How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters have a number of advantages, including low initial costs, little maintenance required by the homeowner, and efficient heating. They are also more convenient to utilize than heating systems that require venting.
They are particularly useful If your electricity provider provides Economy 7 as the lower off-peak rate will save you money on heating costs.
Temperature Settings
Ideally, your electric heater will allow you to set the exact temperature you prefer, and maintain that temperature without the need 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 possible one with timer functions.
When choosing an electric heater, make sure that it's rated for the space in which you live. A heater that is too small will need to run for longer in order to reach the desired temperature. This can waste energy and can cause your space to overheat. Use Fireplaces And Stoves to find the perfect size heater for your space in terms of watts per sq. foot.
Also, make sure that the knobs for temperature control are easy to adjust and reach. You may have remove screws or peel back insulation to reach the knobs, if they are recessive. This could be a challenge. Be sure to check the recommended temperature range as well for safety and effectiveness. Temperatures below 120 degrees can create a bacterial growth and increase the chance of burning. While temperatures above 140 degrees can pose an hazard to fire.
The Everhot is a beautiful compact heater that can be put to use in conservatories, or as the company says: "annexes... narrow boats... shepherds' cabins... glamping pods." It can reach 200C and is therefore an ideal heater to heat as well as cooking. It has a timer and an ECO mode that optimizes heat and power settings to make it more energy efficient.
It's also extremely quiet. There isn't any fan noise or whirring sound when changing the settings. This makes it a good 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 set to an intermittent mist mode to provide a more subtle effect. It's also durable and safe with a tip-over shutoff switch as well as a protection against overheating that shuts down the unit in the event of overheating. It's also registered with UL for safety.
Safety
When using electric heaters, it is essential to take the proper safety precautions. Children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses or immune system disorders are at a higher chance of being poisoned by carbon monoxide and fire hazards triggered by heaters. Pets and children may also knock a heater over which can cause injury or even death.
ESFI suggests checking a heater's cord, plug and outlet regularly. Check for indications of damage, such as damaged or loose plug or frayed cord. If the outlet or cord feels hot, you should stop using it and consult a certified electrician to replace 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's recommended to use only heaters that have been registered or labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, like UL. These products are more likely than others to comply with voluntary safety standards. Do not place a heater in proximity to flammable materials, such as carpets or fabrics. Maintain a minimum of three feet safety clearance between the heater and any combustible materials. Additionally, do not put heaters in the bathroom or kitchen and do not touch it if you're wet.
Also, make sure to connect an electric heater directly to a wall outlet. Never use a power strip. If you need to connect an extension cord, choose the shortest possible heavy-duty one made with 14-gauge wire. Examine any outlets that are sagging, because this could be a sign of a circuit that is overloaded.
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. Place the heater on an unburnable, flat surface rather than on cabinets, furniture or tables, which may overheat. Don't forget to unplug and turn off the heater before you leave the room.
Electric heaters are a fantastic way to reduce energy consumption and reduce the risk of injuries. As temperatures drop, facilities managers often turn to electric heaters to add warmth in office areas and common areas. Preferred Climate Solutions can install and maintain outdoor or indoor electric heaters that will ensure that your workplace is as comfortable as possible in the cold winter months. Contact us to learn more about heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
Take into consideration the energy efficiency of a portable heater prior to making your choice. This refers to 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.
Most electrical heaters convert electricity into heat using the heating element. It is usually composed of a ribbon, coil or flexible heater element or tubular element which emits heat when an electric current flows through it. The amount of heat that is produced is contingent on the heating element and the method through which it transmits heat (convection or radiation).
If you are concerned about your environmental impact, consider an option that utilizes an environmentally friendly method of energy. It could be a renewable source of power or a substitute for fossil fuels, such as wind or solar.
Electric heaters' energy efficiency is also influenced by where and how electricity is generated. Electricity generated from a wind or solar power plant is more efficient than electricity that is produced by burning fossil fuels at a power station.
Aside from choosing a heater that runs on an environmentally friendly type of energy, you should choose one with an array of energy-saving features. These 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 be helpful to safeguard your employees or family members, and they can also aid in reducing your energy bills by helping you to avoid excessive usage. Many portable electric heaters are engineered to run quietly, making them ideal for bedrooms, offices and other spaces that require a quiet environment.
Electric heaters can also save money by reducing maintenance calls. Gas heaters can be more costly to fix than an electric model and the cost of maintenance can increase over time. Electric models are generally cheaper to maintain, and they usually have more advanced features that can help you to conserve energy.
Installation
Electric heaters work on the basis of Joule energy, converting electrical power into radiant heat that warms the room. Electric heaters are also more efficient and cost-effective than other heating methods, particularly gas. However, they aren't suitable for every home and can put pressure on the electricity system. It's important to have an electrician inspect the system prior to installing an electric wall heater.
There are several aspects to take into account when choosing an electric heater, including the type of heater you want and the room where you want to place it. The kind of heater you pick will determine the amount it costs to operate. Electric baseboard heaters are more expensive to operate than space heaters or portable heaters, but they provide more uniform heat and do not require chimneys or vents.
Electric fan heaters feature a blower which circulates hot air through the room. This type of heater is usually most economical to run, however it can be loud and takes longer to heat the room than other types of electric heaters.
Find a heater that includes a thermostat. This feature allows you to set a temperature target and the heater shuts off automatically when it reaches the desired temperature. This can drastically reduce your energy usage and save you from constantly turning the heater on and off.
Be sure to turn off the power at the breaker box, and test the circuit with a tester to confirm that it is turned off before you begin installing an electric heater. Next, mark the location where you intend to mount the electric heater on the wall. Then, cut an opening for it in the drywall. Utilize a drywall cutter to remove the required 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 already in use, from the breaker box up to the wall opening. Connect each wire to the screw available in the outlet box, removing about 1 inch of insulation. Label or mark this wire with red tape to identify it as the "line". Connect it to the wire leads inside the thermostat box, marked "load".