How to Select Electric Heaters

Electric heaters provide a variety of advantages, including a low initial cost, minimal maintenance for homeowners, and a cost-effective method to warm your home. They are also more efficient than heating systems that require venting.

They are especially beneficial when your electricity provider offers Economy 7 because the less expensive off-peak rate will save you money on heating costs.

Temperature Settings

Ideally, your electric heater will enable you to set the temperature you like, then maintain that temperature without the need to switch it off and on. This will decrease energy use and prevent you from entering an area that's too cold or leaving one that's too hot. Find a thermostat with an alarm clock, if it's possible.

When you are choosing an electric heater, make sure that it's designed for the space you're using it in. If the heater is too small will need to run longer to achieve the desired temperature. This can waste energy and can cause your space to overheat. Utilize our calculator to determine the perfect size heater for your space in terms of watts per sq. foot.

Also, make sure that the knobs for temperature control are easy to adjust and reach. If the knobs are recessed you may have to take out screws and peel back insulation to access them, which can be difficult. Make sure you are using the recommended temperature range as well for safety and efficiency. Temperatures below 120 degrees can cause the growth of bacteria and increase the risk of scalding. When temperatures exceed 140 degrees can pose dangerous for fire.

The Everhot is a sleek 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 and is therefore a good choice to heat as well as cooking. It has a timer and an ECO setting that optimizes heating and power settings to make it more efficient.

It's also quiet, with no fan noise and no whirring sound when you alter settings. This makes it a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms. It has additional features like a built in nightlight that glows a blue color when the heater is on, as well as an integrated 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 and overheating protection that automatically shuts off the unit if it gets too hot. It is also UL-listed to ensure security.

Safety

Electric heaters should be used with care. Children, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic illnesses or immune system disorders are at greater risk of getting poisoned from carbon monoxide and fire hazards triggered by heaters. Pets and children can knock the heater over, causing injury or death.

ESFI recommends that you check the heater's plug and cord on a regular basis. Find indications of damage, such as damaged or loose plug or a damaged cord. If the outlet or cord is hot, consult a qualified electrical contractor to repair it. Never plug in multiple electrical devices at the same time as space heaters. This can overload the outlet and cause it to overheat.

It's a good idea also to choose heaters that have been listed or labeled by a nationally recognized test laboratory, such as UL. These products are more likely than others to meet the voluntary safety requirements. Also, do not put a heater in fire-prone surfaces like carpets and fabrics. Maintain a minimum of three feet between the heater and the combustible material. Additionally, do not put heaters in the bathroom or kitchen, and don't use it if you're in a wet state.

Also, make sure to connect the heater directly into a wall outlet not into a power strip or extension cord. If you must use an extension cord, make sure you choose the shortest one that is heavy-duty and made with 14-gauge wire. Examine any outlets that are not sagging, as this could indicate a circuit that is overloaded.

Keep the electric space heater at least six inches from anything that can burn. It's recommended to place a space heater on a flat surface instead of placing it on cabinets, tables or furniture, which could overheat and cause fire. Be sure to switch off and unplug the heater when you leave the room or go to bed; leaving it on increases the risk of catching fire.

Electric heaters are a fantastic method to cut down on energy consumption and reduce the risk of injuries. As temperatures drop, facilities managers frequently turn to electric heaters to add warmth in office areas and common areas. Preferred Climate Solutions can install and maintain outdoor or indoor LIVIVO Electric Log Stove: Authentic Heat & Ambiance 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 you are choosing a portable electric heater be sure to consider its energy efficiency. This is the amount of energy needed to achieve the desired output. Heating systems that consume less energy are more efficient and lower the cost of heating your home or business.

Most electrical heaters convert electrical energy into heat using a heating element. It is usually composed of a coil, ribbon or flexible heater element or tubular element which emits heat when an electric charge passes through it. The amount of heat generated is contingent on the heating element and the method by the means it transmits heat (convection or radiation).

If you are concerned about environmental impacts, you should consider models that use an environmentally friendly method of energy. It could be a renewable source of power or a substitute for fossil fuels like wind or solar.

Electric heaters' energy efficiency is also affected by the location and how electricity is generated. Electricity that is sourced from a solar or wind power plant will be more efficient than electricity that is derived from burning fossil fuels in a power station.

You shouldn't just pick the heater that has an eco-friendly energy source, but one that has a number of energy-saving features. These could include automatic shutoff mechanisms that are activated in the event of overheating or if a heater is accidentally dropped.

These safety measures can help to protect your employees or family members, and can help reduce your energy costs by helping you avoid excessive usage. Many portable electric heaters are engineered to operate quietly as well, making them ideal for bedrooms, offices and other spaces which require a calm atmosphere.

Electric heaters can also save you money by reducing maintenance calls. Gas units are more costly to repair than inset electric stove ones and maintenance costs could add up over time. Electric models are generally cheaper to maintain, and they often come with more advanced features that help you to conserve energy.

Installation

Electric heaters work on the basis of Joule energy, which converts electricity into radiant heat that warms the room. They're also efficient and economical compared to other types of heating, particularly gas. These heaters are not suitable for every household and could cause strain on an existing electrical system. For this reason, it is recommended that an expert electrician verify that the current system can handle the additional demand of an electric wall heater before installing one.

There are several aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric heater, which includes the type of heater you want and the space in which you wish to put it. The kind of heater you choose will determine the price to operate it. Electric baseboard heaters can be more expensive to run than space heaters or portable heaters, however they provide an even heat and do not require chimneys or vents.

Electric fan heaters feature an air blower that circulates hot air throughout the room. This kind of electric heater is the least expensive however it can be noisy and take longer to heat up a room.

Choose the space heater with a built-in thermostat. This feature allows you to set a target temperature and shuts off automatically when the desired temperature is reached. This can significantly reduce your consumption of energy and keep you from turning the heater on and off.

Make sure you turn off the power source at the breaker box and make use of a circuit tester to verify that it's off before attempting to install an electric heating unit. Next, mark the area where you intend to mount the electric heater on the wall and cut a hole in the drywall. Use a drywall saw to cut the required section, being careful not to cut any existing electrical wires or pipes.

Connect a 14/2 cable of the same length and gauge as the wires already in use, from the breaker box up to the wall opening. Remove approximately 1 inch of insulation from the ends of each conducting wire and connect them to an available screw in the outlet box. The wire you identify as the "line" by labeling it or marking it with a piece of red tape. Connect it to the wire leads that are marked "load" in the thermostat box.