designed to run quietly which makes them perfect for bedrooms, offices and other spaces that require a peaceful atmosphere.
Another way that an electric heater can save you money is by cutting down on the number of maintenance calls that you will need to make. Gas units are more expensive to fix than electric ones and maintenance costs could be costly over the course of time. Electric models are generally less expensive to maintain and often include more advanced features that help you save energy.
Installation
Electric heaters work on the principle of Joule energy, which converts electrical power into radiant heat that warms the room. Electric heaters are also more efficient and economical than other heating methods, particularly gas. However, these units aren't suitable for every household and could put stress on an existing electricity system. For this reason, it's recommended to have a professional electrician check whether the current system is able to handle the additional demand of an electric wall heater before installing one.
When choosing an electric heater you must consider a variety of factors, including the type and size of the heater, as well as the space in which it will be placed. The type of heater you choose will determine the price to operate it. An electric baseboard heater may cost more to operate than an electric space heater or a portable unit however it provides more uniform warmth and doesn't require any vents or chimneys.
Electric fan heaters include an air compressor that circulates hot air in the room. This type of heater is usually the most affordable to run, however it can be noisy and takes longer to heat rooms than other kinds of electric heaters.
Find a space heater with a built-in thermostat. This feature lets you to set a temperature target and the heater shuts off automatically when it reaches the desired temperature. This will significantly cut down on consumption of energy and keep you from turning the heater on and off.
Make sure to shut off the power source at the breaker box, and use a circuit tester to ensure that it's off before you attempt to install an electric heating unit. Mark the area on the wall where you intend to install the heater and cut a hole in the drywall. Utilize a drywall cutter to remove the required section. Be careful not to cut any electrical pipes or wires.
Connect a 14/2 wire of the same gauge as the wires already in place from the panel for the breaker to the wall opening. Remove about 1 inch of insulation off the conductors' ends on each 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 of red tape. Then, connect it to the wire leads with the label "load" in the thermostat box.