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 easier to use than heating systems which require venting.
They are especially beneficial If your electricity provider provides Economy 7, as the cheaper off-peak tariff will help you save money on the cost of heating.
Temperature Settings
Ideally the electric heater should allow you to set the temperature you want, and then maintain that temperature without the need to switch it off and on. This will save energy and stop you from entering or leaving the room that is too cold. Find a thermostat with a timer, if possible.
When you are choosing an electric heater, be sure that it's rated for the space you're using it in. If the heater is too small will need to run longer to reach the desired temperature. This can waste energy and can cause your space to overheat. Use 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 access and adjust. You may need remove screws or peel back insulation to reach the knobs, if they are recessive. This could be a challenge. It is also essential to verify the recommended temperature range to ensure safety and efficiency. Temperatures below 120 degrees can cause bacteria to grow and increase the risk for scalding. Temperatures above 140 degrees could be a fire danger.
The Everhot is an elegant compact heater that is specifically designed for conservatories or, as the company puts it: "annexes, holiday cottages narrow boats and shepherds' huts, as well as Glamping pods." It can reach temperatures of up to 200C, making it a good choice for heating as well as cooking. It has a timer as well as an ECO mode, which optimizes heat and power settings to make it more energy efficient.
It's also quiet. There isn't any fan noise or whirring sound when you change the settings. This makes it a good option for bedrooms and living rooms. It also has other features as well including a built-in nightlight that turns blue in color when the heater is on and an integrated humidifier that can be set to intermittent mist for a subtler effect. It's also durable and safe and comes with a tip over shutoff switch as well as an overheating protection that automatically shuts off the unit in the event of overheating. It's also UL-listed for safety.
Safety
When using electric heaters, it is essential to take the necessary safety precautions. The dangers of fire from heaters and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be particularly hazardous to people with a disability, elderly or those with chronic health issues or immune system issues. Pets and children may also knock a heater over, causing injury or death.
ESFI recommends checking the heater's cord, plug and outlet on a regular basis. Check for signs of damage such as a cracked plug, a loose cord or if the plug is damaged or loose. If the outlet or cord is hot, call an electrician who is certified to repair it. Do not plug in multiple electrical devices at the same time as space heaters. This can overload the outlet and cause it to overheat.
It is also a good idea to only use heaters that have been registered or labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, like UL. These products are more likely to meet voluntary safety requirements. Never place a heater near material that is flammable, such as rugs or fabrics. Maintain a minimum of three feet between the heater and the combustible material. Also, do not place heaters in bathrooms or kitchen and do not be near it if you're soaking wet.
Also, always plug in the heater directly to an outlet on the wall. Do not use the power strip. If you have to use an extension cord, choose the shortest heavy-duty cord possible comprised of 14-gauge wire. Also, check for any loose outlets that could be an indication of a circuit that is overloaded.
Keep an electric space heater at least six inches away from anything that can burn. It's recommended to place a space heater on a flat surface instead of placing it on tables, cabinets or furniture, as they could cause fire if it overheats. Don't forget to 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 commonly employed by facility managers to add heating in offices and other common areas as temperatures fall. Preferred Climate Solutions installs and maintains outdoor or indoor electric heating systems to make your space as comfortable in the cold winter months as is possible. Contact us today to learn more about our heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
Take into consideration the energy efficiency of a portable heater when making your decision. This refers to the amount of electricity needed to create the desired amount of heat. Heating systems that consume less electricity are thought to be more efficient, and this can help to reduce the overall cost of heating your home or business.
Most electrical heaters convert electrical energy into heat using an element for heating. It is usually made of a coil or ribbon flexible heater or tubular element that emits heat when a current is passed through it. The amount of heat produced is contingent on the heating element employed and the method through which it transmits heat (convection or radiation).
If you're concerned about the effect on the environment, you should select one that utilizes green energy sources. This might be an energy source that is renewable or a substitute for fossil fuels, such as solar or wind.
Electric heaters' energy efficiency is also affected by where and how electricity is generated. Electricity derived from a wind or solar power plant will be more efficient than electricity derived from burning fossil fuels in a power station.
It is not enough to select a heater that is an eco-friendly energy source, but one that comes with various energy-saving features. These might include automatic shut-off mechanisms in case of overheating or if the unit is accidentally tipped over.
These safety measures can be helpful to safeguard your family or employees, and they could also help reduce your energy costs by helping you avoid excessive usage. A lot of portable electric heaters are engineered to run quietly, making them ideal for offices, bedrooms and other areas that require a quiet atmosphere.
Electric heaters can save you money by reducing maintenance calls. Gas units can be more expensive to repair than electric heaters, and the cost of maintenance can add up over time. Electric models are usually cheaper to maintain and usually come with more advanced features to assist you in saving energy.
Installation
Electric heaters operate on the principle of Joule energy, converting electricity 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. It is crucial to have an electrician check the system before installing an electric wall heater.
There are several aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric heater, which includes the type of heater you want and the space you intend to put it. The kind of heater you choose will determine the amount it will cost to operate. Electric baseboard heaters can be more expensive to operate than space heaters or portable heaters, however they provide more uniform heat and do not require chimneys or vents.
Electric fan heaters have a blower which circulates hot air throughout the room. This type of heater is typically the most affordable to run, however it can be loud and takes longer to warm rooms than other kinds of electric heaters.
Find a heater which has a thermostat built in. This feature allows you to set a target temperature and then shut it off when the desired temperature is attained. This feature will reduce the energy use and also help you avoid having to turn the heater on and off.
Before installing an electric heater, be sure that the power is off at the breaker panel and confirm that the circuit is shut off by using a tester. Next, mark the area where you'll be mounting the electric heater on the wall. Once you have marked the location, cut a hole in the drywall. Use electric stove space heater to remove the required section. Be careful not to scratch any electrical pipes or wires.
Use a 14/2 cable that is the same gauge as the existing wires from the panel for the breaker to the wall opening. Strip about 1 inch of insulation from the conductors' ends on each wire and connect them to an appropriate screw in the outlet box. Identify this wire as the "line" by labeling it or marking it with a piece red tape. Connect it to the wire leads marked "load" in the thermostat box.