An inverter is a device capable of converting direct current into alternating current with voltage variation. The UPS is built into any electrical installations to protect them from voltage surges in the network. Inverter heater - a model in which the inverter is associated with temperature control and power regulation.
Main characteristics
The installation converts the incoming alternating current into direct current, and then again converts the direct current into alternating current, but with different characteristics. As a result, the device does not work with mains electricity, but with a current with improved performance. Thus, damage to the device during voltage surges is excluded: the heater lasts longer, works with greater efficiency.
The scheme of work is also changing. A conventional heater, when turned on, heats the air to the specified temperature, and when it is reached, it turns off completely. When the sensor signals a decrease in room temperature, the device turns on again. However, starting up the instrument will cause a short-term peak load. This mode contributes to the rapid wear of parts.
An inverter home heater works differently. When turned on, the heater heats up the air to the specified temperature, but after reaching it, it does not turn off, but reduces the operating power to 5–10%. When the temperature drops below the marked value, the heater increases its power.
In this mode, the power gradually increases and decreases, and there are no peak loads. The temperature also changes more smoothly, which allows for longer shutdown times and lower electricity consumption.
Advantages and disadvantages
An inverter heater offers the following benefits:
- high performance - the mode without peak loads maintains a constant temperature in the room;
- efficiency - due to the lack of restart, the inverter heater saves up to 40% of electricity;
- noiselessness - at low power, the rotation speed decreases, and the device does not create noise;
- material - steel, aluminum alloy, other metal, does not matter;
- durability - the heater undergoes less wear and tear and lasts longer.
There are also disadvantages:
- the price of such models is higher with the same power indicators;
- details are non-standard - repair takes a lot of time;
- the inverter does not protect against sudden voltage surges.
The installation of inverter heaters of any type does not require a permit.
Varieties of inverter heater
The inverter is able to change the characteristics of the heater, if the latter is electronically controlled. The actual design of the heater does not matter. But since the technology is expensive, the unit is installed on high-end models.
Gas
These heaters run on natural or liquefied gas. Since it is a cheap fuel, heating a room only costs a little more than using hot water heating. It is intended for heating large areas, perfect for summer cottages.
Inverter technology increases the efficiency of the device. The combustion intensity of the burner changes smoothly, which eliminates the risk of extinguishing the flame. Fuel is consumed even more economically.Inverter units are more compact than conventional gas heaters.
Infrared
The heating elements emit infrared radiation, which is a plus. At the same time, it is not the air in the room that heats up, but surfaces, objects and people. This allows comfort at actually lower temperatures.
The heater works in the same way as the others: it turns on when the temperature drops and turns off when it rises. The inverter electric infrared heater works without shutdown, only reduces the heating intensity. The device consumes much less electricity with high heat dissipation. This is important because electricity is expensive.
With heat pumps
This refers to air conditioners that can operate in reverse mode - not only for cooling, but also for heating. The fan blows cold air from the outside, but since the temperature of the refrigerant is still much lower, the latter boils, and during the compression stage it condenses with the release of heat. Heat is transferred through the heat exchanger to the air in the room. Thus, the air conditioner with a heat pump receives heat from the air with a temperature of up to 0 C.
Such a system turns out to be cheaper than an electric heater. The inverter unit makes the air conditioner even more economical. When the required temperature is reached, it does not completely turn off the installation, but switches it to the minimum power mode. Without peak loads, the device works longer and uses less energy.
Convectors
The inverter is also installed in electric convectors. Such models are presented by Electrolux and Bally. The principle is the same: the unit does not turn off the device, but reduces the power. The heater operates in hold mode most of the time. At the same time, it consumes less electricity and wears out less.
In this mode, heating elements are heated to a lesser extent, less oxygen is burned. Inverter convectors are safer for health.
Heater selection
In terms of function and appearance, inverter heaters are no different from ordinary ones. Is that gas models are slightly smaller in size. Selection recommendations relate not so much to the purpose of the heater, but to assess its quality. Pay attention to the following:
- quality certificates - a certificate must be attached to the inverter device;
- batch number - in the marking of each product, special symbols and numbers are indicated, which make it possible to find out the origin of the device;
- reliability of contacts;
- CE mark - indicates the safety of the product for human health - this is how devices that comply with EU standards are marked;
- wires - to prevent a fire in case of short circuit or damage, the wires for the heater are made of materials that do not support combustion - when ignited, they smolder for a few seconds, go out and melt the short circuit.
Which of the inverter modules is needed - a converter, an IR heater, a heat pump - is decided based on the area of the room, convenience, and economy considerations.
Operating rules
Recommendations for the use of heaters extend their life. The rules are simple:
- the heater must not be installed next to furniture or a wall - no closer than 50 cm;
- it is not recommended to leave the heater on all night - this can be done only if it is equipped with a thermostat that determines the operating and shutdown times;
- heaters must not be placed under a window opening;
- it is forbidden to dry things on them.
In case of malfunctions of any kind, you must turn off the device and contact the service center.
Popular manufacturers
There are only slightly fewer manufacturers of inverter heaters than manufacturers of heaters.The technology is actively used in the production of devices of both elite and middle class.
Daikin
This company was the first to offer inverter air conditioners to the market. Split systems work silently, purify the air thanks to multi-stage filtration. Some models are equipped with energy saving sensors. If the device does not detect thermal objects, in the room after 20 minutes it automatically switches to economy mode.
Toshiba
Most popular brand. Air conditioners are reliable, practical, reach the set temperature 25% faster than any other device. At the same time, electricity consumption does not increase.
Toshiba machines are equipped with multi-stage filters and guarantee 95% air purification.
