When the cold season comes, heating is required in a private house or apartment. The central heating system is not always enough to maintain the optimal temperature regime, so people buy electric heaters. The range of models is wide, but in order to choose the most economical device, you need to understand the varieties and characteristics of all types of devices.
Heater requirements
The main function of the heater is to maintain a comfortable room temperature. It should provide as much heat as the residents require. Economical electric heaters of the new generation have the following parameters:
- The presence of a thermostat. These devices are considered energy efficient because they reduce the standby power. Allows you to save energy.
- The presence of a thermostat. Using the regulator, you can set a specific temperature. By lowering it, you can also reduce your electricity consumption.
- Ceramic heating element. Such devices have increased efficiency, as they quickly heat up and cool down for a long time.
- Vapor-drop technology. In fact, the heater is a portable battery, since heating is carried out by hot water inside the device.
These characteristics need to be considered when choosing the best economical electric heater for your home.
Varieties of heaters
There are different types of heating equipment that have worked well at home. These include:
- Electric heater-convector. Air circulates through the heating element, which rises and falls after cooling. Thus, the circulation of air masses occurs. The models of the Atlantic company are very popular. Their power is in the range of 0.5-2.5 kW.
- Infrared. Such devices operate with low power consumption. They include a quartz emitter that performs the function of heating. It transfers heat to nearby objects and does not heat the air. It is used to quickly heat a room. Not suitable as a replacement for a classic radiator. IR devices can work outdoors. They can be fixed with their own on flat surfaces or put on legs. Various companies, including Teplodar, are engaged in the production of devices.
- Micathermic. The device is economical and efficient. The device is based on new developments that were previously used in medicine and astronautics. There are several mica-coated plates in the design. Mounting is carried out on the ceiling or walls. Heaters are distinguished by their safety, as they do not become hot, as well as uniform heating of the surrounding objects. The disadvantages include the high cost.
- Air conditioning. Usually used to heat a country house. Economical. It is powered by a heat pump that draws air inward using a heat exchanger. Heating is carried out by freon, which heats up to 80 ° C. Average electricity consumption per hour is 2-5 kW.
- Ceramic slabs. They work on the principle of infrared long-wave radiation. There are ceiling and wall models. Average consumption ranges from 250 watts to 2.5 kW per hour.
Oil radiators stand out in a separate category.They burn small amounts of oxygen and require a minimum of electricity. The disadvantages include large sizes.
Which heater is better and more economical for an apartment depends on the individual characteristics of the room and the climate.
Choosing the most economical heater
Equipment manufacturers offer several types of heating devices. In each category there are successful and unsuccessful models, but the type should be chosen in accordance with the parameters of the room and climatic conditions.
Based on the experience of many buyers, we can conclude that a convector with a thermostat consumes a minimum of electricity. In principle, it is similar to an oil cooler, but has a high level of safety. Convection helps to raise dust particles, so such a device should not be installed by people suffering from allergies or asthma. Such an economical home heater is also often used in the country or in the garage.
The most efficient devices are infrared economical electric heaters. Their power is aimed at heating a person and surrounding objects, while they do not affect the air temperature. For this reason, there is no waste of energy. Such models are suitable for home and summer cottages. They are actively used on open terraces due to the possibility of working outdoors.
You can buy a small oil-saving heater for the apartment. Its design has a heating element that heats the purified oil. It becomes a source of heat and is capable of heating the room after being disconnected from the network. You can dry things with an oil cooler.
Power calculation
Heating equipment is used in summer cottages and city apartments. Economical heaters of the new generation are powered by the mains, so it is important to first calculate its power and consumption.
To make a calculation, it is necessary to take into account the area of the house or apartment and the number of heating devices. The radiator power is recognized by the formula kWt = 0.27 * s * ϱ * P * h * (t2-t1). FROM Is the specific heat, R - the area of the room, h - height, ϱ - air density. The result is the amount of heat that is needed for a given room, as well as the power of the device.
Also, the calculation should take into account the following factors:
- Wall material and thickness. If the house has thick walls, the heat loss will be minimal.
- Radiator type. Each heater consumes its own amount of energy and is able to warm up the room in a certain time.
- The presence or absence of wall insulation. If there is an additional insulating layer, the optimal temperature will be maintained longer.
- The number of windows, their quality. How much heat will go outside depends on this.
You can perform calculations for country and apartment models in special online calculators.
