How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters offer a range of advantages, including a low initial cost, minimal maintenance for the homeowner and a cost-effective method to warm your home. They are also easier to use than heating systems which require venting.
They are especially useful when your electricity provider offers Economy 7 as the lower off-peak tariff can save you money on the cost of heating.
Temperature Settings
Ideal is that your electric heater permits you to adjust and maintain the temperature you desire without needing to turn it off or off. This will cut energy usage and save you from entering an area that's too cold or leaving one that's too hot. Look for a thermostat, and if possible 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 for your space will have to run longer than is necessary to reach the desired temperature, which is a waste of energy and makes the room overheat. Utilize our calculator to determine the ideal heater size for your space in terms of the watts per square. foot.
Also, make sure that the knobs for temperature adjustment are easy to adjust and reach. If the knobs are recessed, you might have to remove screws and peel back insulation to access the knobs, which can be a challenge. Check the recommended temperature range as well for safety and efficiency. Temperatures lower than 120 degrees could trigger bacteria growth and increase the chance of scalding while temperatures that exceed 140 degrees may be dangerous for fire.
The Everhot is a stylish, compact heater that can be utilized in conservatories or, as the company states: "annexes... narrow boats... shepherds' shelters... glamping pods." It can reach temperatures of up to 200C, making it a decent choice for cooking as well as heating. It comes with a timer and an ECO setting that optimizes the temperature and power settings to be more efficient.
It's also quiet, with no fan noise and no whirring when you change settings. This makes it an excellent option for bedrooms and living rooms. It comes with additional features including an integrated nightlight that turns blue in color when the heater is turned on, and a built-in humidifier that can be set to emit intermittent mists to create a more subtle effect. It's also sturdy and safe and comes with a tip-over shutdown switch and overheating protection that shuts down the unit should it overheat. It's also UL-listed for safety.
Safety
When using electric heaters, it's important to take the appropriate safety precautions. The dangers of fire from heaters and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be especially dangerous to children, the elderly and those suffering from chronic health issues or immune system disorders. Children and pets can also knock the heater off and cause injury or even death.
electric log effect stoves Fireplaces & Stoves suggests that you inspect the plug and cord of your heater regularly. Find indications of damage, such as cracks in the plug, a loose cord, or if a plug is damaged or loose. If the cord or outlet is hot, call a qualified electrical contractor to repair it. Also, never connect multiple electrical devices to the same outlet using a space heater because it could cause overload and cause overheating.
It's recommended to use only heaters that have been listed or labelled by a national recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. These products are more likely to conform to the safety standards of voluntary manufacturers. Also, do not put a heater in flammable surfaces, such as rugs and fabrics. Make sure there is a minimum three-foot safety clearance between the heater and any combustible materials. Also, don't put heaters near the bathroom or in the kitchen. Never touch it when you are wet.
Be sure to always plug an electric heater directly into a wall outlet and not into a power strip or extension cord. If you have to use an extension cord, select the most compact heavy-duty cord you can constructed of 14 gauge wire. Also, look for sagging outlets which could be an indication of a circuit that is overloaded.
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 heater on a flat, non-flammable surface, not on furniture, cabinets or tables that could overheat. The last thing to do is unplug and turn off the heater before you leave the room.
Taking the proper safety measures when using electric heaters can avoid injuries and decrease the energy use. Electric heaters are frequently employed by facility managers to add heating in offices and other common areas when temperatures fall. Preferred Climate Solutions can install and maintain outdoor or indoor electric heaters to help make your facility as comfortable as possible during these cold winter months. Contact us today to find out more about our heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
When choosing an electric heater that is portable be sure to consider its energy efficiency. This is the amount of energy needed to generate the desired output. Heating systems that consume less energy are more efficient and reduce the cost of heating your home or business.
The heating element is utilized in a majority of electrical heaters to convert electrical energy into warmth. It is made up of a ribbon, coil or flexible heater element or tubular element that emits heat when an electric current flows through it. The amount of heat generated is dependent on the type and method of heating element (convection radiation, convection).
If you are concerned about the impact on the environment, select an option that uses green energy sources. It could be a renewable energy source or alternative to fossil fuels, such as solar or wind.
The efficiency of energy used by an electric heater is also dependent on where the electricity comes from and the method of generation. Electricity generated from wind or solar power plants is more efficient than electricity derived from fossil fuels found in a power station.
Aside from choosing a heater that uses an eco-friendly form of energy, you must consider a heater that comes with a variety of built-in energy-saving features. This could include automatic shut-off systems in the event of overheating or in the event that the unit is accidentally tipping over.
These safety measures will protect your employees or family and also help reduce your energy costs by preventing excessive usage. A lot of portable electric heaters are engineered to run quietly which makes them perfect for bedrooms, offices, and other areas which require a calm space.
Electric heaters can save you money by reducing maintenance calls. Gas units are more costly to repair than electric models, and maintenance costs can add up over time. Electric models are typically less expensive to maintain and often include more advanced features that help you save money.
Installation
Electric heaters rely on the Joule principle that converts electrical energy into radiant warmth that warms a room. Electric heaters are also more efficient and economical than other heating methods, particularly gas. However, they're not suitable for every household and can put pressure on the electricity system. This is why it is recommended that an expert electrician verify that the current system is able to handle the additional demand of an electric wall heater prior to installing one.
When choosing an electric heater you must consider a variety of aspects, such as the type and size of the heater as well as the room the room it will be installed. The kind of heater you select will determine the amount it will cost to operate. Electric baseboard heaters are more expensive to operate than portable heaters or space heaters, however they provide more uniform heat and don't require vents or chimneys.
An electric fan heater is an air blower that produces hot air and circulates it in the room. This kind of electric heater is the least expensive but it can also be noisy and take longer to heat up a room.
Find a heater which has a thermostat built in. This feature allows you to set a temperature goal and will automatically shut off when the temperature you want attained. 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 make use of a circuit tester to ensure that it is off before attempting to install an electric heater. Next, mark the area in which you plan to install the electric heater on the wall. Then, cut an opening for it in the drywall. Utilize a drywall cutter to remove the necessary section, being careful not to cut any existing electrical wires or pipes.
Run a 14/2 cable that is the same gauge as the wires that are already in use from the panel for the breaker to the wall opening. Connect each wire to the screw available in the outlet box by removing about 1 inch of insulation. Label or mark the wire with red tape to identify it as the "line". Connect it to the wire leads inside the thermostat box marked "load".