Micathermic heater is an electrical device that spreads infrared heat waves. It is extremely safe, since it itself is not subject to heating - it is impossible to burn yourself against the body. The device has other advantages that are important for the buyer to know, as well as disadvantages that must be taken into account when choosing a device.
Device and principle of operation
The heat source in the unit is a plate that evenly distributes infrared rays. It consists of numerous metallic and non-metallic interlayers with a mica coating on each side. Some layers are used for insulation, others for heat concentration and reflection. The plate radiates heat waves to surrounding objects, heating them. As such, there is no coolant in the device, so there will be no problems with its burnout.
The laminated element is enclosed in a metal body and equipped with gratings through which heat waves are distributed in two directions. There are models that direct heat in only one direction. They are hinged and convenient in that they save room space. The third type is cylindrical apparatus, which have a circular infrared radiation zone. They can be fixed to the ceiling or to the walls, depending on the characteristics of the room.
The devices are equipped with control units with a thermostat that allows you to regulate the temperature. There are models equipped with ionizers, shelves for drying objects, as well as a water protection function, which prevents the risk of damage to the device or a short circuit when moisture penetrates.
The principle of operation of the device is based not only on infrared radiation. A fifth of the productivity is achieved by air convection due to the temperature difference.
The device is capable of heating any surrounding objects - furniture, walls, people, animals. In this case, inanimate objects themselves become a kind of heating pads - they transfer the accumulated heat to the surrounding air.
The device works according to the "solar" principle: when a person or object is under its rays, it warms up. As soon as you leave the coverage area, the heat immediately disappears.
It turns out that the device heats up surrounding objects and air currents at a distance. This allows you to heat a chilled room faster than water, gas or electric convectors. Such heaters are capable of heating only the air in contact with the coolant. However, in the case of an MK device, the heat flux density becomes less with an increase in the distance between the device and the object.
Application area
Heaters of this type are universal, they can be used for residential premises, as well as:
- country verandas and attics;
- small industries;
- garages.
Since the heater is aimed at heating the surrounding things and is lightweight, you can take it with you to the gazebo if evening gatherings are expected. Also, the device is indispensable if you urgently need to heat some separate item.
The device emits infrared and electromagnetic waves in a range that is safe for living beings. Therefore, micathermic heaters are often used in kindergartens and medical institutions.
Advantages and disadvantages
The most important advantage of heaters is the rapid heating of objects in the radiation zone. It gets warmer as soon as you turn on the device. If the appliance is floor standing, moving around the room will speed up heating. This is not difficult to do, since there is no heavy spiral, the unit weighs a little and is usually equipped with wheels.
Another important advantage of a micathermic heater is that the device only emits infrared waves, and is not used for direct heating.
The body of the device, insulated with basalt composition, does not heat up above 60 degrees. This eliminates the risk of burns when a person or an animal comes into contact with the apparatus.
Due to the direct transfer of heat, the device consumes on average a quarter less electricity than other types of heaters, including oil heaters. Another significant plus of the device is that it works almost silently. Micathermic heating method does not dry out the air environment, which allows maintaining the humidity level at a normal level. Such a device does not reduce the oxygen concentration in the room.
However, the device also has disadvantages:
- the heat flux density becomes less with increasing distance, which leads to weak heating of distant objects;
- the device is not able to warm the space outside the room;
- it is difficult to clean out dust and dirt that accumulates behind the bars.
Also, the disadvantage is the high price of the device - it is much more expensive than a conventional oil heater.
Selection Tips
The first thing to consider is the area of the heated room. For an insulated room of 25 "squares" with a standard ceiling height in the climatic zone of Moscow, models with a capacity of 1000 to 1500 W are suitable. Popular options include the DeLonghi HMP1500 heater, the Polaris micathermic PMH 1546 heater, as well as other devices of this brand:
- PMH 1594;
- PMH 1514;
- PMH 1598;
- PMH 1504.
For rooms of 26-30 "squares" or with high ceilings, more powerful 2000 W models are chosen. For example, Polaris brand devices are suitable: PMH 2017RCD, PMH 2015, PMH 2047.
It is necessary to take into account the purpose of the room. In a garage or workshop, a temperature above 20 degrees is not needed, you can purchase a heater with a lower power.
It is preferable to choose devices with a control unit equipped with a mechanical or electronic thermostat. It is necessary to maintain the set temperature regime and save energy: when the required values are reached, the device will turn off, and when the room cools down, it will turn on again.
Lovers of comfort will appreciate devices with a remote control and a lot of settings.
Care and maintenance
In order for the micathermic device to work for a long time, it must be operated correctly. Read and follow the technical manual immediately after purchase. If a floor-standing model was selected, screw the wheeled chassis onto the body before connecting. The wall must be hung with dowels. It is forbidden to stretch the power cable under carpet, carpet, linoleum. Items with flammable textures and surfaces should be located more than 1 meter away.
If the device was purchased in winter, before connecting to the power grid, you need to wait four hours for the device to "get used" to the ambient temperature. This will avoid premature damage to electrical equipment.
If the appliance jams, do not disassemble it yourself. The design is rather complicated, it is better to contact a service center.
To clean the unit, disconnect it from the power supply, let it cool down. Then use a damp cloth to remove dust from the cabinet. Dirt from the grate is removed with a vacuum cleaner. Do not use abrasive or highly reactive chemicals for cleaning.
Micathermic heater or convector
The choice of a micathermic or convection unit depends largely on the desire and financial capabilities of the owner. If the existing convection heater dries the air very much, burns oxygen, it is worth turning the shooting to infrared devices. But for some people, infrared devices cause headaches when they are near for a long time.
The convector weighs more than a mica unit, but this is fundamentally only for hinged devices, the floor ones are also equipped with wheels.
If we talk about the heating rate, micathermic appliances are preferable - it will become warmer in the room in just ten minutes.
IR heaters are not yet as successful as convectors, but their popularity is growing. It is facilitated by the increased safety of devices and the speed of heating the room.
