How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters come with a host of advantages they offer, including low initial costs, minimal maintenance required by the homeowner, and efficient heating. They are also more efficient than heating systems that require venting.
You can save money on heating costs if you have an electricity provider that offers Economy 7.
Temperature Settings
Ideally, your electric heater will enable you to set the exact temperature you like, then keep that temperature constant without having to turn it on and off. This will decrease energy use and help you avoid entering a room that's too cold or leaving one that's too hot. Find a thermostat that has a timer, if possible.
When you are choosing an electric heater, be sure that it's designed for the space you're using it in. A heater that's too small for your space will need to run longer than is necessary to reach a desired temperature, which is a waste of energy and makes the room overheat. Utilize recommended you read to determine the best heater's watts per square foot for your room.
Also, ensure that the knobs for temperature control are easy to adjust and reach. You may have remove screws or remove insulation to reach the knobs if they are set in a recess. This could be a challenge. Check the recommended temperature range as well for safety and efficiency. Temperatures below 120 degrees can cause the growth of bacteria and increase the risk for the possibility of scalding. While temperatures above 140 degrees can pose an hazard to fire.
The Everhot is an elegant compact heater that is designed to be used in conservatories, or according to the company's description: "annexes, holiday cottages narrow boats and shepherds' huts, as well as Glamping pods." It can reach up to 200C, making it 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 and silent, with no fan sound and no whirring sound when you alter settings. This makes it an excellent option for bedrooms and living rooms. It has other features too including an integrated nightlight that turns blue in color when the heater is turned on, as well as an integrated humidifier that can be set to emit intermittent mists for a subtler effect. It's also durable and safe with a tip-over shutoff switch as well as an overheating protection which will shut off the unit automatically if it overheats. It's also UL-listed to ensure 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 higher risk of being poisoned by carbon monoxide and fire hazards triggered by heaters. Pets and children can knock a heater over which can cause injury or even death.
ESFI recommends checking 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 the plug is cracked or loose. If the outlet or cord feels hot, contact an experienced electrician to replace it. Also, never plug in multiple electrical devices at the same outlet with the use of a space heater as it could overload the outlet and result in overheating.
It is a good idea to choose heaters that have been listed or labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. These heaters are more likely to be in compliance with voluntary safety standards. Never place a heater near flame-prone materials, like rugs or fabrics. Make sure there is a minimum three-foot space between the heater and any material that is combustible. Also, do not place a heater near the bathroom or in the kitchen. Do not touch it if you are wet.
Be sure to always plug the heater directly into a wall outlet not a power strip or extension cord. If you must use an extension cord, select the cord that is the shortest and most heavy-duty constructed of 14 gauge wire. Also, look for weak outlets that could be an indication of a circuit that is overloaded.
Keep an electric space heater at least six inches from anything that can burn. It's recommended to place a space heater on flat surfaces instead of putting it on cabinets, tables or furniture, which could overheat and cause fire. Be sure to switch off the heater and disconnect it when you leave the room or retire to bed as it increases the chance of fire.
Electric heaters are an excellent option to reduce energy usage and reduce the risk of injuries. Electric heaters are often employed by facility managers to provide extra heating in offices and other common areas as temperatures drop. Preferred Climate Solutions installs and services indoor or outdoor electric heating systems to make your facility as comfortable in these cold winter months as is possible. Contact us today to find out more about our heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
When you are choosing an electric heater that is portable be sure to consider its energy efficiency. This is the amount of energy needed to produce the desired output. Heating systems that require less electricity are considered more efficient and will help lower the overall cost of heating a 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, flexible heater element, or tubular element which emits heat when an electric current flows through it. The amount of heat generated depends on the type and method of heating element (convection radiation).
If you are concerned about the impact on the environment, choose an option that uses eco-friendly energy sources. This might be a renewable source of power or an alternative to fossil fuels like solar or wind.
Electric heaters' energy efficiency is also influenced by where and how the electricity is generated. Electricity derived from solar or wind power plants will be more efficient than electricity derived from fossil fuels found in the power plant.
In addition to choosing the heater that makes use of an eco-friendly form of energy, it is important to also select one that has a variety of built-in energy-saving features. These might include automatic shut-off systems in the event of excessive heat or if the unit is accidentally tipping over.
These security measures will help protect your family members or employees, and will also help you save money on energy bills by preventing excessive usage. Many portable electric heaters work quietly, making them ideal for offices, bedrooms and other areas where you need a peaceful atmosphere.
Another way in which electric heaters can help you save money is by decreasing the number of maintenance calls you will need to make. Gas units are more expensive to fix than electric models and maintenance costs can add up over time. Electric models are generally cheaper to maintain, and they usually come with more advanced features that can aid in reducing energy consumption.
Installation
Electric heaters rely on the Joule principle that converts electrical power into radiant warmth that warms the room. Electric heaters are also more efficient and economical than other heating methods, including gas. However, they aren't suitable for every household and could put stress on an existing electricity system. Therefore, it is recommended that an electrician professional check if the current system is able to handle the extra burden of an electric wall heater prior to installing one.
When choosing an electric heater you must consider a variety of aspects, including the size and type of the heater, as well as the space in which it will be placed. The kind of heater you choose will determine the amount it costs to operate. Electric baseboard heaters are more expensive to run than space heaters or portable heaters, but they offer an even heat and do not require chimneys or vents.
Electric fan heaters feature a blower which circulates hot air in the room. This kind of electric heater is the most affordable but it can also be noisy and take longer to heat up rooms.
Find a space heater with an integrated thermostat. This feature lets you set a temperature target and shuts off automatically when the desired temperature is attained. This feature can reduce the energy use and also save you from having to turn the heater on and of.
Make sure to shut off the power at the breaker box, and use a circuit tester to verify that it is off before you attempt to install an electric heating unit. Then, mark the spot in which you plan to install the electric heater on the wall. Then, cut an opening in the drywall. Utilize a drywall cutter to remove the necessary section, being careful not to cut 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 approximately 1 inch of insulation from the conductors' ends on each wire and connect them to an appropriate screw in the outlet box. Label this wire as the "line" by labeling it or marking it with a piece of red tape. Then, connect it to the wire leads with the label "load" in the thermostat box.