The winter comes, and we begin to think about possible purchase of heater, because we all know that we can’t always trust our district heating. Whether you live in the flat or in the house, the level of comfort in the autumn, winter and partially spring will depend on the fact whether it is warm inside. Heater can help us (as a main or additional heating system), so earlier or later we all have to choose one. But which one? Nowadays there are a lot of different models of heaters. How powerful should be the heater for your premise, how fast and effective can it fulfill its task?
How to calculate the power of the heater
The necessary power of the heater is usually 1kWt for every 10 m² of the premise with 3meter ceilings, if it isn’t heated at all. If you need a heater as an additional source of heat, then its power is calculated according to the difference in the temperatures you have to compensate. Anyway, you should consider a number of other factors: the number of windows, their size and location, the type of glass, material and thickness of external walls, construction of the overlap (especially, the floor overlap on the first floor and the ceiling overlap on the last floor). In other words, selecting a heater you should consider all possible heat losses, and if you decided to use the heater as a main source of heat, you should consult to a specialist. He can recommend you how and where to arrange the heaters, according to the building peculiarities.
Electric heaters
The principles of electric heaters work can differ (from fan heaters to infrared heaters), but they all depend on the electricity supply network. All these heaters use energy, and they are not the cheapest way of heating, compared for example with gas heater. But nevertheless, these heaters are very popular, because of the easiness of mounting and use. It is important to consider that the total power of the heater should be less then the electric power of their power supply. It is also recommended to have additional automatic switcher in the switchboard to protect it from overcharge.
Fan heaters
Fan heaters consist of an open incandesce spiral and a fan that blows warm air from the spiral to the premise. For home use they are of reasonable power, and they are not used for durable work. Fan heaters give the directed air flow and quickly create cozy atmosphere only in those part of the room, where they are arranged. Large premise can be fully heated only in 1-2 hours, only if all the windows and doors are permanently closed. The minus of fan heater is open spiral. First, red-hot spiral burns the oxygen; second, the spiral isn’t protected from moisture and the dust burns, creating bad smells. Third, fan heaters are quite noisy.
These heaters are often used in the offices, where the effectiveness of central heating is very low. Besides, there are universal models that can work as usual fans when it is hot.
Oil radiators and electric heaters of indirect type can be used as additional heaters and as a main heating system.
Oil radiators
Oil radiator is a system that resembles usual central heating radiator, but it is filled with oil. Tans (two or three) that are arranged inside the radiator, heat the mineral oil that has a high boiling-point. The oil in its turn gives the heat to heater’s metal surface.
Oil radiator models differ by power, temperature of heating and number of sections. The more sections - the higher is the power. Such heaters can heat to 110-150°C, that’s why they can quickly heat the premise. But it is also a disadvantage – you can burn yourself, small children should be especially protected.
Some oil radiator models have fans to distribute the warm air. As an addition, oil radiators may have timer. It is a very useful function. For example, you can set the timer at two hours before you return or at the time you leave home. And if you buy a heater with thermostat, you won’t have to switch it off. The heater will switch off automatically, when the temperature heightens up to set one. It means that you can set the temperature of 10-15°C and you won’t freeze when you come back home.
Another important moment – oil radiators cool down slowly. From one hand it is good, because they give warmth during cooling. But from the other hand, it influences the preciseness of heating. The warmest place is near the radiator, so the thermostat works only if the temperature near the heater is lower then indicated. In the other part of the premise, the temperature is few degrees lower.
The price of oil radiators is not very high. It is quite acceptable for the most part of the population.
Convector heater
Electric convector heaters are made on the principle of natural air circulation. Cold air is heated coming through the convector, warm air comes out through the grate in the upper part. The body is also heated and it becomes an additional source of heat. But unlike oil radiators, convectors don’t heat over 60°C, that’s why there is no danger of burning.
It is impossible to heat the premise quickly, so convectors are used for certain temperature maintaining. Convectors have thermostats that can define the temperature in the premise. Thermostat is useful not only because of the comfort of use. It is well known that all electric heaters use a lot of electricity. Thermostat can lower the use of energy, due to the periodic convector switching off.
Convectors can have legs or it can be mounted in the wall. These electric heaters can have different sizes. Beginning from 11-65 cm (so called plinth heaters) height, convectors can be easily fastened in any interior. The mounting is not difficult, it’s enough to switch it in usual socket.
The price of convector, as any other heater, depends on its power.
Infrared heater
Long-wave infrared heater is also one of the electric heaters. The principle of its work seriously differs from others. During its work, there is a thermal energy emission due to the infrared electromagnetic waves emanation. So first of all it heats the objects on which it is directed (floor, furniture, walls). The air in the premise heats from them. In such system, floor is always few degrees warmer then the air. Another advantage is that all surfaces in the area of infrared heater radiate heat. The area of their heat emission is much larger then the body of oil radiator or convector. So the time of heater’s work decreases, which of course influences the energy consumption. That’s why, infrared heaters are the most economical.
Infrared heaters consist of square panels that are mounted in the ceiling with a help of special hardware. Every model has its own power and is calculated for the premises with minimal necessary ceiling height. The heat from infrared heater comes through all the surfaces on which it is directed, it is recommended to mount it on certain distance from person’s head. The infrared heater of 800Wt, should be mounted on the minimal distance of 0,7meters, which is quite enough for living premises. Heaters of 2-4kWt should be mounted on the distance of 1,5-2,5 meters. Of course such heaters can be used in large workshops and other industrial buildings. With a help of infrared heater you can create warmth in your work place in the office or around the sofa where you like to have a rest, without heating the entire premise.
New technology in the production of infrared heaters uses carbonaceous elements (carbon) in heating elements. The advantage of carbon infrared heaters is their economy, which is gained due to the rapid start of working regime.
Infrared heaters are the most expensive. Minimal power of heating panel is 300-600Wt, but it is not enough to heat the premise, so you’ll have to buy few panels.
Selecting a heater define, which aims should it serve. If you want to heat your feet under the table, then you’ll need fan heater. This area is inaccessible for infrared heater. At the same time fan heaters dry the air and disperse dust, unlike infrared heaters that can in some way substitute the “warm floor” system. If the heater should quickly heat the whole flat, you can think about oil radiators. But convector electric heaters are safer, though a bit more expensive. They can be mounted under the window due to the heating rules.
As for the rest, the choice depends only on the price and design. Heaters are produced by many firms - EcoLine, BiLux, Makar; Frico, Sweden; Nobo, Norway; Noirot, France; Polaris, England; DeLonghi, Italy.