How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters have a wide range of advantages, including low initial cost, minimal maintenance for the homeowner and an efficient way to heat your home. They are also easier to use than heating systems that require venting.
You can save money on heating expenses if you have an electricity provider who provides Economy 7.
Temperature Settings
Ideally the electric heater should allow you to set the exact temperature you like, then keep that temperature constant without having to turn it off and on. This will help save energy and prevent you from entering or leaving an area that is too cold. Find a thermostat with a timer, if possible.
When choosing an electric heater, make sure that it's designed for the space you're using it in. A heater that's too small will need to run for longer in order to reach the desired temperature. This can waste energy and can cause your room to overheat. Use our calculator to determine the perfect size heater for your room in terms of watts per sq. foot.
Also, ensure that the temperature control knobs are easy to access and adjust. If the knobs are recessed you might have to remove screws and remove insulation to access the knobs, which can be a challenge. Be sure to check the recommended temperature range for safety and effectiveness. Temperatures lower than 120 degrees can lead to bacteria growth and increase the chance of scalding while temperatures over 140 degrees may be an hazard to fire.
The Everhot is a beautiful compact heater that can be put to use in conservatories, or as the company states: "annexes... narrow boats... shepherds' cabins... glamping pods." It can reach up to 200C and is therefore a good choice for heating and cooking. It has a timer, and an ECO setting that optimizes the power and heat settings to be more efficient.
It's also quiet. There isn't any fan noise or whirring sound when changing the settings. This makes it a great option for bedrooms and living rooms. It has additional features like an integrated nightlight that lights up in a blue color when the heater is turned on, and a built-in humidifier that can be set to emit intermittent mists for a subtler effect. It's also safe and sturdy with a tip-over shutoff switch as well as an overheating protection feature that automatically shuts off the unit if it gets too hot. It's also UL-listed for safety.
Safety
When using electric heaters, it is essential to take the appropriate safety precautions. Risks of fire from heaters as well as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be particularly hazardous to children, elderly people and those suffering from chronic health issues or immune system issues. Additionally, children and pets can knock over a heater, which can lead to injury or death.
ESFI suggests that you inspect the heater's plug and cord on a regular basis. Look for signs of damage like cracks in the plug, a loose cord, or if a plug is cracked or loose. If the cord or outlet feels hot, take it off and call a licensed electrician to replace it. Do not connect more than one electrical device at the same time, such as a space heater. This could cause overload to the outlet and cause it to overheat.
It is a good idea to choose heaters that are listed or labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. These products are more likely than others to meet the voluntary safety requirements. Do not place a heater in proximity to material that is flammable, such as carpets or fabrics. Make sure to keep a minimum distance of three feet between the heater and combustible material. Also, don't put heaters near the bathroom or in the kitchen. Never touch it when you are wet.
Always connect a heater directly to an outlet in the wall. Never use the power strip. If you must use an extension cord, choose the most compact one made with 14-gauge wire. Look for outlets that are sagging, as this could indicate a circuit that is overloaded.
Keep an electric space heater at least six inches away from anything that could ignite. Place the heater on an unburnable, flat surface rather than on furniture, cabinets or tables, which may overheat. The last thing to do is unplug and turn off the heater before you leave the room.
Utilizing the correct safety measures when using electric heaters can help avoid injuries and decrease the energy use. As temperatures drop, facilities managers frequently turn to electric heaters to provide warmth in office areas and common areas. Preferred Climate Solutions installs and services indoor or outdoor electric heating systems to make your workplace as comfortable during the cold winter months as is possible. Contact us today for more about our heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
Consider the energy efficiency of the portable heater before making your choice. This refers to the amount of energy needed to generate the desired output. Heaters that use less electricity are considered more efficient and could help reduce the total cost of heating your home or business.
Most electrical heaters convert electrical energy into heat using an element for heating. This is typically made up of a ribbon, coil, flexible heater element, or tubular element that releases heat when an electric current flows through it. The amount of heat produced is dependent on the type and method of heating element (convection radiation, convection).
If you are concerned about the impact on the environment, select one that utilizes green energy sources. It could be an energy source that is renewable or an alternative to fossil fuels like wind or solar.
Electric heaters' energy efficiency is also affected by the location and how electricity is generated. Electricity generated from a solar or wind power plant will be more efficient than electricity produced by burning fossil fuels at a power station.
Aside from choosing the heater that makes use of an environmentally friendly form of energy, you must choose one with an array of energy saving features. These features could include automatic shutoff mechanisms that activate in the event of a heater overheating or if a heater is accidentally tipped.
These safety measures can help to safeguard your family or employees and they can also contribute to lower energy bills by helping you to avoid excessive usage. Many portable electric heaters are engineered to operate quietly as well which makes them perfect for bedrooms, offices and other areas which require a calm space.
Another way in which an electric heater can save you money is by decreasing the number of maintenance calls that you'll need to make. Gas heaters are more costly to repair than electric ones and maintenance costs could be costly over the course of time. Electric models are usually cheaper to maintain and often come with more advanced features to assist you in saving 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, especially gas. However, these units aren't suitable for every household and can put a strain on the electricity system. This is why it's recommended to have an electrician professional check if the current system can handle the extra demand of an electric wall heater prior to installing one.
There are many aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric heater, such as the type of heater and the space in which you wish to place it. black electric stove of heater you choose will determine the price to operate it. An electric baseboard heater can cost more to operate than a space heater or a portable model, but it offers more uniform warmth and doesn't require any vents or chimneys.
Electric fan heaters feature an air compressor that circulates hot air through the room. This type of heater is usually most affordable to run, however it can be noisy and take longer to heat a room than other types of electric heaters.
Choose a space heater with built-in thermostat. This feature lets you set a target and the heater will shut off automatically when it reaches that temperature. This feature can reduce your energy usage and also save you from having to turn the heater on and of.
Before attempting to install an electric heater, ensure that the power is turned off on the breaker panel. You can also confirm that the circuit is off with a tester. Next, mark the area where you'll be mounting the electric heater on the wall and cut a hole in the drywall. Utilize a drywall cutter to cut off the needed section. Be careful not to damage any electrical wires or pipes.
Run 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 approximately 1 inch of insulation. Label this wire as the "line" by labeling it or marking it with a piece red tape. Connect it to the wire leads with the label "load" in the thermostat box.