How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters offer a range of advantages, including a lower initial cost, low maintenance for the homeowner and a more efficient method to heat your home. They are also more efficient than heating systems that require venting.
They are particularly useful when your electricity provider offers Economy 7 as the lower off-peak tariff will save you money on the cost of heating.
Temperature Settings
Ideally, your electric heater will allow you to set the temperature you like, then maintain that temperature without having to switch it on and off. This will cut energy usage and save you from entering a room that's too cold or leaving one that's too hot. Look for a thermostat, and if it's possible, one that has a timer function.
When choosing an electric heater, be sure it's rated for your space. A heater that's too small will have to run longer to achieve 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 space in terms of the watts per square. foot.
Also, make sure the knobs for temperature adjustment are easy to adjust and reach. You may have to remove screws or remove insulation to reach the knobs if they are recessed. This could be a challenge. It's also important to check the recommended temperature range to ensure safety and efficiency. Temperatures below 120 degrees can create a bacterial growth and increase the chance of burning. When temperatures exceed 140 degrees can pose a fire danger.
The Everhot is a stylish compact heater that can be used in conservatories or as the company says: "annexes... narrow boats... shepherds' shelters... Glamping pods." It can reach 200C, making it a good option for cooking as well as heating. It has a timer, and an ECO setting that optimizes the power and heat settings to be more efficient.
It is also very quiet. There's no fan noise or whirring sound when changing the settings. This makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms or living rooms. It also has other features too, such as a built in nightlight that turns blue in color when the heater is on and an integrated humidifier that can be set to emit intermittent mists for a subtler effect. It's also durable and safe and comes with a tip-over shutdown switch as well as an overheating protection feature that shuts down the unit in the event of overheating. It is also UL-listed to ensure safety.
Safety
Electric heaters should be used with caution. Fire hazards from heaters and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are particularly hazardous to children, elderly people and those with chronic health issues or immune system disorders. Pets and children may also knock the heater over and cause injury or even death.
ESFI recommends checking the heater's cord, plug and outlet periodically. Find indications of damage, such as cracks in the plug, a loose cord or if the plug is cracked or loose. If the cord or outlet feels hot, contact an experienced electrician to replace it. Do not plug in multiple electrical devices at the same time as space heaters. This can cause overload on the outlet and cause it to overheat.
It's a good idea also to use heaters that have been listed or labeled by a nationally recognized test laboratory, like UL. These heaters are more likely to meet the voluntary safety requirements. Also, do not place a heater on flame-prone surfaces, like rugs and textiles. Keep at least a three-foot safety clearance between the heater and any substances that are combustible. Also, never put heaters near the bathroom or in the kitchen. Don't touch it when you are wet.
Also, always plug in the heater directly to an outlet on the wall. Never use the power strip. If you need to connect an extension cord, make sure you choose the shortest possible heavy-duty one that is made of 14 gauge wire. Look for outlets that are sagging since this could indicate an overloaded circuit.
If you're using an electric space heater in an open area ensure that you keep it at least six inches away from anything that could burn. Place the heater on a flat, non-flammable surface, not on cabinets, furniture or tables, which could overheat. Don't forget to unplug and switch off the heater prior to leaving the room.
Taking the proper safety measures when using electric heaters can help prevent injuries and reduce energy consumption. As temperatures drop, facility managers often turn to electric heaters to provide extra warmth in offices and common areas. Preferred Climate Solutions can install and service indoor or outdoor electric heaters to make your facility as comfortable as is possible during these cold winter months. Contact us for more information about heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
When choosing a portable electric heater, consider its energy efficiency. This refers to the amount of electricity needed to create the desired amount of heat. Heaters that use 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 an element for heating. It is usually composed of a coil or ribbon, a flexible heater, or tubular element which emits heat when a current flows through it. The amount of heat produced depends on the type and method of heating element (convection, radiation).
If you are concerned about your environmental impact, look for an option that utilizes an environmentally friendly type of energy. This could be an energy source that is renewable or an alternative to fossil fuels like wind or solar.
The efficiency of electric heaters is also affected by the location and how the electricity is generated. Electricity generated by solar or wind power plants will be more efficient than electricity generated from fossil fuels used in the power plant.
You should not only choose a heater that is an environmentally friendly energy source, but one that is equipped with a number of energy-saving features. discover here could include automatic shutoff mechanisms that activate in the event of overheating or if a heater is accidentally tipping.
These security measures will safeguard your employees or family and also help save money on energy bills by preventing excessive usage. Many portable electric heaters operate quietly, making them ideal for offices, bedrooms and other places where you need a peaceful environment.
Another way in which an electric heater will save you money is by decreasing the number of maintenance calls you will need to make. Gas units are more expensive to fix than electric ones and maintenance costs can increase over time. Electric models are generally cheaper to maintain, and they often have advanced features that 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 fireplaces and stoves and cost-effective when compared to other types of heating, especially gas. However, they're not suitable for every home and could put stress on the existing electrical system. It's important to have an electrician check the system before installing a wall heater.
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 the space it will be placed. The type of heater that you choose will determine the cost to operate it. A baseboard heater that is electric can cost more to operate than the space heater or portable model however it provides more even warmth and won't require chimneys or vents.
A fan heater with an electric motor has an air blower that produces hot air that circulates through the room. This kind of heater is usually the cheapest to run, but it can be loud and takes longer to warm the room than other types of electric heaters.
Find an electric space heater that has built-in thermostat. This feature allows you set a target and the heater shuts off automatically when it reaches the temperature. This can significantly reduce your energy usage and save you from constantly turning the heater on and off.
Make sure you turn off the power at the breaker box and test the circuit with a tester to ensure that it is turned off before attempting to install an electric heater. Next, mark the area where you'll be mounting the electric heater on the wall and cut an opening for it in the drywall. Use a drywall cutting tool to remove the required section. Be careful not to scratch any electrical wires or pipes.
Use a cable 14/2 of the same length and gauge as the existing wires, from the breaker panel to the wall opening. Connect each wire to the screw available in the outlet box by removing approximately 1 inch of insulation. Identify this wire as the "line" by labeling it or marking it with a piece red tape. Then, connect it to the wire leads that are marked "load" in the thermostat box.