An electric heater is an electrical appliance that converts electrical energy into heat. The heating element inside every electric heater is simply an electrical resistor, and works on the principle of Joule heating: an electric current flowing through a resistor converts electrical energy into heat energy.
An electric heater may be especially useful in older homes that do not have central heating and are heated with steam radiators, or with gas. A small electric heater may be cheaper to use than heating a room with gas or steam. Most people choose an electric heater by price, physical size and British thermal units (BTU).
General Tips and Suggestions
General suggestions for selection of electric heaters are:
When selecting a heater, look for one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been determined to meet specific safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide important use and care information to the consumer.
Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. The wrong size heater could produce more pollutants and may not be an efficient use of energy
Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. A good practice is to read aloud the instructions and warning labels to all members of the household to be certain that everyone understands how to operate the heater safely. Keep the owner’s manual in a convenient place to refer to when needed.
BTU measures how much heat the electric heater actually produces. The higher the BTU, the more power the heater has. One type of electric heater has the old-fashioned metal coils that heat to a bright red to produce warmth, but technology in the form of superconductors has arrived, and many new models have ceramic heating elements.
The main advantage of an electric heater with a ceramic element is that it can be completely closed off, with only a fine mesh screen in front. The heating element is not exposed, reducing the risk of fire. Also, a ceramic element is smaller for the BTU it produces. It relies on a fan blower to distribute the heat. This means it is more economical to use.
A person can purchase an electric heater beginning at about 1350 Rs. They go up from there, depending on the features and BTU. Some heaters have timers that cut them off at certain times of the day or night.
A person always needs to consider safety when using an electric heater. They should never be left on when no one is home. Cords should be in places where they cannot be stepped on, and should not be wrapped around the heater itself when stored. These cords fray easily and can become fire hazards.
An electric heater should also be placed where there is plenty of room all around it, and nothing placed close by that could catch fire. It should never be placed in front of curtains or under another piece of furniture, such as a table. A person should also look for overheating and tip-over features. Which allow the heater to cut itself off if it gets too hot or is knocked over.
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