How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters offer a variety of advantages that include low initial costs, minimal maintenance by the homeowner, and efficient heating. They are also more convenient to utilize than heating systems that require venting.
You can save money on heating costs when you have an electricity provider who offers Economy 7.
Temperature Settings
Ideal is that your electric heater allows you to set and maintain the temperature you desire without having to turn it on or off. This will help save energy and keep you from leaving or entering the room that is too cold. Find a thermostat and if possible one with a timer function.
When choosing an electric heater, be sure it is rated for the space in which you live. If the heater isn't big enough for your space will have to run for longer than it needs to reach a desired temperature, which is a waste of energy and makes the room overheat. Use our calculator to find the ideal heater size for your room in terms of watts per sq. foot.
Also, be sure the temperature control knobs are easy to reach and adjust. If the knobs are recessed you might have to remove screws and remove insulation to reach them, which could be a challenge. Be sure to check the recommended temperature range for safety and efficiency. Temperatures below 120 degrees can trigger bacteria growth and increase the chance of scalding while temperatures over 140 degrees could pose a fire hazard.
The Everhot is an elegant, 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 temperatures of up to 200C and is an ideal heater for heating as well as cooking. It comes with a timer and an ECO setting that optimizes the power and heat settings to make it more efficient.
It's also quiet. There's no noise from fans or the sound of whirring when you change the settings. This makes it a great choice for bedrooms or living rooms. It also comes with other convenient features, including a built-in nightlight which glows blue when the heater is turned on and a built-in humidifier that can be set to an intermittent mist mode for a more subtle effect. It is also sturdy and safe with a tip-over shutoff switch as well as an overheating protection which automatically shuts the unit off if it overheats. It is also UL-listed to ensure security.
Safety
Electric heaters are to be used with caution. Risks of fire from heaters as well as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are especially dangerous to people with a disability, elderly or those with chronic health issues or immune system disorders. Children and pets can also knock a heater over and cause injury or even death.
ESFI recommends checking the heater's cord, plug and outlet on a regular basis. Find signs of damage such as a cracked plug, a loose cord, or if the plug is loose or cracked. If the cord or outlet feels hot, contact an experienced electrician to replace it. Also, do not connect multiple electrical devices to the same outlet with a space heater; it could cause overload and cause overheating.
It is also a good idea to only use heaters that have been identified or labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. These products are more likely to conform to the safety standards of voluntary manufacturers. Do not place a heater in proximity to flame-prone materials, like rugs or fabrics. Keep at least a three-foot safety clearance between the heater and substances that are combustible. Also, do not place a heater in the bathroom or kitchen and never be near it if you're soaking wet.
Always connect a heater directly to a wall outlet. Do not use the power strip. If you must use an extension cord, make sure you choose the most compact one that is made of 14 gauge wire. Examine any outlets that are sagging since this could indicate an overloaded circuit.
If you're using an electric space heater in an open area, be sure to keep it at least six inches from anything that could ignite. Place the space heater on an unburnable, flat surface rather than on cabinets, furniture or tables, which could overheat. Don't forget to unplug and switch off the heater before you leave the room.
Making sure you are taking the appropriate safety precautions when using electric heaters can help avoid injuries and decrease the energy use. As temperatures drop, facilities managers frequently use electric heaters to provide 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 to learn more about our heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
When choosing a portable electric heater take into consideration its energy efficiency. This refers to the amount of electricity required to create the desired amount of heat. Heating systems that require less energy are more efficient and reduce the cost of heating your home or business.
The majority of electrical heaters convert electrical energy into heat by using the heating element. It is usually made of a coil or ribbon flexible heater or tubular element which emits heat when a current is passed through it. The amount of heat produced is contingent on the heating element and the method by which it transmits heat (convection or radiation).
If you are concerned about the impact on the environment, you should select one that utilizes an environmentally-friendly form of energy. This might be a renewable source of power or an alternative to fossil fuels like solar or wind.
The energy efficiency of electric heaters is also affected by the location and how the electricity is generated. Electricity that is sourced from a solar or wind power plant will be more efficient than electricity that is produced by burning fossil fuels in a power station.
Aside from choosing the heater that makes use of an environmentally friendly type of energy, you must also select one that has a variety of built-in energy-saving features. This could include automatic shut-off mechanisms in case of excessive heat or if the unit is accidentally tipping over.
These safety measures can be helpful to safeguard your family or employees and they can also aid in reducing your energy bills by helping you to avoid excessive use. Many portable electric heaters operate quietly, making them ideal for bedrooms, offices and other places that require a calm environment.
Another way that electric heaters will save you money is by reducing the number of maintenance calls you'll need to make. Gas heaters can be more costly to repair than an electric model and the expense of maintenance may increase over time. Electric models are generally cheaper to maintain, and they usually come with more advanced features that aid in reducing energy consumption.
Installation
Electric heaters work on the Joule principle, which converts electrical power into radiant warmth that warms the room. They're also very efficient and economical compared to other types of heating, especially gas. They aren't suitable for every household and could strain an existing electricity system. It is essential to have an electrician check the system before installing the wall heater.
When choosing an electric heater you must consider a variety of factors, including the size and type of the heater, as well as the room in the room it will be installed. The kind of heater you choose will determine how much it will cost to operate. A baseboard heater that is electric can cost more than an electric space heater or a portable unit however it provides more consistent warmth and doesn't require any vents or chimneys.
An electric fan heater is a blower that creates hot air that circulates through the room. This type of heater is usually the most economical to run, however it can be loud and takes longer to heat a room than other types of electric heaters.
Look for an electric space heater that has a built-in thermostat. This feature lets you set a target temperature and shuts off automatically when the desired temperature has been reached. this hyperlink can reduce your energy consumption and help you avoid having to keep turning the heater on and of.
Make sure you turn off the power at the breaker box and make use of a circuit tester to ensure that it is off before you begin installing an electric heating unit. Mark the spot on the wall where you intend to install the heater and then cut a hole into the drywall. Use a drywall saw to cut the required section, being careful not to cut any electrical pipes or wires.
Run a cable 14/2 of the same gauge and length as the existing wires, from the breaker box up to the wall opening. Remove about 1 inch of insulation from the ends of each conductor 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, and connect it to the wire leads with the label "load" in the thermostat box.