How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters provide a variety of advantages, including lower initial cost, low maintenance for the homeowner and an efficient way to warm your home. They are also more convenient to use than heating systems that require venting.
They are particularly useful If your electricity provider provides Economy 7 as the lower off-peak tariff will reduce heating costs.
Temperature Settings
Ideally the electric heater should allow you to set the temperature you like, then maintain that temperature without having to turn it off and on. This will conserve energy and keep you from leaving or entering an area that is too cold. You should look for a thermostat and if you can, one with an alarm function.
When you are choosing an electric heater, make sure it is rated for the space in which you live. A heater that's too small will have to run longer to achieve the temperature you want. This is a waste of energy and can cause your space to overheat. Utilize our calculator to determine the best heater size in watts per square foot for your space.
Also, ensure that the temperature control knobs are easy to reach and adjust. You may need to take off screws or remove insulation to access the knobs if they are recessive. This can be a challenge. Check the recommended temperature range for safety and effectiveness. Temperatures that are lower than 120 degrees can lead to bacteria growth and increase the risk of scalding, and temperatures higher than 140 degrees can pose an hazard to fire.
The Everhot is a stylish, compact heater that can be put to use in conservatories, or as the company says: "annexes... narrow boats... shepherds' shelters... glamping pods." It can reach 200C, making it an ideal heater for heating and cooking. It has a timer and an ECO setting that optimizes heating and power settings to be more efficient.
It's also extremely quiet. There's no fan noise or whirring sound when changing the settings. This makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms or living rooms. It also has additional features like a built-in nightlight that glows a blue color when the heater is on, as well as an integrated humidifier that can be set to emit intermittent mists to create a more subtle effect. It is also sturdy and secure with a tip-over shutoff switch as well as an overheating protection that automatically shuts off the unit when it is overheated. It's also registered with UL for safety.
Safety
Electric heaters are to be used with caution. Children, the elderly and people suffering from chronic illnesses or immune system disorders are at a greater chance of being poisoned by carbon monoxide as well as fire hazards created by heaters. In addition, children and pets could knock over a heater, leading to injury or death.
ESFI suggests that you inspect the heater's cord and plug regularly. Find signs of damage like a cracked plug, a loose cord or if the plug is damaged or loose. If the cord or outlet feels hot, you should stop using it and contact a qualified electrician to repair it. Never plug in multiple electrical devices simultaneously as space heaters. This can cause overload on the outlet and cause it to overheat.
It's a good idea also to use heaters that have been listed or labelled by a nationally recognized test laboratory, such as UL. These heaters are more likely to conform to voluntary safety standards. Do not place a heater in proximity to material that is flammable, such as carpets or fabrics. Maintain a minimum of three feet between the heater and combustible material. Also, don't put heaters in bathrooms or kitchen, and don't use it if you're in a wet state.
Also, always plug in the heater directly to an outlet in the wall. Never use an extension cord. If you have to use an extension cord, make sure you choose the most compact one constructed with 14 gauge wire. Also, look for loose outlets which could indicate an overloaded circuit.
Keep the electric space heater at least six inches away from anything that can burn. Place the space heater on an unburnable, flat surface rather than on furniture, cabinets or tables, which could overheat. The last thing to do is unplug and switch off the heater before you leave the room.
Utilizing the correct safety measures when using electric heaters can help avoid injuries and decrease energy consumption. As temperatures drop, facilities managers frequently turn to electric heaters to provide extra warmth in offices and common areas. Preferred Climate Solutions can install and service indoor or outdoor electric heaters to help ensure that your workplace is as comfortable as possible in the cold winter months. Contact us today for more about our heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
Take into consideration the energy efficiency of a portable heater when making your choice. This refers to the amount of energy required to generate the desired output. Heaters that use less electricity are deemed to be more efficient and will help lower the overall cost of heating your home or business.
The heating element is employed in most electrical heaters to convert electrical energy into warmth. It is usually composed of a coil, ribbon 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 used by the means it transmits heat (convection or radiation).
If you are concerned about the impact on the environment, you should select a model which uses eco-friendly energy sources. This could be a renewable energy source or alternative to fossil fuels, such as wind or solar.
Electric heaters' energy efficiency is also affected by the location and how the electricity is generated. Electricity that is sourced from a wind or solar power plant will be more efficient than electricity generated by burning fossil fuels at a power station.
Aside from choosing a heater that uses an eco-friendly form of energy, you must choose one with various built-in energy saving features. They could include automatic shut-off mechanisms in the event of excessive heat or if the unit is accidentally tilted over.
These safety measures can help to protect your family or employees, and they can also help reduce your energy costs by helping you to avoid excess usage. A lot of portable electric heaters are engineered to operate quietly as well, making them ideal for bedrooms, offices and other spaces which require a calm environment.
Electric heaters can also save you money by reducing your maintenance calls. Gas heaters can be more expensive to repair than an electric model and the expense of maintenance can increase over time. Electric models are typically less expensive to maintain and often have more advanced features to help you save money.
Installation
Electric heaters work on the principle 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, especially gas. These units are not suitable for all households and can overburden an existing electric system. For this reason, it's recommended to have a professional electrician check whether the current system is able to handle the extra load of an electric wall heater prior to installing one.
There are several aspects to take into account when choosing an electric heater, which includes the type of heater and the room where you want to put it. The type of heater you select will determine the amount it costs to operate. An electric baseboard heater may cost more to operate than a space heater or a portable heater, but it offers more even warmth and won't require chimneys or vents.
electric wood stove with an electric motor has an electric fan that creates hot air that circulates through the room. This kind of heater is usually the most affordable to run, however it can be noisy and take longer to heat a room than other types of electric heaters.
Find a heater which comes with a thermostat. This feature lets you set a temperature target and then shut it off when the desired temperature is reached. This can drastically reduce your consumption of energy and prevent you from turning the heater on and off.
Before you attempt to install an electric heater, ensure that the power is turned off at the breaker panel. You can also verify that the circuit is off using a test device. Mark the spot on the wall where you want to place the heater, and cut a hole in the drywall. Use a drywall saw to cut off the required section, taking care not to cut any existing electrical wires or pipes.
Run a cable 14/2 of the same length and gauge as the existing wires, from the breaker panel to the wall opening. Connect each wire to the screw available in the outlet box by removing approximately 1 inch of insulation. Identify this wire as the "line" by labeling it or marking it with a piece of red tape. Then, connect it to the wire leads that are marked "load" in the thermostat box.