Comparing Types Of Heat And Heaters: EdenPure, Heat Surge And Others
Posted: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
Heating bills in Winter are a problem for many people and attempts to achieve the most comfort for the least cost, is often maddening. This article is an effort to assist in finding the answer to such questions. One problem is the many variables that play a part in reaching the ultimate heat/cost position.
Only through trial and error can one always be assured he has found the proper route to his particular savings. It depends upon the cost in one’s own area of the energy sources. My own experience has shown that there are often considerable differences in costs per BTU from electricity, natural gas, propane gas and even oil in some areas. Each person will have to consider these items in order to know which source he prefers to use. I have heating units of both electric and of natural gas and our local prices often fluctuate somewhat and we may switch from one to the other.
Before we begin discussing the particular heaters, keep in mind that 1500 watts of electricity will produce up to 5110 BTU’s of heat, depending upon the efficiency of the heater. Most will produce approximately 5000 BTU’s. So, do not let misleading advertisements make you think you are getting more heat from their heater than others. There is slight differences in the actual heat produced due to degrees of efficiency and use of energy for other uses, such as the rotation of fans when they have one. But these differences are very minor. The movement of air by a fan can be more beneficial than the slight loss of heat.
Radiant Heaters: Heaters which radiate heat from a heated surface, a panel or most often a nickel-chromium coil. These heaters normally have a fan which circulates the air to spread the heat more evenly about the room. The cost of these heaters vary from about $20 to several hundred, depending on what type of cabinet appearance you want plus numerous features such as temperature settings, timers, safety shut-offs, etc.
Often the very cheapest ones perform as well as the most expensive. Patton produces a small gray metal cased one which Walmart sold last year for $20 each. Patton is a good company. I bought four of them. I already had some similar to them but they are getting old. My only complaint of these heaters, they are not whisper quiet. Not really loud enough to be annoying but leaves a little to be desired.
I also have a larger one, a 3,000 watt (Notice: You must have a 240 volt outlet for this sized heater). Our living room-dining room-kitchen is one large open area. This larger heater warms it well unless the temperature is down around freezing or below.
Infrared Heaters: Infrared heaters produce a different type of heat, quite technical in it’s explanation but is produced by use of quqrtz infrared tubes. A simple explanation of the difference is that normal radiant heat, heats whatever is in it’s path, such as a chair, etc., while Infrared rays reportedly heat the air molecules and thereby produces an unusually comforting and pleasant warmth. I have to vouch for that, because I have owned one of the EdenPure heaters and it was surprising at the soothing warmth that kind of envelops you if one walked into the room from a colder area.
However, I am not attempting to advertise for EdenPure. Mine barely got out of the warranty period before it failed. But if you are sold on having infrared heat, there are a number of lower priced ones, some of have a similar appearance to EdenPure and other high priced models. The Northern Tool and Equipment has a DuraFlame presently on sale for $199.99 which is normally priced at $249.99. This one carries a 3 year limited warranty with a 1 year extended warranty replacement plan for an additional $24.99. This is still an expensive heater but less than you can normally buy the others for.
Amazon lists a small heater with 400-800 watt settings for $29.99 as a infrared quartz radiant heater. If you have any interest in it you can put this identification into a Google search window and find it listed several places. Northern Tool & Equipment also has it listed at $29.99 (Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Radiant Heater) Keep this in mind, that 800 watts can only produce 2700 to 2800 BTU’s and may be adequate for small rooms or when the weather is not too cold. If you prefer to use this type heater for a normal sized room, you will probably need two to be satisfied with it.
Ceramic Heaters: These normally small heaters have found favor in a lot of homes. Mostly, they are small and lightweight…can be moved to different locations very easily and are also normally very efficient. Once again, you must remember that it will be restricted to the amount of watts it draws. There are a number of these heaters now available which use 1500 watts and therefore are as large as any which can legally be plugged into a 120 volt line. Some of these are even classified as producing 5200 BTU’s of heat which is a little more than can normally be expected from any heater. They are also reasonably priced and carry a long warranty. Most of them are very quiet in operation. Making them perfect for bedrooms
Prices vary by brand, and sometimes, I firmly believe much of it is because of the name brand, so be careful. Pelonis was the first or at least one of the very first to manufacture these heaters and have always mad a quality product.
JR.com has a Honeywell # HNW HZ315, a 1500 watt unit with an adjustable thermostat allows you to set it from ON to the full 1500 watt power and it carries a 5 year limited warranty. Put that description into a search engine and you’ll find plenty of listings. JR.com lists it currently at $24.99, down from $29.91.
Pelonis has a comparable model to the Honeywell which lists at $36.89 but Amazon has it marked down to $23.50. They also have a much more expensive model, B-6A1 with a list price of $79.95 but again, Amazon has it marked down to $69.99.
Regardless of what you decide to purchase, be very careful and read the capacity details and It is always wise to enter the product name and number into a search engine window and find several sources, not only for price differences but many of them list reviews by those who have purchased one. If too many condemn it, you might want to look further. However, if a lot recommend it and only one or two criticize it, pay little attention. There is always a chance of a lemon in almost any product, plus, some people simply aren’t satisfied with anything.
Stay warm this winter.
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