How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters provide a variety of advantages, including a low cost of installation, minimal maintenance for the homeowner and a cost-effective method to heat your home. They are also more efficient than heating systems that require venting.
They are particularly useful if your electricity provider offers Economy 7 as the lower off-peak rate will save you money on heating costs.
Temperature Settings
Ideally the electric heater should enable you to set the exact temperature you prefer, and maintain that temperature without having to switch it off and on. This will cut energy usage and prevent you from entering a room that's too cold or leaving one that's too hot. Look for a thermostat, and if it's possible, one that has a timer function.
When choosing an electric heater, be certain that it's designed for the space you have. A heater that's too small for your space will need to run longer than is necessary to reach the desired temperature, which wastes energy and can cause the room to overheat. Utilize our calculator to determine the right size of heater for your room in terms of watts per sq. foot.
Also, ensure that the temperature control knobs are easy to reach and adjust. If the knobs are recessed you might have to remove screws and peel back insulation to access the knobs, which can be tricky. Be sure to check the recommended temperature range as well for safety and efficiency. Temperatures below 120 degrees can cause bacteria to grow and increase the chance of burning. Temperatures above 140 degrees could pose dangerous for fire.
The Everhot is a sleek compact heater that is that is designed to be used in conservatories or, as the company describes it: "annexes, holiday cottages, narrow boats and shepherds' huts, as well as Glamping pods." It reaches up to 200C, making it an ideal option for cooking as well as heating. It has a timer and an ECO setting which optimizes the heating and power settings to be more efficient.
It's also quiet and quiet, with no fan noise and no whirring noise when you change settings. This makes it a great option for bedrooms or living rooms. It also has a few other useful features, such as a built-in nightlight which glows 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 is also sturdy and safe with a tip-over shutoff switch, as well as an overheating protection which automatically shuts off the unit in the event of overheating. It's also UL-listed for safety.
Safety
When using electric heaters, it's important to take the necessary safety precautions. Fire hazards from heaters and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those suffering from chronic health issues or immune system issues. Additionally, children and pets could knock over a heater, which can lead to injury or death.
ESFI suggests checking a heater's plug, cord and outlet on a regular basis. Find signs of damage such as cracks in the plug, a loose cord or if the plug is loose or cracked. If the cord or outlet feels hot, contact a qualified electrical contractor to repair it. Don't connect more than one electrical device simultaneously as a space heater. This can cause overload on the outlet and cause it to overheat.
It is recommended to use only heaters that have been registered or labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. These products are more likely than others to meet voluntary safety requirements. Do not place a heater in proximity to flammable materials, such as carpets or textiles. Make sure to keep a minimum distance of three feet between the heater and combustible material. Also, do not place a heater in the bathroom or kitchen and never touch it if you're wet.
Also, make sure to always plug a heater directly into a wall outlet not an extension cord or power strip. If you need to use an extension cord, select the shortest possible heavy-duty one made with 14-gauge wire. Also, look for loose outlets which could be an indication of a circuit that is overloaded.
If you're using an electric space heater in an open space ensure that you keep it at least six inches from anything that could ignite. It's also a good idea to place the space heater on an even surface instead of putting it on cabinets, tables or furniture, which could cause fire if it overheats. Last but not least, unplug and turn off the heater before you leave the room.
Electric heaters are an excellent option to reduce energy usage and avoid injuries. Electric heaters are frequently employed by facility managers to provide extra heat to offices and other common areas when temperatures fall. Preferred Climate Solutions installs and provides maintenance for outdoor and indoor electric heating systems to make your space as comfortable during the cold winter months as you can. Contact us today to learn more about heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
Consider the energy efficiency of a portable heater when making your choice. This refers to the amount of power required to produce the desired heat output. Heating systems that require 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 by using the heating element. It is usually composed of a coil or ribbon, flexible heater, or tubular element that emits heat when a current passes through it. The amount of heat generated is dependent on the type and method of heating element (convection, radiation).
If you're concerned about the effect on the environment, choose an option that uses green energy sources. It could be a renewable energy source or an alternative to fossil-fuels such as wind or solar.
The energy efficiency of electric heaters is also affected by the location and how the electricity is generated. Electricity generated by solar or wind power sources is more efficient than electricity generated from fossil fuels in the power plant.
Apart from selecting the heater that makes use of an environmentally friendly type of energy, you should choose one with various built-in energy-saving features. These features could include automatic shutoff mechanisms that are activated in the event of an overheated unit, or if a unit is accidentally dropped.
These safety measures can help to safeguard your family or employees and they could also contribute to lower energy bills by helping you to avoid excessive use. Many portable electric heaters work quietly, making them perfect for offices, bedrooms and other places that require a quiet environment.
Electric heaters can also save you money by reducing maintenance calls. Gas heaters can be more costly to repair than an electric model, and the cost of maintenance may add up over time. Electric models are generally cheaper to maintain, and often have more advanced features that can assist you in conserving energy.
Installation
Electric heaters work on the principle of Joule energy, which converts electrical energy into radiant heat that warms the room. Electric heaters are also more efficient and cost-effective than other heating methods, particularly gas. They aren't suitable for every household and could overburden an existing electric system. It is crucial to have an electrician examine the system before installing an electric wall heater.
When choosing an electric heater you must consider a variety of factors, including the type and size of the heater as well as the room the room it will be installed. The type of heater you choose will determine the amount it costs to operate. Electric baseboard heaters can be more expensive to run than portable heaters or space heaters, but they offer an even heat and don't require vents or chimneys.
An electric fan heater is a blower that creates hot air and then circulates it throughout the room. This type of heater is usually cheapest to run, but it can be noisy and takes longer to heat the room than other types of electric heaters.
Find a heater which has a thermostat built in. electric log burner effect fires lets you set a target and the heater will turn off automatically when it gets to that temperature. This can significantly reduce your consumption of energy and prevent you from constantly turning the heater on and off.
Make sure to shut off the power source at the breaker box, and use a circuit tester to confirm that it is off before you begin installing an electric heater. Next, mark the area where you intend to mount the electric heater on the wall. Then, cut an opening in the drywall. Use a drywall cutting tool to cut off the needed section. Be careful not to damage any electrical wires or pipes.
Use a 14/2 cable of the same gauge as the existing wires from the breaker panel to the wall opening. Connect each wire to the screw in the outlet box by removing about 1 inch of insulation. Label or mark this wire by using red tape to identify it as the "line". Connect it to the wire leads inside the thermostat box marked "load".