Heating problems are quite common in most settlements in the Russian Federation. This includes untimely switching on of communications in cold months, lack of capacity, improper placement of equipment. In addition, many country houses and summer cottages are often not connected to the central heating system at all. Energy-saving heaters are a category of modern devices that operate from a 220 V network and provide efficient heating with minimal electricity consumption. Such equipment combines economical operation with reliability. It is mainly used as an auxiliary heat source, but it can also be used as a main heater.
Varieties of wall-mounted energy-saving heaters
Devices differ in a number of criteria, classification is possible according to the principle of operation, type of execution, materials, and other factors. You need to pay attention to them when choosing an energy efficient heater.
By heating method
By the type of work, two types of devices are distinguished - convector and infrared. In the first case, the model heats up the air flow going through the structure, in the second, the equipment creates thermal radiation, which heats up the objects in the room. Infrared energy-saving batteries are distinguished by the fact that the air is heated from the lower layers during the operation of the devices.
In the case of convectors, the air flows from below are heated the slowest. For this reason, infrared equipment is more in demand, it is considered more efficient and faster. The disadvantage is the high price. Convector units are fan and oil, infrared units operate mainly on electricity.
By the way of power regulation
Modern models are usually equipped with a thermostat. This element can be of a button design, a touch screen or a lever that can be rotated to set the desired temperature. When the air in the room warms up to the required values, the electric energy-saving heating convectors operate at a reduced power. Infrared models are usually more popular, as their mechanism for changing thermal parameters is more modern than that of convector counterparts.
By type of heating element and design
Most often, such equipment is equipped with the following types of heaters:
- Tubular. These types of heating elements are distinguished by increased reliability, long service life, and practicality.
- Panel. These elements are more compact, combining efficiency with a stylish look.
- Film. They have the finest structure, increased efficiency, but are not cheap.
Energy-saving wall and floor heaters are structurally distinguished. As a rule, the first type is more compact, these devices are bought by owners of small apartments. Devices of the second type take up more space, but they are more powerful and have higher performance.
According to the material of manufacture, heaters with ceramics, bimetallic, aluminum surfaces are distinguished.
Types of wall heaters
Structurally, wall-mounted energy-saving electric heating radiators are divided into three types. You should consider the features of the classification in more detail.
Infrared
This is the most common group of models, the heating component is made of carbon fiber, it provides heating of air masses by means of heat radiation. Such models are distinguished by maximum compactness, high energy consumption, and are available in a large number of versions. For example, in modern apartments, energy-saving ceramic heaters with a power of more than 1000 W are increasingly used. Usually they are equipped with a built-in thermostat, equipped with an inverter motor that is resistant to wear and ensures smooth operation of the device. Low-power models can also be found on sale, usually they do not have a thermostat. It is important to note that when using such equipment, a protective shield must be purchased.
Quartz
The design of these models is a flat quartz sand slab, inside which there are spiral-shaped heating elements made of metal. The surface of the panel gives off heat to the atmosphere, effectively heating the room. In order for the panel part to warm up properly, 20 minutes of operation of the device is enough. Despite the long preparation, quartz heaters are good because they keep the temperature for a long time after turning off.
Ultimately, the coating can heat up to 95 degrees Celsius, therefore, during installation, it is also required to mount a protective screen so that households and pets do not get burned. In the process of functioning, quartz models almost do not dry the air. They are great for apartments and cottages where people live permanently.
Electrical
These are relatively simple devices in design, which consist of a convection chamber and a heating component. The camera simultaneously acts as a protective case, there are air vents on the side parts. The casing of such models heats up to a maximum of 60 degrees, so the risk of injury is minimal, and there is no need to install an additional screen during installation.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of wall heaters, regardless of the type of heating and other factors, include the following properties:
- Compactness. These models are lightweight, modest in size, can be easily placed on brackets on any wall.
- Energy saving. Heating panels of a new generation with a thermostat consume a minimum of electricity, which makes it possible to use the equipment for heating during permanent residence.
- Simple installation. Installation does not require specific knowledge, you can cope with it yourself.
- Stylish look. Modern heaters disguised as photowall-paper or a picture look especially interesting.
- A variety of designs differing in efficiency, ease of management, price and other factors.
- Safety. Most models are equipped with special screens or installed at a height that does not allow getting burned.
The disadvantages include the overpriced equipment, labor-intensive repairs and the need for specific maintenance. However, even energy efficient ceramic home heaters are quite affordable for most buyers, especially when compared to alternative heat sources. Taking into account the energy-efficient design, the installation of the equipment will allow you to minimize the cost of utility bills in winter.
Selection and operation of energy-saving wall heaters
When selecting devices, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- The maximum area that the device can heat.
- Appointment. For example, for local heating of a separate area in the house, you can buy an infrared heater, and for heating the entire room, it is better to stop at a convection oil model.
- Intensity of exploitation.
- The presence of a built-in thermostat or the ability to connect it as an additional equipment.
When installing, it is important to comply with the distance requirements: there must be at least 50 cm from the equipment to furniture, household appliances and textiles. The heater must not be thrown when it is on without supervision, so that a fire does not occur. Before turning on, you need to check if the power outlet is working. In addition, during use, you must not close the ventilation ducts of the device, use it to dry clothes, put objects on the body. These requirements are due to fire safety.