For the main or auxiliary heating of houses and individual rooms, it is sometimes necessary to use electrical energy. A quartz heater is a type of heating device that you should take a closer look at.
Types of quartz sand appliances
In the retail network, quartz heaters are understood as two types of devices: cast monolithic ones and with a spiral heater located in a glass tube.
The name quartz is explained by the fact that in both cases a special sand is used in the production - quartz. Glass tubes are made of it, and it is also part of the filler of monolithic options.
Both types are direct heating devices. Electrical energy is immediately converted into heat. This is their difference from boilers, in which the coolant is first heated and it already gives up energy to the surrounding air, cooling down in the radiators.
Both types are infrared heaters. It is in the infrared range that the waves that propagate heat are located.
Construction of monolithic heaters
The design of quartz heating panels is simple.
The device includes:
- heating element - nichrome insulated wire with resistance selected for the required power;
- a panel made of a mixture of quartz sand and kaolin white clay, in which a heating element is monolithic;
- metal frame-case to protect the panel from damage;
- Stand for floor installation or brackets for wall mounting;
- power cord with plug.
Some models have a built-in temperature controller, for others, the device is purchased for a fee.
Principle of operation
After connecting the device to the network, the nichrome wire is heated by the flowing electric current. The heating element gives off heat to the panel - the temperature of the outer layer of which reaches 85 - 90 degrees.
The quartz-kaolin panel gives off heat to the room due to infrared waves. Air circulation is achieved by the convection effect. Cold air, warming up near the hot panel, rises. The circulation continues as long as the quartz heating element is connected to the mains.
Advantages and disadvantages of the device
The positive and negative properties of any electrical appliance are determined by the technical characteristics and consumer properties.
A quartz heater has the following positive qualities:
- simplicity of design - there are no moving parts, the body is non-separable;
- the heating element is reliably hidden inside the plate with dielectric properties;
- different power of devices - can be selected for specific operating conditions;
- efficiency reaches 95%;
- low cost compared to electric heaters of comparable power;
- environmental friendliness - the plate is made of natural materials;
- maintenance consists exclusively in cleaning dust from the case;
- lack of noise and rattling during operation;
- do not burn out oxygen;
- fire safety - temperatures up to 100 degrees are insufficient to ignite nearby objects;
- thermal inertia - after switching off the panel cools down for about 1.5 hours.
Sand batteries for heating are not without drawbacks, which are mostly associated with design features.
Cons of wall mounted quartz energy saving home heaters:
- heavy - reliable brackets and hardware are needed for wall mounting;
- fragile - shock loads during transportation can lead to cracks in the heater with sand inside;
- require the installation of screens to protect children and pets from burns (panel temperature 90 - 95 degrees);
- dry the air;
- not always equipped with thermostats;
- unattractive externally;
- take a long time to warm up to operating temperature.
All disadvantages can be solved with the correct installation. The devices are inconvenient to move around the premises, so they need to be installed permanently.
Application of quartz heaters
To equip a quartz heating system does not require regulatory approvals, but there are some restrictions.
Basic conditions:
- introductory machines and internal electrical wiring must be designed for the installation of a quartz furnace system;
- the location must be protected from the effects of precipitation in the form of rain and snow;
- it is undesirable to install devices in damp rooms.
- be sure to install a difavtomat or a residual current device, since there is no place on the device for connecting the ground wire.
Low cost and ease of connection and operation have made quartz heaters popular in heating residential and industrial facilities.
Devices allow:
- do basic heating in summer cottages and garages;
- carry out additional heating on especially cold days to help the main system;
- heat construction trailers and security rooms;
- provide acceptable conditions for exercising in gyms;
- maintain the temperature in small workshops or car services, tire shops;
- create the necessary microclimate in barns with pets and birds.
The quartz wall heater will not interfere with the daily life and work of employees.
Specifications
A wide selection of heaters is available for buyers, differing in power in appearance.
Important specifications:
- Supply voltage - for residential premises, devices designed for 220 V are used.
- Power consumption - the area of the heated room depends on it, and the efficiency of the system. More often, there are products that consume 400 W, which is enough only for a room of 7-10 m2, depending on the quality of the walls and ceiling insulation.
- The maximum heating temperature of the outer parts is taken into account for safe operation, preventing injury.
- Placement option - it is necessary to clarify whether the device can be installed horizontally / vertically / on the ceiling.
- The rollover safety switch is important when children, visually impaired people and large pets are in the home.
- The dimensions and weight of the heater are important for the choice of mounting method.
- The presence of a thermostat in the kit or the ability to purchase it additionally.
Instrument options allow you to choose the one suitable for any operating conditions.
Popular models
The list of manufacturers is impressive, but according to customer reviews, several brands in the inexpensive price range deserve trust.
The international concern Ballu specializes in the production of climatic technology. The production is located in the PRC. A range of wall and ceiling heaters is available. The series of devices BIH l, Camino Eco, Camino Eco Turbo, Enzo are equipped with a monolithic heating element. The model range includes products with a capacity from 0.5 to 2.5 kW and a heating area of up to 24 m2. The new appliances are equipped with ceramic panels for increased durability.
Teplodar - convectors with stone panels.Produced in Ulyanovsk, representative offices are located throughout the country - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, and other large regional centers. The basis of the assortment is a 400 W heater, which is sufficient for rooms of 16-18 m2. Heating up to 75 degrees takes about 20 minutes. The kit includes a heat reflector for the back wall, brackets, thermostat.
Teploeko produces convectors of two series in light and black versions. The power is 380 W, which is enough to maintain a comfortable temperature in the off-season when the main heating system is not turned on. Allows you to maintain the temperature at 18 degrees in rooms with an area of 15 m2.
Quartz heaters are an excellent choice in terms of price / quality ratio. Simple installation and ease of use will allow you to make a heating system yourself, without the involvement of specialists.
