Best Electric Wall Heater Reviews

Most people agree that electric wall heaters are one of the most popular ways to heat your home or office, available on the market. They offer a wide range of benefits and the fact that they can be installed very easily, is a great bonus.

They are the most cost effective heating equipment available today and the slimmer design makes them highly attractive as well. These types of heating products deliver energy efficient room heating using the convection, radiant or micathermic technology, which is a blend of both radiant and convection heat.

The element and therefore the heat is normally generated in the space between the panel and the wall and as a result, the heater has a very low profile in any room.

Here we take a look at the best electric wall heater options available and include a number of short electric wall heater reviews to give you a flavor of each product examined. We delve into the heaters pros and cons and how they can save you money compared to traditional heating systems.

How Do Electric Wall Heaters Work?

Electric wall heaters generate heat in very similar ways to their more portable space heater cousins. Essentially, there are two methods of heating. Convection heating and radiant heating.

Convection Wall Heaters

As with other convection heaters, convection wall heaters mainly utilize a heating element, a heat exchanger and some form of fan forcing.

The heating element powers the heater and it needs a dedicated electrical circuit of 120 volts or 240 volts. The heating element consists of a resistor and it can be described as a material that resists the flow of electricity. When the current passes through the resistor, it converts electric energy into heat.

This converted heat energy is conducted into metal fins and the fins spread the heat throughout the room. Since the fins stick out from the heater, carrying heat around the room becomes highly effective and even as well. In many cases the electric wall heater unit incorporates a fan to push the warm air into the room.

As the name suggests itself, the technology employed in electric convection heaters to spread heat is known as convection.

When the air above and between the fins becomes warm, it goes up into the air by leaving a vacuum and the cool air fills up the empty space. This process repeats in a continuous fashion to carry heat around the room with great efficiency.

Radiant Wall Heaters

Radiant wall heaters directly transfer heat from warm surface to cool surface through infrared radiation and micathermic heaters combine both the technology of convection and radiant heaters to heat the room evenly.

Electric Wall Heater Installation

Basically, these heaters are made up of three main component parts and they include a metal can, the heating unit and a decorative safety cover. You need to install the metal can in the wall and it is normally attached to the side of a stud.

First determine the position of the heater in the room. This is an important step as it can hugely affect the efficiency of the heater. Place in a draughty location much of the heat, whether warm air or radiated objects will be lost.

Try to select a sheltered position free from the potential for heat loss, whether by conduction (such as through metal window frames) or by draughts. If you are installing a convection wall heater then you may wish to position it high up. This helps prevent temperature stratification in the room, as the blower and air vent can be angled to direct the warm air down into the room.

The heating unit contains heating elements and a small fan and, they are located inside the case. A safety cover is also installed over the heating unit and the can to prevent direct contact between them. In order to channelize the air in the right direction, louvers are also attached to the heaters.

You will need to cut a hole in the wall and get access to the wall cavity. The dimensions of the particular hole should be provided in the manufacturers instructions. Installation is usually relatively simple, but you may wish to consult and electrical engineer when it comes to hooking the heater up to your electric supply.

Why Choose An Electric Wall Heater?

Electric wall mounted radiators can be described as the ideal indoor heating solutions because of a good number of reasons. Since they can be recessed into the wall quite easily, these types of heaters do not consume a lot of space. Compared to other heating systems, they are safer and less expensive and, if properly used, you can save a lot of energy as well.

You can heat a single room, depending on your unique requirements without heating the entire house and these types of wall heaters always keep the temperature of the room stable. You do not have to constantly adjust the control switches to get the correct temperature because using some optional plug-ins; you can easily control the wattage. That is exactly why many people say that they offer maximum ease of use and when you simply plug the heater, you will start feeling the heat without any unwanted delay.

The installation process is simple and you can easily transfer them from one room to another. The advanced models come with perfect safety features and the moment these heaters sense the presence of a closely located object, it automatically shuts off. Minimal maintenance is required for these types of products and ‘green’ heating for every room in your home will become a reality with them as well.

They do not burn your hands when you touch them and since they are available in different colors like off-white, sandalwood, walnut, pure white and light almond, you can select the most suitable one that matches your home décor.

What Types of Wall Heater Can You Buy and How Do They Each Differ?

You can come across different types of electric wall heaters and, they include convection wall heaters, radiant wall heaters and micathermic wall heaters. The most common type is the convection heaters and they make use of a blower to spread air in the room.

The heat generation is being done through aeration and they can be considered as ideal options for basements, bathrooms and dens as well.

Radiant heaters transfer heat directly from a hot surface, which is reflected out and around the room without the help of a blower.

Micathermic heaters blend both radiant and convection heating to generate optimal heat and they always offer even and widespread heating as well.

What Size Should You Buy?

You can size your wall heater depending on the electrical usage, measured in watts. The output of your heater should go well with the space and type of the room and, for correctly sizing a wall heater; you should take into consideration both the room size and the amount of heat loss as well. Such a method of approach always ensures efficient operation.

First, you should have clear understanding about the square footage of the room and it can be done by measuring the length and width of the room.

Then, you need to multiply the two numbers to arrive at the best conclusion. If your room is a well-insulated one, you can allow 10 watts of heat per square foot and for reasonably insulated rooms; you should figure 12 watts per square foot. When the quality of the insulation is low, you can allow 15 watts of heat per square foot as well.

Maintaining Your Electric Wall Heater

All heaters need a seasonal cleaning and your electric wall heater is not an exception. Fortunately cleaning is relatively quick and straightforward to carry out.

In order to clean it, you need to turn off the electric power and after having taken off the heater grill; you should wipe down the heater using a damp cloth.

A vacuum hose can be used to remove dust and debris from the inner areas of the heater as well. That is exactly why many people say that the process of maintaining an electric wall heater is really simple and cost effective as well.

Summary

Electric wall heaters are perfect for rooms which are limited on space. They are also ideal for rooms in which no central heating system is installed. They are able to be installed into the cavity in the  wall and as a result present a very low profile.

If installed sensibly they will not be in the way, an especially important point if your household has children or pets in it. They will not need to be stored away and are conveniently available whenever you need them.

We often try to decide on exactly what makes the best space heater, well, we believe that the best electric wall heater may well be a contender for this title.​

The post Best Electric Wall Heater Reviews appeared first on Space Heater Pro.

Best Micathermic Heater Reviews

What is a Micathermic Heater?

A micathermic space heater consists of a heating element(s) covered by thin sheets of mica.Mica is a shiny silicate mineral that has a fine layered structure. It tends to be found as minute scales in granite and other rocks, or as crystals.

It primary use is as a thermal or electrical insulator. Hence it’s adaption to space heater technology. This innovative technology makes an ultra thin design possible and results in a heater with both radiant and convective heating properties.

Radiant heat is felt almost immediately by the occupants of a room while convection, or rising heat, warms the surrounding air.

Micathermic heaters are available in two very different designs. One is the console style which resembles a radiator (but with no fluid inside) and the second is the flat panel design which looks like an LED television. Almost all of the flat panel designs include hardware for optional wall mounting.

Advantages of Micathermic Heaters

Silent operation

The number one space heater complaint is noise. Since a mica heater relies on radiant and convective heat for heat distribution it doesn't need a fan. No fan - no noise; it's that simple.

Instant Heat

In contrast to the oil-filled heater, which can take some time to heat up a space or room, a micathermic heater starts delivering heat almost instantly. Approximately 20% of the heat delivered by a micathermic heater is radiant heat and it is this heat that is most quickly felt as it would warm up all objects and or people in close proximity to the heater when turned on.

Weight and Portability

Although micathermic heaters often resemble radiators, which are surprisingly heavy, they are, in fact, very lightweight. They almost all have built in carry handles. This makes it easy to move and store micathermic heaters for people of all ages.

No Allergens

Micathermic heaters do not use a fan to distribute the warm air into the room. Since there is no fan, the room air retains valuable moisture and harmful airborne allergens are kept to a minimum. Micathermic heaters do not burn oxygen either. The result of this is that using such a heater in an enclosed space does not result in a heady or stuffy sensation.

Disadvantages of Micathermic Heaters

Slower Whole Room Heating than Fan Forced Heaters

Although a mica panel heater warms a room faster than an oil filled heater, any type of space heater without a fan will not warm up a room nearly as fast as one with a fan. The absence of a fan also means it will not heat as large an area as a fan-equipped heater like the Vornado Vortex for example.

Lack of Heat Retention

A micathermic heater does not retain heat like an oil filled heater when it is shut off. This means that it will not continue to provide much in the way of heating when not powered on. Oil-filled heaters are often able to provide heat for quite a while after shut off, making them relatively more efficient.

Where are Micathermic Heaters Best Used

Micathermic heaters are best suited for self contained (walled-in) rooms such as a bedroom, study, or den no larger than 150 square feet.

However, a mica heater is still capable of adding supplemental heat to larger living areas or three season glass additions.

Summary

In many respects micathermic heaters provide the best of all worlds. They provide instant heat like infrared or other radiant heaters but they also provide a significant proportion of their heat by convection, up to 80%. This makes them good for whole room heating.

They are often very low profile and very lightweight meaning that they are not obtrusive in the home or office at all.

All in all there is much that is good about micathermic heaters and for this reason we recommend you take another look at the list of best micathermic heater reviews above.

The post Best Micathermic Heater Reviews appeared first on Space Heater Pro.

How Do Quartz Infrared Heaters Work?

Innovations in terms of home appliances and heating products have brought an onslaught of inventions including the infrared heaters. At first glance, the term “infrared” can make you do a double take. It sounds like something too advanced and straight out of a science fiction novel. However, in comparison to traditional heaters, infrared heaters have a slew of benefits because of their advanced technology.

Check out this guide to understanding how infrared heaters work, so you can discern for yourself if this kind of heater are efficient, affordable, and advantageous enough for your taste and needs. Or, you may just want to jump to our best infrared heater guide for reviews of the best quartz and infrared heaters available at the moment.

What Exactly Are Infrared Heaters?

Infrared heaters work by manipulating electromagnetic radiation to increase the temperature of objects around the heater. Infrared rays or waves transfer the heat from the source, which is the heater to objects or bodies that are cooler. Infrared heaters produce different kinds of wavelengths, from which the amount of heat are dependent upon.

Aside from using it in the living room, there is also such a thing as infrared sauna heaters. This has the advantage of not just being good for your budget since infrared heaters save electricity, infrared sauna heaters also benefit your health.

The Best Infrared Heater

 Reviews, Tips and More

Our infrared heater guide provides an in depth look at the infrared heater market and reviews some of our favorite infrared products available today.

Check it out now! lorem ipsum dolor

The main advantage of infrared heaters is that they are efficient in heating up large areas in the house. Since they plug in to an electric outlet, infrared heaters convert electricity inputs into radiation, making them highly efficient. In fact, when deep or domestic heating is required, infrared heaters are the more preferred types. They are used in veterinary clinics and zoos to provide the smaller animals and offspring warmth when they are away from their mothers.

But do you know how infrared heaters generate heat? A simple comparison would be similar to how the sun produces heat and how we are able to feel that heat. Infrared rays are technically invisible to the naked eye, but appear reddish on the visible light spectrum. When you think about it, we feel the heat of the sun directly on our skin and not from the air.

The good thing about it is, unlike wood-burning heaters, infrared heaters do not burn oxygen, so you do not feel heady or suffocated inside a room.

Infrared Heaters vs Ceramic Heaters and Other Fan-Forced Heaters

When looking for the right heater for your living space, there are different types to consider. Not only would you have to think about the savings that you can get from the best heaters, you also have to make sure that the heater complements your quarters. Sometimes, you can even save more money and be more energy efficient that way.

Among traditional heaters, the two most common types of heaters are the blue flame heaters and the fan-forced heaters. As opposed to infrared heaters, blue flame heaters warm the surrounding air instead of the surrounding objects. This means that blue flame heaters are more suitable for smaller, more intimate rooms, because the warm air can easily be dispersed through the room.

So if you have a tall room or if your household or guests move around the house or come and go inside the heated room too frequently, it is better to get an infrared heater. Infrared heaters are more suited for rooms that have poor insulation. You can definitely save more money and be more energy efficient, since the warmth is not distributed into the air but to the objects surrounding the infrared heater.

Another type of traditional heater is the fan-forced heater. Choosing between fan-forced and infrared is also a matter of preference. The difference is that fan-forced heaters raise the room’s temperature gradually but you also have to be in the line of sight of the heat source to feel it. However, time-tested backup heaters are usually fan-forced heater units.

What’s more, infrared heaters also have versions that are fit for sauna use. Sauna infrared heaters are often composed of ceramic or carbon, with each having a unique benefit and disadvantage. Ceramic-based sauna heaters are more efficient, but they are not as durable as carbon-based ones and it may take a while for them to warm up and start heating you up. Carbon fiber-based sauna infrared heaters are more durable and they heat up relatively faster, but they emit a less powerful heat wave.

What is a Quartz Infrared Heater?

Even if it has been in the market for 20 years, the quartz infrared heater always seem to be reinventing itself, as it still is one of the hottest items among heating appliances. This is because this type of heater remains inexpensive, cost-efficient, and easy to install.

What make this type of infrared heater work are the quartz bulbs, which distribute heat evenly from the floor to the ceiling. Quartz infrared heaters also reduce positive ions within the room, which serves as a health benefit for those battling respiratory problems.

Compared to traditional heaters, the quartz infrared heaters are very affordable with regards to electricity. A quartz bulb that is 1500 watt unit will only consume around 18 cents per hour of electricity even if it runs continuously. This is very efficient, especially for those who will be running heaters all throughout the winter period. In terms of safety, quartz infrared heaters can rival even the oil heaters. Sometimes, they can even perform better especially when put in cabinet enclosures which can allow users to still touch them without feeling burned. This is a good addition for families who have busy kids or roaming pets.

When you find yourself hesitating on what type of heater to buy for your household, choose one that offers the most benefits for your health, the most cost-effective in terms of saving electricity, and the most efficient in heat distribution according to your house’s setup.

An infrared heater offers most, if not all, of these requirements, which means that you may find that buying this type of heater may be the best for your family’s safety and health and to get your money’s worth.

Summary

Infrared heaters are one of the most popular and versatile space heater on the market today. They are compact in size and easily portable. They do not create significant heat to the touch and can be great for family homes. Best of all they provide energy efficient heating.

We have more on the most energy efficient heater ​and would recommend you look at our article on the best space heater as infrared heaters figure prominently here too.

​

The post How Do Quartz Infrared Heaters Work? appeared first on Space Heater Pro.